What Georgia requires to get your first driver's license

Georgia requires you to pass a written test, a vision screening, and a driving test before you receive a driver's license. You will also need to bring specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) handles all licenses and renewals.

The process takes place at a DDS office, and you cannot complete it online or by mail if you are getting your first license. You will need to visit in person, bring your documents, take the tests on the same day or across multiple visits, and wait for your card to be mailed to you after approval.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax document showing your SSN, and proof of your current Georgia address to any DDS office.
  • The written knowledge test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices, and you can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual available free on the DDS website.
  • You must pass a vision screening at the DDS office; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
  • The road test requires you to bring a vehicle registered in Georgia with valid insurance, and a licensed adult can accompany you but cannot sit in the front seat during the test.
  • Your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you pass all tests and pay the fee.

Documents you must bring to the DDS office

Bring an original or certified birth certificate as your primary identity document. A photocopy is not accepted. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original passport or a certified copy of your naturalization papers.

Bring your Social Security card or a tax document that shows your full Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or a 1099. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can get a Georgia license.

Bring proof of your current Georgia address. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and your current address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement also works if it is dated within 60 days.

If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the original or certified copy of the document that shows the name change.

The written knowledge test and how to prepare

The written test has 40 questions about Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DDS office, and you can take it the same day you bring your documents.

Study the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free and available as a PDF on the DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. The manual covers everything on the test: what each road sign means, speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking rules, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. Read through it once, then go back and focus on sections that confuse you.

You can retake the written test if you fail, but you must wait one day before trying again. Each attempt costs the same fee. Many people pass on their first try if they study the manual for a few hours.

Vision screening and the road test

You will have your vision checked at the DDS office as part of the licensing process. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be able to take the road test that day, and you may need to see an eye doctor and bring a corrected vision form back to DDS.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DDS office. You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Georgia and has valid insurance. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with functioning brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors.

A licensed adult can ride with you during the test, but they must sit in the back seat. The examiner sits in the front passenger seat and watches you drive, park, and follow traffic laws. You will be tested on basic skills like starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and obeying traffic signals.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it after waiting one day. You do not have to retake the written test or vision screening.

Fees and how long the process takes

A Georgia driver's license costs $32 for an eight-year license if you are under 65, or $16 for a four-year license if you are 65 or older. You pay this fee at the DDS office after you pass all tests. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card.

Your physical license card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you pass all tests and pay. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DDS office that you can use to drive while you wait for your card. Keep this paper license with you until your card arrives.

The entire process from your first visit to receiving your card in the mail usually takes two to three weeks, depending on how quickly you schedule your road test and how long the mail takes. If you fail a test, add extra time to retake it.

What happens if you are under 18

If you are under 18, Georgia requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 12 months before you can take the road test for a full license. You get the learner's permit by passing the written test and vision screening, just like an adult.

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

After 12 months with your permit, you can return to DDS to take the road test. You will need to bring the same documents and your learner's permit card. Once you pass the road test, you receive a full driver's license with no restrictions.

Renewing or replacing a lost or damaged license

If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it online at dds.georgia.gov if you have a valid email address and your license is not suspended or revoked. Online renewal costs $32 and takes about 10 business days.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit a DDS office in person. Bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address, just as you did for your first license. A replacement license costs $32 and arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?

You can take the written test and vision screening on the same day, but the road test is usually scheduled for a different day. Some DDS offices may allow you to take the road test the same day if you pass the written test and an examiner is available, but this is not may provide. Call your local DDS office to ask about same-day testing.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after waiting one day. You do not have to retake the written test or vision screening. You must bring the same vehicle and proof of insurance. Each road test attempt costs the same fee.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Georgia driver's license?

Yes, Georgia requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you must explore for it through the Social Security Administration before you visit DDS. Bring your Social Security card or a tax document showing your SSN to the DDS office.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your original passport or a certified copy of your naturalization papers as proof of identity. You will also need a Social Security card or tax document, and proof of your Georgia address, just like any other applicant.

How do I find the DDS office nearest me?

Visit dds.georgia.gov and use the office locator tool to find the DDS office closest to you. You can also call 678-413-8400 to find an office location and ask about wait times or scheduling an appointment if your local office offers them.