What You Need to Do to Get a Georgia Learner's Permit
To get a Georgia learner's permit, you must visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pay a fee. Georgia issues learner's permits to people ages 15 and older who have not yet passed their road test. The permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, following specific rules about who can supervise you and when you can drive.
The entire process takes about 30 to 45 minutes at a DDS office. You cannot complete it online or by mail — you must appear in person with the required documents. Most people finish on the same day they visit, though some offices have longer wait times during peak hours.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Georgia residency to the DDS office.
- The written knowledge test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices from the Georgia Driver's Manual, and you must score at least 16 out of 20 questions correctly.
- The learner's permit fee is $20 and is valid for five years from the date you receive it.
- With a learner's permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat next to you.
- You must hold your learner's permit for at least 12 months and one day before you can take the road test for your regular driver's license.
Documents to Bring to the DDS Office
Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. Acceptable forms include a passport, a certified birth certificate, a school ID with a photo, or a state ID card from another state. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work — it must be certified by the vital records office that issued it.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring an original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. A photocopy is acceptable for these documents.
Finally, bring proof that you live in Georgia. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government-issued mail piece with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill counts only if it shows your physical address, not just a mailing address.
Taking the Written Knowledge Test
The DDS officer will give you a test booklet with 20 multiple-choice questions about Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You have 30 minutes to complete it. The test covers material from the official Georgia Driver's Manual, which you can read for free from the DDS website or pick up at any DDS office.
You must answer at least 16 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no additional charge. Most people who study the manual pass on their first attempt. The test is offered in English and Spanish.
The DDS officer will score your test when ready and tell you whether you passed. If you pass, you will pay the $20 fee and receive your learner's permit on the spot. If you fail, you can take the test again right away or come back another day.
Rules for Driving With Your Learner's Permit
A licensed driver age 21 or older must sit in the front passenger seat next to you at all times while you drive. This person must have a valid driver's license in their possession. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only a younger licensed driver in the car.
You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. while you hold a learner's permit. This curfew applies even if a licensed adult is with you. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even with a hands-free device, with very limited exceptions for emergency calls.
You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits. Any traffic violation while driving with a learner's permit will be recorded on your driving record and may delay when you can take your road test.
How Long Your Learner's Permit Is Valid
Your learner's permit is valid for five years from the date you receive it. During that time, you must hold it for at least 12 months and one day before you can take the road test for your regular driver's license. This 12-month waiting period is a Georgia requirement and cannot be waived.
If your permit expires before you pass your road test, you will need to renew it. You can renew by visiting a DDS office and paying another $20 fee. You do not have to retake the written test to renew — you only need to pay the fee and have your photo taken again.
Finding a DDS Office Near You
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office closest to you by visiting the DDS website and using their office locator tool. Enter your city or county, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation for nearby offices.
Some offices are busier than others. If possible, visit early in the morning on a weekday to avoid long wait times. Call ahead if you want to know how busy the office is before you go. Many offices do not take appointments for learner's permit tests, so you may have to wait your turn.
What Happens After You Pass the Test
Once you pass the written test and pay the $20 fee, the DDS officer will take a digital photo of you and print your learner's permit on the spot. You will receive a physical card that you must carry with you whenever you drive. Keep it in a safe place — if you lose it, you will need to visit a DDS office again and pay another $20 to replace it.
Your next step is to practice driving with a licensed adult. You should practice in different weather conditions, on different types of roads, and at different times of day. After you have held your permit for at least 12 months and one day, you can schedule your road test through the DDS website or by calling your local DDS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I am under 15?
No. Georgia law requires you to be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit. If you are younger, you will need to wait until your 15th birthday to visit a DDS office and take the test.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test when ready at no extra charge. Most DDS offices will let you take it again the same day. If you fail a second time, you can come back another day and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.
Do I need to take a driver's education course before I get my learner's permit?
No. Georgia does not require a driver's education course to get a learner's permit. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, and some high schools offer driver's education as an elective class.
Can someone else pick up my learner's permit for me if I cannot go to the DDS office?
No. You must be present in person to take the written test and have your photo taken. No one can do this for you or on your behalf.
What if my address changes while I have a learner's permit?
You should visit a DDS office and update your address on file. Bring proof of your new Georgia address. There is no fee to update your address, and you do not need to retake the written test.