How to Get Your Georgia Driver's License (2026)
A step-by-step walkthrough of the Georgia license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.
1. Make sure you're eligible
To apply for a Georgia learner permit you must be at least 15 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Georgia residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two proofs of Georgia residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
- Parent/guardian signature if under 18
- Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)
2. Pass the Georgia permit knowledge test
The Georgia knowledge test has 40 questions; you must answer 30 correctly (75%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Georgia-specific rules. Retake policy: If you fail any part of the Georgia DDS knowledge test, you must pay another $10 fee to retake it. There is no fixed waiting period, but Georgia DDS schedules retakes by appointment. Questions are drawn from a large bank, so you will see different questions on each attempt.
The best prep path is to read the Georgia Department of Driver Services (Georgia DDS) driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free GA practice test and the full 40-question exam.
3. Get your learner permit
After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Georgia learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (Georgia DDS) office and pay the permit application fee (currently $10).
- Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
- Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
- The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
- Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.
4. Complete your supervised practice hours
During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Georgia's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.
- Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
- Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
- Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
- Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
- Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.
5. Pass the road test and get your full Georgia license
Schedule your Georgia road test through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (Georgia DDS). The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.
After passing, pay the license fee (currently $32 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.
The full Georgia steps in order
As listed by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (Georgia DDS):
- Turn 15 years old (or 18 for the adult path).
- Read the Georgia Driver's Manual at dds.georgia.gov.
- Take practice tests until you score 90% or higher.
- Visit a Georgia DDS Customer Service Center with a parent or guardian (under 18).
- Bring proof of identity, Georgia residency, Social Security number, and a school attendance form (under 18).
- Pay the $10 application fee and pass the vision, road signs, and road rules tests.
- Receive your Class CP Instructional Permit.
- Complete the Joshua's Law 30-hour driver education course and 40 hours of supervised driving (6 at night) (under 18).
- Hold the Class CP for at least 12 months and 1 day with no convictions.
- Pass the road skills test for a Class D Provisional License at age 16.
- After 12 months on Class D with a clean record, upgrade to a full Class C driver's license ($32 for 8 years).
FAQ: Getting Your Georgia License
How old do I need to be to get a Georgia learner permit?
You must be at least 15 to apply for a Georgia learner permit. Some states allow a slightly earlier start through approved driver-education programs; the Georgia Department of Driver Services (Georgia DDS) has the current minimum for each permit class.
How many questions are on the Georgia permit test?
The Georgia permit knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 30 correctly (75%) to pass.
What documents do I need for my Georgia permit?
You typically need proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Georgia residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign. Check the Georgia Department of Driver Services (Georgia DDS) for the complete current list before you go.
What are the GDL (graduated licensing) restrictions in Georgia?
Most states impose night-driving curfews (commonly 11 PM or midnight to 5 AM), passenger limits for new drivers, and a minimum supervised practice period (often 6-12 months). Exact restrictions vary; the Georgia Department of Driver Services (Georgia DDS) driver manual lists Georgia's current GDL phases.
Can non-citizens get a Georgia driver license?
Yes — Georgia issues driver licenses and permits to eligible non-citizens. You will need to provide acceptable identity and lawful-presence documents. Specific requirements depend on your immigration status — contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services (Georgia DDS) for the current accepted document list.
Start preparing for the knowledge test
Our free GA practice tests mirror the real Georgia Department of Driver Services (Georgia DDS) exam — road signs, traffic laws, and Georgia-specific rules. Take them until you score 90%+, then go pass the real one.