For teenagers eager to start their driving journey, obtaining a learner’s permit in Georgia is the essential first step. If you’re at least 15 years old and a resident of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) offers multiple locations throughout the state where you can fulfill the requirements to get your permit and begin your driving experience.
Applying for Your Georgia Learner’s Permit: What You Need
Gathering the correct documentation is crucial when applying for a Georgia learner’s permit. To ensure a smooth application process, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of Identity: You must present one document to verify your identity. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate or a valid passport.
- Social Security Number Verification: You’ll need to provide one document confirming your social security number. A social security card is typically used for this purpose.
- Georgia Residency Verification: Two documents are required to prove your Georgia residency. Examples of acceptable documents are school report cards or bank statements displaying your Georgia address.
The Georgia DDS provides a comprehensive list of acceptable documents for your reference to ensure you have the correct paperwork. It’s important to note that all documents must be in English.
For applicants under 18 years of age, there are additional requirements. You must provide either a Certificate of Attendance from your school, which must be signed and dated within the last 30 days, or proof of high school graduation or GED completion. Finally, applicants need to be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or driver’s education instructor to co-sign the permit application. A permit fee of $10 is also required, which can be paid via credit or debit card, cash, money order, or check at the DDS.
Passing the Required Exams for Your Learner’s Permit
After you’ve organized all your necessary documents, the next step involves passing both a vision exam and a written knowledge exam. The written exam consists of two parts:
- Road Signs Test: You will be asked to identify 20 standard highway signs.
- Rules of the Road Test: This section includes 20 multiple-choice questions about Georgia traffic laws and safe driving practices.
To successfully pass the written exam, you must correctly answer at least 15 questions in each section. To help you prepare, the Georgia DDS offers a free online practice test. Utilizing this resource is a great way to familiarize yourself with the test format and content.
What Happens Once You Have Your Georgia Learner’s Permit?
Upon successfully passing both the vision and written exams, you will be issued your Georgia learner’s permit right at the DDS! This permit allows you to begin practicing driving, but with certain restrictions. When practicing, you must always be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 21 years old, possesses a valid Class C driver’s license, and is seated in the front passenger seat.
After holding your Georgia learner’s permit for a minimum of one year and being 16 years old, you become eligible to apply for a Class D provisional driver’s license. This is the next step towards full driving privileges in Georgia.
