What a Georgia learner's permit is and who needs one

A Georgia learner's permit, officially called an instructional permit, is a document that lets you practice driving before you take the road test for a full license. You must have one before you can drive alone on public roads in Georgia. The permit proves you have passed the written knowledge test and a vision screening, but you are not yet licensed to drive without a supervising driver in the car.

Georgia requires anyone under 18 to hold an instructional permit for a minimum of 12 months and one day before they can take the road test for a Class D license (the standard passenger vehicle license). If you are 18 or older, you can skip the permit and go straight to the road test, but most people still get one to practice first.

The permit is also your proof that you have started the licensing process. You will need it to schedule your road test, and you must bring it with you on test day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old to get an instructional permit in Georgia, and you must hold it for at least 12 months and one day before taking the road test if you are under 18.
  • The written test covers Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 16 out of 20 questions correct to pass.
  • With an instructional permit, you can only drive when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting in the front passenger seat next to you.
  • You will need to bring your permit, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed process form to the Georgia Department of Driver Services office.
  • The permit is valid for five years, and you can renew it if you need more practice time before taking your road test.

Age requirements and who can explore

You must be at least 15 years old to get an instructional permit in Georgia. There is no upper age limit — adults can get a permit at any age if they need to learn to drive or are moving to Georgia from another state.

If you are under 18, you must also be enrolled in school or have a high school diploma or GED. Georgia's Department of Driver Services will ask for proof of school enrollment or graduation when you explore. If you are 18 or older, school enrollment is not required.

If you are a non-citizen, you can still get a permit. You will need to show proof of legal presence in the United States, such as a valid passport, visa, employment authorization document, or permanent resident card.

Documents you need to bring to the DDS office

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) requires specific documents before you can take the written test. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

Proof of identity: A birth certificate (original or certified copy), passport, visa, or employment authorization document. If you are under 18, a school ID may be accepted as a secondary form of identity, but you will still need one of the primary documents listed above.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one at the Social Security Administration office before you go to DDS.

Proof of Georgia residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Georgia address. A school enrollment letter or transcript may also work if it shows your current address.

Completed process form: Form DL 44, which you can read from the Georgia DDS website or fill out at the office. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the form.

The written knowledge test and what it covers

The written test has 20 multiple-choice questions about Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 16 questions correctly to pass. The test is based on the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free to read from the DDS website or available in print at any DDS office.

The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, how to handle emergency vehicles, and what to do at railroad crossings. It also includes questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, and seat belt laws.

You take the test on a computer at the DDS office. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you will pay the fee each time.

Restrictions on what you can do with an instructional permit

An instructional permit comes with strict rules about when and how you can drive. These rules exist because new drivers have the highest crash rates, and the restrictions are designed to reduce risk while you are learning.

Supervising driver requirement: You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat next to you at all times. This person must be awake and able to exercise control over the vehicle. A parent, guardian, driving instructor, or any other licensed adult 21 or older can supervise you.

No driving alone: You cannot drive by yourself under any circumstances while holding an instructional permit. This includes driving to school, work, or anywhere else.

No passengers under 21: You cannot have passengers under 21 years old in the car, except for your supervising driver. This rule applies even if the supervising driver is in the car with you.

No cell phone use: You cannot use a cell phone, hands-free or handheld, while driving. This is a zero-tolerance rule for permit holders under 18.

No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.: If you are under 18, you cannot drive between these hours, even with a supervising driver, except to get to or from work or a school-sponsored event.

How long the permit is valid and renewal options

Your instructional permit is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you turn 18 while holding a permit, the permit remains valid until the five-year expiration date.

If you do not pass your road test before the permit expires, you will need to renew it. You can renew by returning to a DDS office with your expired permit and paying the renewal fee. You do not have to retake the written test if you are renewing — you only need to pay the fee and have your vision checked again.

If your permit is expired and you want to get your license, you will need to get a new permit first and pass the written test again. You cannot take the road test with an expired permit.

The cost and where to go

The fee for an instructional permit in Georgia is $32. This covers the written test and the permit itself. If you need to retake the written test, you pay the fee again each time.

You can get your permit at any Georgia Department of Driver Services office. There are offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DDS website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or checking wait times online can help you plan your visit.

You do not need an appointment at most DDS offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. You must take the written test in person at a Georgia DDS office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through a third-party testing center. You will need to visit an office during business hours.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it when ready at the same office, or you can come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each retake costs the same fee as the original test.

Can I drive with a permit from another state in Georgia?

Yes, you can drive with an out-of-state permit while you are a visitor in Georgia. However, if you become a Georgia resident, you must get a Georgia permit within 30 days. Georgia recognizes permits from other states for visitors only.

Do I need a permit if I am 18 or older?

No. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to the road test without getting a permit first. However, most people still get a permit to practice driving before the test, especially if they are new to driving.

What if I lose my permit before I take the road test?

You can get a replacement at any DDS office. Bring your ID and proof of residency. The replacement fee is the same as the original permit fee. You do not have to retake the written test.