How to Pass the Georgia Road Test in 2023: The Ultimate Guide

The idea of taking a road test can be daunting. Even if you’ve practiced behind the wheel for months, the thought of a stranger watching every move you make while you’re on the road may raise stress levels quite high.

This guide is designed to help you be as prepared as possible to take the Georgia driving test and pass with flying colors.

Planning Ahead for Your Georgia Road Test

The Georgia DDS requires that you make an appointment to take your road test. Choose from any of the 67 licensing bureaus as slots tend to fill up quickly. You can schedule your road test 120 days in advance, and you will be able to check back to change your appointment if needed. In addition, you can check back regularly to see if an earlier appointment or one that is closer to your home is available due to cancellations.

Be sure to have a valid email address to receive confirmations and reminders. Plan to arrive early for your appointment as they are scheduled back-to-back, and you may be forced to reschedule if you arrive late. You can also complete required paperwork online before going to the driving test.

Georgia Driving Test Checklist

Before taking your Georgia road test, you’ll want to make sure you’ve completed all the prerequisites so you don’t have to reschedule your test.

Driver Requirements

New drivers may be required to complete driver’s instruction and practice requirements as well as bring in identification and proof of residence documents. In addition, you will need to pass a vision and knowledge test before being allowed to take the road test.

Vehicle Requirements

You’ll want to make sure your vehicle is in good condition and that you have necessary paperwork. For example, you’ll need a valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance. The instructor will check to make sure your lights, turn signals, seatbelts, and other safety requirements of your vehicle are met before your test.

If you are taking your test in a rental car, be sure you have the agreement as well as the person who is listed on the agreement. If you are using a recently purchased vehicle, be sure to bring the bill of sale.

Special Rules During Covid-19

Due to COVID-19 related precautions, the Georgia DDS is offering a modified, contactless road test. The same prerequisites apply, and you’ll be tested on the same driving skills. However, the licensed driver or parent who brought you to your road test appointment is now required to stay in the vehicle with you while you take the test.

The test is given on a private road course that’s maintained by the licensing bureau, and the driver’s license examiner will direct the test and conduct the evaluation from outside your car instead of from the front passenger’s seat.

The Day of the Georgia Road Test

Remember to arrive early for your driving test to avoid losing your appointment slot, which may have taken some effort to get. Check in at the licensing bureau and let the employees know you have an appointment for a road test.

You’ll need to provide your vehicle registration and proof of insurance as well as your learner’s permit. During the actual driving test, the adult who accompanied you will need to wait at the licensing bureau while you take the test with the examiner.

What Maneuvers are Tested?

Here are the skills that are evaluated on the driving test in Georgia:

1. Parallel Parking: You’ll be asked to park between two spots, and you must be 18 inches from the curb or closer. The standard parallel parking space is 22 feet by 10 feet.
2. Straight Line Backing: You’ll be asked to operate your vehicle in reverse for 50 feet, traveling slower than 10 miles per hour. Focus on going as straight and as smoothly as possible and do not cross boundary lines. Be sure you look behind the vehicle while backing.
3. Stop for Signs or Traffic Signals: Be sure to use the proper lane, and stop before you get to a crosswalk. Wait until pedestrians are safely off the road before you begin driving again.
4. Turn About: You’ll be asked to demonstrate a three-point turn in a narrow space.
5. Use of Clutch: If you are driving a manual vehicle, you need to be able to shift properly and smoothly.
6. Approaching Intersections and Corners: Remain in the correct lane and check both left and right oncoming traffic.
7. Yielding Right-of-Way: Wait for any pedestrians, bicyclists or other drivers who are in an intersection before you. Stay stopped until they have cleared the intersection.
8. Turning: Use the proper lane and correct signal at an adequate distance before turning.
9. Passing: Demonstrate that you check in front of and behind your car before passing.
10. Following: Stay a safe distance from the car in front of you.
11. Maintaining Good Posture: Hold the steering wheel with both hands, and stay focused on your driving.

After the Driving Test

Once you complete your test, the license examiner will review your performance and make needed corrections. You need a score of 75% to pass the road test in Georgia. If you fail, you’ll be able to try again after seven days.

That’s It!

That’s everything you need to know about passing the Georgia road test. We hope this guide has helped you out, and that you now feel comfortable with the steps moving forward. If you need any help studying for your upcoming exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study guide with online practice tests, a summarized handbook, and practical driving tips that will help you immensely during the actual road exam.