GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
What is the age requirement to obtain a Georgia driver’s license?
You must be at least 15 years old in order to apply for your learner’s permit.
You must be at least 18 years old in order to apply for your driver’s license.
Who needs a Georgia driver’s license?
Every resident who wants to operate a motor vehicle on the roadways of Georgia. New residents must obtain a Georgia driver’s license within 30 days of becoming residents.
Who is considered a resident of Georgia?
You are considered a Georgia resident if you:
- have permanent home in Georgia;
- work in Georgia;
- enter your children in a school in Georgia;
- are in the state for 30 days or more.
Do I have to pass a vision test in order to apply for a Georgia driver’s license?
Yes. The minimum acceptable vision is 20/60 in one eye, with or without corrective lenses, and a field of vision of at least 140 degrees.
Are there any health requirements?
You must answer a questionnaire concerning your capability of safely operating a motor vehicle.
What documents are required in order to apply for a Georgia driver’s license?
- proof of identity
- proof of US Citizenship / Lawful Presence in the US
- proof of residency in Georgia
- Social Security Number (no original card required)
All documents must be in English. An updated list of all the DDS approved documents can be found at www.dds.ga.gov.
GEORGIA KNOWLEDGE EXAM
How many questions are on the Georgia DDS knowledge exam?
The test is made of two sections: a Road Signs test and a Road Rules test.
Each test contains 20 questions.
What is the score required to pass the tests?
You must correclty answer at least 15 questions in each test to pass.
How can I prepare for the Georgia knowledge exam?
Study the Georgia Driver’s Manual available at https://www.dds.ga.gov/docs/forms/fulldriversmanual.pdf and practice with the
Georgia online written tests found on this website.
Where do I take my knowledge exam?
At every DDS customer center statewide. A list of all the DDS office may be found at www.dds.ga.gov.
I failed my knowledge exam. What do I have to do?
If you fail any part of the knowledge exam for the first time you must wait until the following day before retaking the test you have failed.
After any subsequent failure you must wait 7 days before retaking the test you have failed.
LEARNER’S PERMITS
I am 15 years of age, can I apply for a Georgia driver’s license?
You can apply for a Class CP Instructional Permit.
What do I need to do in order to obtain a CP Instructional Permit?
- present proof of satisfaction of school attendance and conduct requirements;
- present documents verifying your identity, US citizenship/lawful presence and Georgia residency;
- provide your Social Security Number;
- pass a vision test;
- pass the Road Signs and Road Rules tests;
- pay the permit fee.
Do I have any restrictions with my CP Instructional Permit?
Yes. You may drive only accompanied by a licensed driver of at least 21 years of age occupying a seat beside you.
How long is my CP Instructional Permit valid?
2 years.
I am 16 years old, can I apply for a Georgia driver’s license?
You can apply for a Class D Provisional License, after having held an Instructional Permit for 1 year and 1 day.
What do I need to do in order to obtain a Class D Provisional License?
- surrender your Class CP Instructional Permit;
- present proof of satisfaction of school attendance and conduct requirements;
- present proof that you have completed the ADAP (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program);
- complete a driver education course approved by the DDS;
- complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving (including 6 at night);
- pass a Road Test.
Do I have any restrictions with my CP Instructional Permit?
Yes. You may not drive between the hours of 12:00 am and 6:00 am. During the first six months following issuance, only immediate family members may ride in the vehicle.
During the second six months, only one passenger under 21 years of age who is not a member of the driver’s immediate family may ride in the vehicle.
After one year, only three passengers under 21 years of age who are not members of the driver’s immediate family may ride in the vehicle.
I am under 18, can I sign my application for an Instructional Permit or a Provisional License?
No, a parent/legal guardian have to sign the application. He/she can revoke your permit for any reason until you turn 18.
I turned 18. Can I apply for a Class C License?
Yes, you must have held a valid Class D License for 1 year and 1 day without any major traffic violations in the 12 months preceding your application.
If you are at least 18 years of age and you apply for a driver’s license for the first time you have to pass the Knowledge and Road tests and complete 40 hours of supervised driving (including 6 hours of night driving).
GEORGIA ROAD TEST
How can I schedule an appointment for my road test?
You may call the DDS up to 90 days in advance if you hold an eligible permit. Contact details can be found at www.dds.ga.gov.
Do I have to provide the vehicle for my road test?
Yes. The vehicle must have a valid registration/licence plate and be covered by liability insurance.
Can I take the test in a rental vehicle?
Yes. You must provide a copy of the rental contract, proof of valid insurance of the vehicle and you must be listed as a driver on the contract.
Can I borrow a vehicle from the DDS office?
No.
What am I expected to do on the driving test?
- Parallel Parking
- Quick Stops
- Backing
- Stop for Signs or Traffic Signals
- Turn About
- Use of Clutch
- Approaching Corners
- Yielding Right-of-Way
- Turning
- Passing
- Following
- Maintaining Good Posture