Georgia driver's license
Get your first license in Georgia after moving to the US.
How it goes
- 1You arriveYou have moved to Georgia and you want to drive here.
- 2Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
- 3The written testYou take the written test.
- 4Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
- Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.
What it costs
A first license
$32
State law caps the fees rather than setting them: a five-year noncommercial license at $20, an eight-year at $32, an instruction permit or Class D license at $10, and a replacement at $10. The Board of Driver Services sets the actual amounts within those caps.
$20 for a noncommercial Class C, E, F or M license issued for up to five years. A card cut to the length of your authorized stay falls in this band, so this is the fee you pay.
You pay this when you apply.
If you just arrived in the US
Your immigration status
Clearing one of the seven lawful-presence categories means you can be issued a temporary license, permit, or special identification card — this is Georgia's noncitizen path, and it is a real driver's license, not a lesser class. It is valid for your authorized stay in the United States or five years, whichever comes first.
Foreign documents with no expiry date
If your immigration document has no expiry date, you are eligible for a temporary license, permit, or ID valid for one year — unless the document confirms you are an approved asylee, refugee, or lawful permanent resident, who are treated differently.
Documents you need
- Documents that are still validA certified birth certificate, an unexpired US passport, a Permanent Resident Card (I-551), an Employment Authorization Document (I-766), or a foreign passport with its attached US visa.
Your Social Security Number
Giving your number, and who may see it
Your full Social Security Number must go on the required online License/ID/Permit Form.
A license or permit issued or renewed since January 1, 2007 cannot show your Social Security number on its face, and the card number cannot be the SSN itself. This governs what is printed — the department still collects the number.
Your license number is not your Social Security number: Georgia assigns a unique identification number generated at random, so the card never displays the SSN. If an existing customer number is a Social Security number, that alone is a ground to change it.
Your SSN is required for issuance unless, as a non-US citizen, you are ineligible for one because you are not authorized to work. The number is verified as federal regulations require, and your card carries a randomly generated identification number instead of the SSN.
Tests you take
Eye test
The Vision Report Form (DS-MR-274) downloads at dds.georgia.gov/document/form/vision-form-mr-274/download, so you can bring it to the optometrist to be completed.
The standard is visual acuity of 20/60 or better, corrected or uncorrected, in at least one eye, and a horizontal field of vision of at least 140 degrees with both eyes open — or at least 70 degrees temporally and 50 degrees nasally if only one eye has usable vision. Glasses or contacts count, so needing correction does not disqualify you; it adds a corrective-lenses restriction to the license.
An outside exam counts if it is no more than 24 months old and done by a licensed physician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist. The standard is 20/60 or better, corrected or uncorrected, in at least one eye, with a horizontal field of at least 140 degrees.
A vision examination from a licensed physician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist substitutes for the DDS screening if it took place within the 24 months immediately preceding your application and shows you meet the minimum standards.
Failing the standard — 20/60 or better and a horizontal field of at least 140 degrees — is an absolute bar to issuance. If you need corrective lenses to meet it, the license issues restricted to driving while wearing them.
Drive test
For non-commercial Class A and B there is no road test. Instead you must show three months and/or 3,000 miles of experience in that class of vehicle — gained while holding a valid instructional permit for the class — or a completed commercial driver training course, proved by an affidavit from your employer; self-employed applicants self-certify.
The Class C road test covers basic driving patterns: showing ordinary and reasonable control of the vehicle and driving safely with traffic. The rule does not list the manoeuvres.
Your non-commercial road test can be given in a virtual or a traditional format. The virtual format requires you to supply a licensed adult passenger and a hands-free device.
Yes
Surrendering your out-of-state license for a Georgia ID card loses the testing waiver: getting a Georgia driver's license later then requires taking and passing the road skills test. Exchanging the out-of-state license directly for a Georgia license involves no knowledge test and no skills test.
As a first-time license applicant you must pass a knowledge exam and the applicable road skills test.
Tries you get on the written test
If you fail the knowledge or road test, you wait until the next day to retake it; from the second failure on, you wait seven days. Only the portion you failed is retaken, and no attempt cap or retest fee is published.
You must pass the eye examination to be allowed to take the knowledge test. Failing any part of the examination can count as failing the complete examination for that testing day.
If you fail any part of the driving examination (CDL excepted), you can re-attempt it on a set schedule. The regulation publishes no attempt cap and no retest fee.
If you fail the first time, you wait until the next day to retake the parts you failed.
Practice questions for the written test
The questions on the knowledge exam come from topics discussed in the Georgia Drivers Manual, which makes the manual the study source for the test.
DDS keeps its downloadable manuals and guides for licenses, permits, and vehicles at dds.georgia.gov/dds-forms-and-manuals/manuals.
For the non-commercial Class E/F exam, study the Georgia Commercial Drivers Manual, not the regular Drivers Manual. It is online at dds.georgia.gov, and any DDS Customer Service Center has hard copies.
The non-commercial Class E and F knowledge exams are drawn from the Commercial (CDL) Driver's Manual, not the ordinary Drivers Manual — these classes were formerly called A and B. The manual is at dds.georgia.gov/cdl-study-guide.
The current Georgia Drivers Manual is the 2023-2024 edition, at dds.georgia.gov/dds-drivers-manual-2023-2024.
DDS publishes an official practice test at dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/practice-test.
Practising with your permit
Who can sit with you while you practise
The person must be at least 21, licensed for a commercial or noncommercial Class C vehicle, fit and capable of taking control of the car, and in the seat beside you.
A driver at least 21 years old, licensed for a commercial or noncommercial Class C vehicle, fit and capable of taking control, sitting in the seat beside you.
What to bring to the drive test
Who comes with you
The virtual road test has no examiner in the car, but you are not alone: a licensed adult aged 21 or over must be in the vehicle. The test runs over a dual-facing camera and a hands-free device.
A licensed driver aged 21 or older must come with you. Only you and this driver are allowed in the car — no children or pets during the test.
The car and its insurance
The Class C skills test is only given in a four-wheeled vehicle with a steering wheel. A three-wheeled vehicle, or one steered by handlebars, is refused.
Bring a paper copy of the vehicle registration — not a photo on a phone — and a current valid insurance card; the vehicle must pass a DDS safety inspection before the test. A rental car is allowed only if your own name is on the rental agreement, and temporary tags or a purchase within the last 30 days require a bill of sale.
You supply the test vehicle, and it is checked against a list that decides whether the test happens: brakes whose pedal stays more than two inches from the floorboard (unless power brakes), a horn, a rearview mirror, steering with no more than three inches of play, directional signals if they are to be used, all required exterior lights, and a valid license plate.
You must be in actual physical control of the driving system and able to show you can drive without automated convenience features. A car whose driver-assistance features cannot be switched off puts the booking at risk.
Only you and the accompanying licensed driver are allowed in the vehicle — no children or pets during the test.
A car without working illuminated turn signals is not refused — but you must then be able to pass the road test using hand signals.
The car needs valid liability insurance, registration, a safety inspection, and an unexpired license plate — and you do not have to own it, so a borrowed car qualifies if it meets these four. The Road Skills Test itself is given only in English.
A four-wheeled car with a steering wheel that passes the DDS safety inspection, with registration, a current valid insurance card, working brakes, a horn, a rearview mirror, steering with no more than three inches of play, directional signals if used, required exterior lights, and a valid license plate. For a rental your name must appear on the rental agreement, and temporary tags or a purchase within the last 30 days need a bill of sale.
A car with advanced driver assistance technology is accepted, but you must show you can drive it without that technology. A vehicle whose systems cannot be disengaged puts the booking at risk.
A rental car is allowed, but DDS warns that rental agreements can prohibit use for driver training or testing, and the examiner reads the contract to check. Bring a copy of the rental contract, be listed as a driver on it, and show proof of valid insurance for the vehicle.
The bill-of-sale window is 30 days for a dealership purchase but only seven days if the car was bought from a third party, such as a private seller.
Liability insurance on the test vehicle is mandatory, proved at the test by a valid insurance card or a motor vehicle registration card showing the VIN. The vehicle must also pass a safety inspection before the test starts.
Where to go
Who gives the tests
In the traditional format, a DDS examiner rides in the passenger seat — and no licensed adult passenger is required, unlike the virtual test.
In the virtual format, a DDS examiner runs the test remotely over a dual-facing camera and a hands-free cellular device — the examiner is not in the car. A parent, guardian, or other responsible adult aged 21 or over, holding a valid driver's license, must ride as a passenger.
Georgia offers non-commercial road tests virtually: the test is taken remotely with a dual-facing camera and a hands-free device, with a licensed adult aged 21 or over in the vehicle.
In person, a Georgia DDS examiner sits in the passenger seat. In the virtual format, the examiner works remotely through a dual-facing camera and a hands-free device, with a licensed adult aged 21 or over in the vehicle.
DDS itself gives the automobile, motorcycle, and commercial road tests, with one online appointment system covering all three. No third-party tester is named as an alternative for the non-commercial road test.
Booking an appointment
You can book a road test at dds.drives.ga.gov.
An appointment is only required for a behind-the-wheel automobile, CDL, or motorcycle road test — renewals, address changes, and other in-person services need none. Booking happens on DDS DRIVES at dds.drives.ga.gov.
The same tool at dds.drives.ga.gov books a road test and also changes or cancels an existing appointment.
DDS explains road test appointments at dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/road-test; the booking system itself is at dds.drives.ga.gov.
Office locations
You can find DDS Customer Service Centers at dds.georgia.gov/locations/customer-service-center.
A map view of the Customer Service Centers is at dds.georgia.gov/find-location/customer-service-center.
Other states
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Every source, quoted57 sources
Every fact on this page is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.
“For eight-year Classes C, E, F, and M noncommercial drivers' licenses.................................................. $32.00”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked July 28, 2026
“Every application for an instruction permit or for a driver’s license shall be made upon a form furnished by the department. Every application shall be accompanied by the proper license fee. The fees shall be as established by the Board of Driver Services, not to exceed:”
lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacodeChecked July 27, 2026
“For up to five-year Classes C, E, F, and M noncommercial drivers' licenses............................. $20.00”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked July 27, 2026
“may be issued a temporary license, permit, or special identification card. Such temporary license, permit, or special identification card shall be valid only during the period of time of the applicant’s authorized stay in the United States or five years, whichever occurs first.”
lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacodeChecked July 27, 2026
“Any person who presents immigration documentation that does not bear an expiration date shall be eligible for a temporary driver's license, permit, or identification card valid for one (1) year, unless the person's immigration documentation, as confirmed pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 40-5-21.2, indicates that they are an approved asylee, refugee, or lawful permanent resident.”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-2Checked August 14, 2026
“Valid, unexpired U.S. passport;”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked August 1, 2026
“Your full Social Security Number must be provided on the required online License/ID/Permit Form.”
dds.georgia.gov/georgia-licenseid/new-licenseid/how-do-i-class-c-licenseChecked July 26, 2026
“No license or permit issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2007, pursuant to this article shall contain the social security number of the licensee or permit holder.”
lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacodeChecked July 27, 2026
“Upon initial application to the Department for adriver's license or identification card, the applicant, upon satisfaction of the requirements for issuance of the document, will be assigned a unique identification number generated by a random number system.”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked July 27, 2026
“Social security numbers provided pursuant to paragraph (4) shall be verified as required by 6 C.F.R. § 37.11(e)(2) and 6 C.F.R. § 37.13(b)(2).”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked August 1, 2026
“Vision Report Form (DS-MR-274) -> https://dds.georgia.gov/document/form/vision-form-mr-274/download”
dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/test-and-exams-informationChecked July 26, 2026
“no noncommercial driver’s license shall be issued to any person who does not have a visual acuity of 20/60 or better, corrected or uncorrected, in at least one eye and a horizontal field of vision with both eyes open of at least 140 degrees or, in the event that one eye only has usable vision, horizontal field of vision of at least 70 degrees temporally and 50 degrees nasally.”
lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacodeChecked July 27, 2026
“no noncommercial driver's license shall be issued to any person who does not have a visual acuity of 20/60 or better, corrected or uncorrected, in at least one eye and a horizontal field of vision with both eyes open of at least 140 degrees”
lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacodeChecked August 1, 2026
“In lieu of a Departmental vision examination the applicant may submit proof that they have undergone a vision examination, within twenty-four (24) months immediately preceding the application for the license, that demonstrates that they have met the minimum vision standards established by Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. . Such examination must have been conducted by a duly licensed physician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist.”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked July 27, 2026
“No license shall be issued to any person who does not have vision of 20/60 or better and a horizontal field of vision of at least 140 degrees. If corrective lenses are necessary to meet these vision standards, the applicant may only be issued licenses restricted to operating vehicles while wearing such corrective lenses.”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked July 27, 2026
“Applicants for licenses for vehicles in Classes A or B (non-commercial) must have a minimum of three (3) months and/or 3,000 miles experience in the vehicles of the class for which licensing is sought, or having successfully completed a commercial driver training course for the class of license sought, prior to the issuance of such a license. Such experience must be gained while applicant is in possession of a valid instructional permit for the appropriate class. No demonstration of driving ability is required. However, the applicant must present an affidavit from his employer establishing the requisite experience and ability to operate the vehicles within the particular Class A or B non-commercial license. Applicants who are self-employed may self-certify.”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked July 27, 2026
“An applicant for a Class C license shall be tested on their ability to perform basic driving patterns to show their ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle and to drive safely with traffic.”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked July 27, 2026
“Your non-commercial road test may be ... administered in a virtual or traditional ... format.”
dds.georgia.gov/document/document/ga-drivers-manual-2023-2024/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
“shall also include a comprehensive on-the-road driving test during which the applicant shall be required to fully demonstrate his or her ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle”
lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacodeChecked August 1, 2026
“In order for these customers to be issued a Georgia driver's license at a later date, they must take and pass the road skills test.”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked July 27, 2026
“If you're obtaining a license for the first time, you must Take and pass a Knowledge Exam Pass the applicable Road Skills Test .”
dds.georgia.gov/georgia-licenseid/new-licenseid/how-do-i-class-c-licenseChecked July 26, 2026
“If you fail any part of the Class C or D ... knowledge or road test, and it is your: ... next day before retaking the portion you ... wait 7 days before retaking the portion”
dds.georgia.gov/document/document/ga-drivers-manual-2023-2024/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
“Applicants for licenses and instruction permits of all classes are required to pass the eye examination before being permitted to take the appropriate knowledge tests.”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked July 27, 2026
“Any applicant for a driver's license of any class, with the exception of CDL, who fails any part of the driving examination may re-attempt the examination according to the following schedule:”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked July 27, 2026
“First Failure--after the first failure the applicant must wait until the next day before retaking those parts of the driving examination that were failed earlier”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked August 1, 2026
“The questions on the knowledge exam per the road test us.ing hand signals; tain to topics discussed in this manual and • You may take the test in a rental vehicle.”
dds.georgia.gov/document/document/ga-drivers-manual-2023-2024/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
“Manuals -> https://dds.georgia.gov/dds-forms-and-manuals/manuals”
dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/road-testChecked August 1, 2026
“Customers who wish to take the non com mercial Cass E/F exam should study the Commercial Drivers Manual. The Commer-cial Drivers Manual can be located online at dds.georgia.gov or customers can obtain a hard copy at any DDS Customer Service Center.”
dds.georgia.gov/document/document/ga-drivers-manual-2023-2024/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
“Previously known as Class A and B, these exams require studying the Commercial (CDL) Driver’s Manual .”
dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/test-and-exams-informationChecked July 26, 2026
“Drivers Manual -> https://dds.georgia.gov/dds-drivers-manual-2023-2024”
dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/test-and-exams-informationChecked July 26, 2026
“Practice Test -> https://dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/practice-test”
dds.georgia.gov/your-georgia-drivers-licenseChecked July 26, 2026
“when accompanied by a person at least 21 years of age who is licensed as a driver for a commercial or noncommercial Class C vehicle, who is fit and capable of exercising control over the vehicle, and who is occupying a seat beside the driver.”
lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacodeChecked August 1, 2026
“while having such permit in his or her immediate possession, to drive a Class C vehicle upon the public highways for a period of two years when accompanied by a person at least 21 years of age who is licensed as a driver for a commercial or noncommercial Class C vehicle, who is fit and capable of exercising control over the vehicle, and who is occupying a seat beside the driver.”
lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacodeChecked August 1, 2026
“Conducted remotely via a dual-facing camera and hands-free device, with a licensed adult (21+) in the vehicle.”
dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/test-and-exams-informationChecked July 26, 2026
“Be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older; only the applicant and this driver are allowed in the vehicle. No children or pets are permitted in the vehicle during the test.”
dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/road-testChecked August 1, 2026
“DDS will only administer a Class C driving skills test in a four-wheeled vehicle equipped with steering wheel for directional control.”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked July 27, 2026
“Vehicle Requirements Bring a paper copy of the vehicle registration and a current valid insurance card. For rental cars, the applicant's name must be on the rental agreement. If the vehicle has temporary tags or was purchased within the last 30 days, provide a bill of sale. The vehicle must pass a DDS safety inspection before the test.”
dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/road-testChecked August 1, 2026
“Demonstration of driving ability shall be in a motor vehicle furnished by the applicant. No such demonstration shall be made if the motor vehicle lacks or has defective brakes with brake pedal coming within two inches (2") of the floorboard, unless the vehicle is equipped with power brakes. The vehicle shall also be equipped with a horn, rearview mirror, proper steering mechanism which does not have more than three inches (3") of play, directional signals if such are to be used, all required exterior lights, and a valid license plate.”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked July 27, 2026
“For all driver skills tests administered by the Department of Driver Services, the driver of the vehicle must be in actual physical control of the control/driving system. The purpose of the driver skills test is to evaluate the driver's demonstration of their ability to operate a motor vehicle. The vehicle furnished by the applicant must allow the driver to demonstrate his or her ability to operate the motor vehicle independent of automated convenience features.”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked July 27, 2026
“If the vehicle is not equipped with illumi ... nated tum signals, you must be able to pass ... the road test us.ing hand signals;”
dds.georgia.gov/document/document/ga-drivers-manual-2023-2024/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
“The Road Skills Test, available only in English, requires a vehicle with valid liability insurance, registration, and a safety inspection. You must know hand signals if turn signals are absent, and the license plate cannot be expired.”
dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/test-and-exams-informationChecked July 26, 2026
“Demonstration of driving ability shall be in a motor vehicle furnished by the applicant.”
rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/375-3-1Checked August 1, 2026
“Drivers may perform the skills test in vehicles ... equipped with advanced driver assistance ... technology. However, the applicant must ... demonstrate their ability to operate the vehicle ... without such technology.”
dds.georgia.gov/document/document/ga-drivers-manual-2023-2024/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
“You may take the test in a rental vehicle. ... Please be advised that many rental agree ... ments do not allow vehicle use for driver ... training or testing. ... You must provide a copy of the rental ... contract (the contract will be reviewed to ... determine if testing is allowed); ... You must be listed as a driver on the rental”
dds.georgia.gov/document/document/ga-drivers-manual-2023-2024/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
“All road test vehicles must have a valid reg ... istration/license plate, or if equipped with a ... temporary dealership tag, the applicant must ... provide the bill of sale for proof of purchase ... within the last 30 days (7 days if the vehicle ... is purchased from a third party);”
dds.georgia.gov/document/document/ga-drivers-manual-2023-2024/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
“All road test vehicles must be covered by liabil ... ity insurance (you must show a valid insurance ... card or Motor Vehicle registration card that ... shows the VIN) and pass a safety inspection;”
dds.georgia.gov/document/document/ga-drivers-manual-2023-2024/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
“Conducted by an Examiner who administers ... the test while being seated in the passenger ... seat of the testing vehicle.”
dds.georgia.gov/document/document/ga-drivers-manual-2023-2024/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
“Conducted remotely by an Examiner who ... administers the test via a dual-facing camera ... and a hands-free cellular device. A parent, ... guardian, or other responsible adults; 21 years ... of age or older must serve as a passenger in ... the testing vehicle. They must have a valid ... driver's license.”
dds.georgia.gov/document/document/ga-drivers-manual-2023-2024/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
“Non-commercial road tests are offered virtually (via dual-facing camera and hands-free device with a licensed adult 21+ in the vehicle).”
dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/road-testChecked August 1, 2026
“Conducted in-person with an examiner in the passenger seat.”
dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/test-and-exams-informationChecked August 1, 2026
“GA Department of Driver Services offers an online appointment system to schedule and take an automobile, motorcycle, or commercial road test.”
dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/road-testChecked August 1, 2026
“href="https://dds.drives.ga.gov/_/?link=RoadTest"”
dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/road-testChecked July 26, 2026
“Appointments are only required if you're taking a behind-the-wheel Automobile, CDL, or Motorcycle Road Test. Appointments are no longer required to renew, change address, or other in-person services.”
dds.georgia.gov/appointmentsChecked August 14, 2026
“Schedule or Modify -> https://dds.drives.ga.gov/_/?link=RoadTest”
dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/road-testChecked August 1, 2026
“Road Test Appointments -> https://dds.georgia.gov/testing-and-training/road-test”
dds.georgia.gov/your-georgia-drivers-licenseChecked July 26, 2026
“Customer Service Centers”
dds.georgia.gov/locations/customer-service-centerChecked July 26, 2026
“Customer Service Centers (Google Map View) -> https://dds.georgia.gov/find-location/customer-service-center”
dds.georgia.gov/locations/customer-service-centerChecked July 26, 2026
Applying for a driver's license in Georgia?
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