Getting Your Georgia Learner’s Permit: A Complete Guide

Getting a learner’s permit (also commonly referred to as an instructional permit) is an exciting time for all teenagers and young adults. However, it can be a bit of a confusing process if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Teenagers are eligible for a permit at the age of 15. In this article, we’ll highlight everything you need to know about how to get your learner’s permit in the state of Georgia.

How to Get Your Georgia Learner’s Permit

#1 – Schedule an Appointment

Before visiting the Georgia Department of Driver Services, you must first schedule an appointment on their website, and you’ll also be prompted to fill out the required form. Make sure to write your appointment date down so you remember it and avoid arriving late to the office.

#2 – Gather Required Documents

You’ll need to provide the following documentation upon arrival at the DDS to apply for your Georgia learner’s permit.

• Certificate of School Enrollment (signed and dated within six months)
• Transcript provided by most recent school of attendance
• Recent progress or grade report from school
• A current school identification card issued by your school or school system

If you’re homeschooled, you must provide:

• Certificate of School Enrollment (signed and dated within six months)
• A “Declaration of Intent To Utilize a Home Study Program” submitted with the Georgia Department of Education

If you’re under 18 and not in school, you must provide ONE of the following:

• A high school diploma
• GED
• Special diploma
• Certification of high school completion
• Proof of enrollment in GED program or post-secondary school

#3 – Visit the Georgia DDS

On your scheduled appointment date and time, you will need to visit the Georgia DDS about 15-30 minutes early. If you are under the age of 18, you will need to bring a parent, legal guardian, or driving training instructor with you to sign off on certain paperwork. This adult will also need to provide paperwork to prove your relationship with them.

#4 – Present Proper Documentation

This will be the first thing you’ll be asked to do once you arrive and meet with a DDS representative. Reference the list above to identify exactly what you’ll need to bring with you for your learner’s permit application.

#5 – Pass the Vision Exam

A vision exam will be assessed at this time. Your eyes will be tested by a mechanical device. To pass the exam, you’ll need to exhibit 20/60 vision in one eye, as well as at least a 140-degree field of vision.

If you happen to fail the screening, you will need to have a Vision Report form completed by a licensed practitioner.

#6 – Pass the Knowledge Exam

The knowledge exam is one of the most important parts of getting your learner’s permit in Georgia. The exam consists of 40 questions. Half of the exam consists of identifying highway signs, while the other half covers traffic laws. You must answer 15 questions from both sections in order to pass.

This part of the permit process can be especially nerve-wracking for many new drivers. However, there’s no need to worry! While many decide to utilize the Georgia Driver’s Handbook in order to study for the exam, there are much better ways to get a passing grade.

Rather than sifting through page after page of boring driving content, Zutobi provides drivers with a gamified experience. You won’t even realize that you’re studying! Join over 250,000 students using Zutobi to get their driver’s licenses each month! Try Zutobi today or test your knowledge with our free permit practice test.

#7 – Have Your Photo Taken

A standard ID photo will be taken after the exam. This picture will appear on your physical Georgia learner’s permit when it arrives.

#8 – Pay the Permit Application Fee

After all these tasks are complete, you’ll be prompted to pay a $10 permit fee. You’ll be allowed to pay this with a credit card, debit card, or cash. The Georgia DDS does not accept cash or checks.

Georgia Driver’s Permit Restrictions

Once you obtain your learner’s permit, you’ll be legally allowed to operate a motor vehicle in Georgia. However, you’ll be placed under restrictions until you receive your adult driver’s license. To avoid complications with the law, you’ll want to follow the rules closely.

You’ll only be able to drive with an adult that is over the age of 21, who already has an unrestricted adult license. This person also must be sitting right next to you in the passenger seat and fully capable of taking control of the vehicle, if necessary.

That’s It!

That’s all there is to it! Be sure to reference this guide early and often on your journey to obtaining your Georgia learner’s permit.