What you need to know about Georgia learner's permits
A Georgia learner's permit is issued by the Department of Driver Services (DDS) and lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You cannot drive alone with a learner's permit — an adult who holds a valid driver's license must be present and seated beside you in the front passenger seat. The permit is the first step toward getting your full driver's license in Georgia.
The process involves visiting a DDS office in person, passing a written test about traffic laws and road signs, and paying a fee. Your permit is valid for five years from the date DDS issues it, though you will need to pass a road test and meet other requirements before that permit expires if you want to move to a full license.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services office in person with required documents to get a learner's permit — you cannot complete this by mail or online.
- The written test covers Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 16 out of 20 questions correctly to pass.
- You will pay a fee at the DDS office when you explore; the amount depends on how long you want your permit to be valid.
- A learner's permit is valid for five years, but you must pass a road test and meet supervised driving hours before your permit expires if you want to get a full license.
Documents to bring to the DDS office
Bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Georgia residency. For identity, DDS accepts a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement that shows your current Georgia address.
If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to come with you to the DDS office. They must bring their own identification and sign consent forms. Some DDS offices require you to bring the original documents; others accept certified copies. Call your local DDS office before you go to confirm what they will accept.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 20 multiple-choice questions about Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 16 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle traffic lights and stop signs, parking rules, and what to do in bad weather or emergencies.
DDS provides a free study guide called the Georgia Driver's Manual that covers everything on the test. You can read it online at the DDS website or pick up a printed copy at any DDS office. Most people study the manual for a few days or a week before taking the test. You get one attempt at the test during your office visit; if you do not pass, you can return to take it again, but you may have to pay another fee.
Fees and how long your permit lasts
The fee for a learner's permit depends on how long you want it to be valid. A permit valid for one year costs less than a permit valid for five years. DDS sets these fees, and they change occasionally, so call your local office or check the DDS website for the current amount before you go.
Your permit becomes active the day DDS issues it. You can start practicing driving with a licensed adult right away. The permit remains valid for the full term you paid for — one year, two years, or five years — unless you turn 18 and convert it to a full license, or unless DDS suspends or revokes it for a traffic violation.
Finding your nearest DDS office and scheduling
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DDS website by entering your county or city. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment ahead of time. Check your local office's website or call them directly to find out whether you need an appointment and how far in advance to book one.
Wait times at DDS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are often less busy early in the morning on weekdays. If you go without an appointment at an office that accepts walk-ins, you may wait several hours. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait, sometimes 15 to 30 minutes.
Restrictions that come with your learner's permit
While you hold a learner's permit, you cannot drive alone. A licensed adult must be in the front passenger seat at all times. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with an adult present. These rules explore to all learner's permit holders in Georgia, regardless of age.
If you are under 18, you have additional restrictions. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even for hands-free calls or texts. You also cannot drive with more than one passenger under 21 years old in the car, unless the passenger is a family member. These restrictions stay in place until you pass your road test and get your full license.
What happens after you get your permit
Once you have your learner's permit, you can begin the supervised driving practice that leads to a full license. Georgia requires you to log a certain number of supervised driving hours before you can take the road test. The exact number of hours depends on your age and whether you complete a driver education course.
You will need to schedule a road test with DDS when you feel ready. During the road test, a DDS examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive on public roads. You must demonstrate that you can handle basic driving tasks safely — starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. If you pass, DDS will issue you a full driver's license. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I have never had a driver's license before?
Yes. A learner's permit is designed for people who have never driven before. You do not need any prior driving experience or license to get one. You only need to pass the written test and bring the required documents to a DDS office.
What if I fail the written test?
You can take the test again. Some offices let you retake it the same day; others require you to wait a certain number of days before your next attempt. Ask the DDS office staff what their policy is. You may have to pay another test fee each time you take it.
Can I use my learner's permit to drive in other states?
A Georgia learner's permit is only valid in Georgia. If you travel to another state, you cannot drive on that permit. Some states recognize Georgia permits for a short visit, but the safest approach is to check the rules of the state you are visiting before you drive there.
How old do I have to be to get a learner's permit in Georgia?
You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Georgia. If you are 15 or 16, you have stricter rules than older drivers — you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use your phone while driving. These restrictions lift once you turn 18 or get your full license.
What if I lose my learner's permit?
Contact your local DDS office to report it lost. You can request a replacement permit, and DDS will issue a new one with the same expiration date as the original. You will likely have to pay a replacement fee. Bring your identification and proof of residency when you go to get the replacement.