What a Georgia learner's permit is and who can get one
A Georgia learner's permit is a document that lets you practice driving under supervision before you take the road test for a full license. It is issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and is the first step in Georgia's graduated licensing system. You must hold a learner's permit for a minimum period before you can move to the next stage.
Georgia issues learner's permits to people as young as 15 years old. If you are under 18, you will go through the learner's permit stage, then a probationary license stage, before reaching a standard license. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit and go straight to a road test, but many adults still choose to get one if they have not driven before.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written knowledge test to get a Georgia learner's permit.
- As a learner's permit holder under 18, you must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat with you at all times.
- You cannot drive alone, cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.
- You must hold your learner's permit for at least one month (or three months if you are under 16) before you can take the road test.
- The permit costs money and expires after a set period, so you will need to renew it if you do not pass your road test before it runs out.
How to get a Georgia learner's permit: documents and steps
To get a learner's permit in Georgia, you need to visit a DDS office in person. You cannot do this online or by mail. Bring your Social Security number, proof of your date of birth (a birth certificate, passport, or state ID), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.
At the DDS office, you will take a written knowledge test covering Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which DDS provides free online. After you pass the test, you will pay the permit fee (the cost varies but is typically under $30) and have your photo taken. You will receive your permit on the spot or within a few days.
If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will pay the fee each time.
Restrictions on what you can do with a learner's permit
A learner's permit comes with strict rules. The most important one: you must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. That person must have a valid driver's license and be paying attention to the road. They are responsible for your safety and your compliance with the rules.
You cannot drive alone under any circumstances while holding a learner's permit. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a licensed adult in the car. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, including hands-free calls or texting. You cannot drive on interstate highways unless the licensed adult in the car is a parent, guardian, or someone at least 21 who has been designated by your parent or guardian.
You must follow all standard traffic laws: obey speed limits, stop at red lights, wear a seatbelt, and do not drive under the influence. Violating any of these rules can result in a ticket, fines, and suspension of your permit.
How long you must hold a learner's permit before taking the road test
Georgia requires you to hold your learner's permit for a minimum waiting period before you can take the road test. If you are under 16 years old, you must hold it for at least three months. If you are 16 or older, you must hold it for at least one month. This waiting period cannot be waived.
During this time, you should practice driving as much as possible with your supervising adult. There is no official minimum number of hours required by Georgia, but the state recommends at least 40 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night. The more you practice, the better prepared you will be for the road test.
When your learner's permit expires and what to do if it runs out
A Georgia learner's permit is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you do not pass your road test before the permit expires, you will need to renew it. To renew, you go back to a DDS office, pay the renewal fee, and retake the knowledge test. You do not need to bring your parent or guardian again unless you are still under 18.
If your permit expires and you have not yet taken the road test, you lose your driving privileges until you renew. You cannot drive during the gap between expiration and renewal, even with a licensed adult in the car. Plan ahead so you have time to schedule and pass your road test before your permit expires.
Taking the road test and moving to the next stage
Once you have held your learner's permit for the required waiting period, you can schedule a road test with DDS. The road test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving (it must be in safe working condition and properly registered).
If you pass the road test, you will receive a probationary license (if you are under 18) or a standard license (if you are 18 or older). If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period. You can retake the road test as many times as you need, but you must pay the test fee each time.
Costs and fees for a Georgia learner's permit
The cost of a Georgia learner's permit varies depending on how long you want it to be valid. A five-year permit costs less per year than a shorter permit. As of the most recent information available, the fee is typically under $30, but you should check the DDS website or call your local office for the exact current price.
If you need to renew your permit because it expired before you passed your road test, you will pay the renewal fee again. If you retake the knowledge test or road test, there is a separate fee for each attempt. These fees add up if you need multiple tries, so budget accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to school or work with a learner's permit?
No. You cannot drive alone under any circumstances with a learner's permit. You can only drive when a licensed adult at least 21 years old is in the front seat with you. If you need to get to school or work, you will need a ride from someone else or must wait until you pass your road test and receive your probationary or standard license.
What happens if I get pulled over while driving with a learner's permit?
The police officer will check your permit, your supervising driver's license, and your vehicle registration and insurance. If everything is in order, you may receive a warning or be allowed to continue. If you violated a permit restriction (such as driving alone or between midnight and 5 a.m.), you can be cited and fined. The supervising driver can also be held responsible.
Can I use a learner's permit from another state in Georgia?
Georgia recognizes out-of-state learner's permits for a limited time while you establish residency. However, you must follow Georgia's permit rules, not your home state's rules. If you plan to stay in Georgia, you should get a Georgia learner's permit. Contact your local DDS office for details about your specific situation.
Do I have to retake the knowledge test if my permit expires?
Yes. If your learner's permit expires, you must retake the written knowledge test to renew it. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and keep the same permit. This is true even if you passed the test the first time.
What if the licensed adult in the car is not paying attention to the road?
The supervising driver is legally responsible for your safe driving. If they are distracted or not paying attention, you are still breaking the law by driving with them. If you are uncomfortable with how someone is supervising you, ask them to pull over and switch roles, or ask a different adult to supervise your next practice session.