Getting a Georgia driver's license requires a written test, a road test, and a visit to your local Department of Driver Services office

Georgia issues driver's licenses through the Department of Driver Services (DDS), which operates offices across the state. You will need to pass a knowledge test about traffic laws, a vision screening, and a practical driving test before you receive your license. The entire process typically takes several weeks from start to finish, though you can take the written and vision tests on the same day.

The steps happen in order: first you pass the written test, then you schedule and pass the road test, then you return to DDS with your passing documents to receive your physical license card. You cannot skip ahead or test out of order. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but there are waiting periods between attempts.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Georgia residency to your first DDS visit to take the written test.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you need a score of at least 16 out of 20 correct answers to pass.
  • After passing the written test, you schedule a road test at a DDS office, which tests your ability to start the car, turn, park, and follow traffic laws.
  • You must bring your own vehicle to the road test, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
  • Once you pass both tests, you return to DDS with your passing documents and pay the license fee to receive your card in the mail within two weeks.

What documents you need before your first visit

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth. You also need a Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

For proof of Georgia residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count as proof of residency in Georgia.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must bring their own ID and sign your process. If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone with you, but you must bring all your own documents.

Taking the written knowledge test

Visit your local DDS office during business hours with all your documents. Tell the clerk you want to take the written test for a driver's license. You will fill out an process form (Form DL 44), pay the test fee (currently $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license), and have your vision screened. The vision screening checks whether you can read a chart at 20 feet; if you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test.

The written test is 20 multiple-choice questions about Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You have 30 minutes to complete it. You need at least 16 correct answers to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, when to yield, what different road signs mean, and what to do at a red light or stop sign.

If you pass, the clerk will give you a passing document. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. You can take the test up to three times before you must wait 30 days before trying again.

Scheduling and taking the road test

After you pass the written test, you schedule your road test at a DDS office. You can schedule online through the Georgia DDS website, by phone at 678-413-8400, or in person at any DDS office. Road tests are usually available within two to four weeks, depending on how busy your local office is. You will receive a confirmation with your test date, time, and location.

On the day of your road test, bring your passing written test document, your Social Security card or number, and proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive. You must bring your own vehicle; DDS does not provide one. The vehicle must be registered in Georgia, have valid insurance, and be in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and steering wheel all work before the test begins.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning left and right, stopping at a stop sign, parking, and driving on a regular road. The examiner is looking for whether you can control the vehicle safely, follow traffic laws, and respond to other cars and pedestrians. If you pass, you receive a passing document. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day, and you can take it up to three times before a 30-day waiting period kicks in.

Getting your physical license card

After you pass the road test, return to a DDS office with your passing written test document, your passing road test document, and your Social Security card or number. Pay the license fee (the amount depends on how long you want the license to be valid — four years or eight years). The clerk will take a photo for your license and process your process.

Your physical license card will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within two weeks. You cannot pick it up in person at the office. While you wait, you can request a temporary paper license at the DDS office, which you can use to drive legally until your card arrives.

Retaking tests if you fail

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the next day at any DDS office. You pay the test fee again ($32). You can take the written test up to three times within a rolling period. After three failures, you must wait 30 days before you can test again.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it the next day at the same office or a different one. You do not pay a fee to retake the road test. Like the written test, you can take the road test up to three times. After three failures, you must wait 30 days before scheduling another attempt.

Different license types and restrictions

Georgia issues different types of licenses depending on your age and driving history. A standard Class D license is for drivers 18 and older with no restrictions. If you are 16 or 17, you receive a Class CP (Conditional Permit) or Class D license with restrictions on when you can drive and who can be in the car with you. These restrictions lift when you turn 18.

If you want to drive a motorcycle, you must pass a separate motorcycle knowledge test and road test. If you want to drive a commercial truck or bus, you must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), which requires additional tests and medical certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online instead of going to an office?

No. Georgia requires you to take the written test in person at a DDS office so they can verify your identity and conduct a vision screening. You cannot take it online or by mail.

What happens if I move to Georgia from another state?

You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Georgia license without retaking the tests if your license is still valid. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity to a DDS office. You will pay the Georgia license fee and have a new photo taken. If your out-of-state license has expired, you must take both the written and road tests.

How long is a Georgia driver's license valid?

You can choose a four-year or eight-year license when you pay the fee. The eight-year license costs more but lasts longer. Licenses expire on your birthday in the year they are set to expire.

What if I fail the vision screening?

If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the written test that day. You must get your eyes checked by an eye doctor and bring a signed statement from them saying you meet Georgia's vision standards. Then you can return to DDS and retake the vision screening.

Can someone else take the road test in my vehicle if I am not ready?

No. You must be the one driving during your road test. The examiner is testing your ability to drive, not your vehicle's condition. Your vehicle must be in safe working order, but you are the one being tested.