The documents and age you need right now

Georgia issues learner's permits to people at least 15 years old. To get one, you need to bring proof of your date of birth, proof of your Georgia residency, and a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You also need to pass a written knowledge test about Georgia traffic laws and road signs.

You do not need a parent or guardian present at the Department of Driver Services office, but if you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process form before you go. The form is called the DL 44, and you can fill it out at home or at the office.

The knowledge test costs nothing. The permit itself costs $20 and is valid for five years, or until you turn 21, whichever comes first.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and have a parent or guardian sign your process if you are under 18.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a utility bill or lease showing your Georgia address, and your Social Security card or ITIN documentation.
  • You will take a written test on Georgia traffic laws and road signs at the Department of Driver Services office; there is no fee to take the test.
  • The permit costs $20 and lasts five years or until you turn 21, and you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat.

Documents to bring to the Department of Driver Services

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy is not enough. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.

Bring proof of your Georgia address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.

Bring your Social Security card or documentation of your ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring an ITIN letter from the Internal Revenue Service, a W-2 form, or a 1098 form showing your ITIN.

Bring the DL 44 form, signed by a parent or guardian if you are under 18. You can read it from the Georgia Department of Driver Services website or fill it out at the office. You will also need to bring a completed vision screening form, which the office can do for you on the spot.

The knowledge test and what it covers

The written test has 40 questions about Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is on a computer at the Department of Driver Services office, and you get the results right away.

The test covers road signs and what they mean, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, what to do at traffic lights and stop signs, and how to handle emergencies like a skid or brake failure. It also covers the rules for learner's permit holders — for example, that you cannot drive alone and cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free on the Department of Driver Services website. Many people also use practice tests online to get used to the format before they go to the office.

Restrictions while you hold a learner's permit

A learner's permit is not a license to drive alone. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat next to you at all times. That person must have a valid driver's license.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a licensed adult in the car. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a true emergency. You also cannot drive on interstate highways unless the licensed adult in the car has given you permission and is supervising you.

These rules are in place for the first 12 months you hold the permit. After 12 months, if you have not had any traffic violations or accidents, you can move on to a Class CP license (conditional permit for 16-year-olds) or a regular license, depending on your age and how long you have held the learner's permit.

Where to go and what to bring with you

Go to your local Department of Driver Services office. Georgia has offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Department of Driver Services website.

Some offices take walk-ins, but many use an appointment system. Call ahead or check online to see whether you need an appointment. If you do, you can book one on the website or by phone.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. Bring the original documents, not photocopies, except for the DL 44 form and the vision screening form. If you are under 18, make sure your parent or guardian has already signed the DL 44 before you leave home.

How long the permit lasts and what happens next

Your learner's permit is valid for five years from the date you receive it, or until you turn 21, whichever comes first. If you turn 21 before five years have passed, your permit expires on your 21st birthday.

While you hold the permit, you build supervised driving experience. After you have held it for at least 12 months and have not had any violations or at-fault accidents, you can move on to a Class CP license if you are 16 or 17. A Class CP license lets you drive alone during the day but has restrictions on nighttime driving and passengers.

If you are 18 or older when you get your learner's permit, you can move directly to a regular Class D license after 12 months without violations. To get the next license, you will need to pass a road test at a Department of Driver Services office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no fee to retake it. Most people study the Georgia Driver's Manual and practice tests between attempts and pass on the second or third try.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit?

You need either a Social Security number or an ITIN. If you have an ITIN, bring an IRS letter, W-2, or 1098 form showing it. The Department of Driver Services accepts both.

Can I get a learner's permit if I do not live in Georgia?

No. You must have proof of a Georgia address dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved to Georgia, a lease agreement or utility bill with your new address counts as proof.

What happens if I get a traffic ticket while I have a learner's permit?

A traffic violation stays on your record and may delay when you can move to the next license level. You must wait 12 months from the date of the violation with no other violations or at-fault accidents before you are ready to take the road test.

Can I drive my parent's car on a learner's permit?

Yes, as long as a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. The car does not have to be registered to you or your parent, but it must be insured and legal to drive.