How to Get a Georgia Driver's License
Getting a driver's license in Georgia involves passing a 40-question written knowledge test (75% to pass), holding a learner's permit for 12 months minimum, completing 40 hours total (6 at night) — Joshua's Law of supervised driving, and passing a road test. Below is the complete process — eligibility, required documents, fees, and Georgia-specific rules.
Georgia License — Quick Facts
- Permit Age
- 15
- License Age
- 16 (provisional) / 18 (full)
- Full Privileges
- 18
- Permit Fee
- $10
- License Fee
- $32
- Written Test
- 40 Q · 75%
- Issuing Agency
- Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) ↗
Age: Learner's permit at 15; full driver's license at 16 (provisional) / 18 (full); full unrestricted privileges at 18 Residency: Must be a Georgia resident with documentation Permit holding period: 12 months minimum before becoming eligible to take the road test Supervised driving: 40 hours total (6 at night) — Joshua's Law of practice with a licensed adult before the road test
Bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted at most Georgia DDS offices.
Proof of identity — certified birth certificate, valid US passport, or permanent resident card Proof of Social Security number — SS card, W-2, or pay stub showing SSN Proof of state residency — TWO documents (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage) Proof of legal presence (if not US citizen) — visa, green card, or employment authorization Parental/guardian consent form (signed in person or notarized) — required for under-18 applicants Proof of school enrollment or graduation (in many states, required for under-18) Joshua's Law-approved 30-hour driver education completion certificate (under 17)
Always verify current document requirements with the Georgia DDS ↗ before your visit.
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1
Verify your eligibility
Confirm you're at least 15 (the minimum age for a Georgia learner's permit) and have all required documents.
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2
Apply for your learner's permit
Visit a Georgia DDS office (or apply online if available), submit your documents, pay the $10 fee, and pass a vision test.
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3
Pass the written knowledge test
40 questions, 75% required (30 correct out of 40). Format: 20 road rules + 20 road signs (each scored separately). Try our free Georgia sample test →
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4
Complete supervised driving practice
Drive with a licensed adult (typically 21+ with 3+ years of driving experience). Log 40 hours total (6 at night) — Joshua's Law as documented practice. Hold the permit for at least 12 months minimum.
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5
Pass the road test
A Georgia DDS examiner rides with you for 15–25 minutes, scoring your driving on standard maneuvers. Pass to qualify for licensing.
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6
Receive your driver's license
Pay the license fee ($32), have your photo taken, and receive your Georgia driver's license. A temporary paper license is usually issued the same day; the permanent card arrives by mail in 1–4 weeks.
Standard road test components in Georgia (and most US states):
Pre-drive vehicle inspection (lights, signals, horn, mirrors) Starting and proper signaling before moving Lane changes and merging into traffic Stop sign and traffic signal compliance Right and left turns at intersections Parallel parking Three-point turn (if road permits) Backing in a straight line Maintaining safe following distance Speed control (not too fast, not too slow) Mirror and blind-spot checks Defensive driving and hazard awareness
Rolling stops — slowing without coming to a complete stop Failing to check blind spots before lane changes Exceeding the posted speed limit, even by 1–2 mph Not signaling far enough in advance of turns Improper or unsafe lane changes Failing to yield right-of-way at intersections Hitting curbs while parking Driving too slowly (perceived as unsafe in traffic)
Joshua's Law: 16-year-olds must complete a 30-hour driver education course before licensing.
💡 Pro tip: Two-part test: study road rules and road signs separately. Each section must be passed independently.
How old do you have to be to get a driver's license in Georgia?
In Georgia, you can apply for a learner's permit at age 15. A full driver's license is available at age 16 (provisional) / 18 (full), with full unrestricted privileges by age 18.
How much does it cost to get a Georgia driver's license?
Georgia's permit fee is $10, and the license fee is $32. Total cost varies depending on the length of license you choose. Always verify current fees with the Georgia DDS.
How many questions are on the Georgia written test?
The Georgia written knowledge test has 40 questions. You need to answer 30 correctly (75%) to pass. Format: 20 road rules + 20 road signs (each scored separately).
How long do I have to hold my permit in Georgia?
Georgia requires holding your learner's permit for 12 months minimum before applying for a full license. During this time, you must complete 40 hours total (6 at night) — Joshua's Law of supervised driving practice.
What's a Georgia-specific rule I should know?
Joshua's Law: 16-year-olds must complete a 30-hour driver education course before licensing.
Ready to pass the Georgia written test?
Practice with our free Georgia sample test or download the full app for hundreds of practice questions.