Getting a Georgia instructional permit
The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.
Make sure you are at least 15, then study the Georgia Driver's Manual and try the free DDS practice test.
Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Submit the online License/ID/Permit Form before you visit; it stays on file for 60 days.
Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Gather proof of identity, two proofs of Georgia residency, and (if under 18) proof of school enrollment; your SSN goes on the online form.
Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026If you are under 18, bring a parent, guardian or responsible adult to sign the application.
Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Walk in to a DDS Customer Service Center, pay the $10 fee, and pass the vision exam plus the Road Signs and Road Rules tests (15 of 20 on each).
Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026With your Class CP permit, drive only with a Class C licensed driver aged 21+ sitting beside you.
Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.
Related facts
- Official name of the learner permit
- Instructional Permit, Class CP (commonly called a Learner's Permit). It is step 1 of Georgia's three-step teen licensing program (TADRA): CP permit, then Class D provisional license, then Class C full license.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Minimum age for a learner permit
- 15Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Learner's permit (Class CP) fee
- $10, paid before the knowledge test starts. It is not refunded if you fail, and you pay it again for every testing attempt.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- How long the learner's permit is valid
- 2 years.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Parental consent (under 18)
- Applicants under 18 must bring a parent/guardian, responsible adult or authorized driver-training instructor to sign the application, with paperwork showing the relationship. The signer can ask DDS to revoke the license any time before the teen turns 18.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Learner's permit driving rules
- You may drive only with someone at least 21 who holds a Class C license, sits in the seat beside you, and is fit to take control of the vehicle.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- How long to hold the permit before a Class D license
- At least 1 year and 1 day (time on an out-of-state permit counts once it is transferred).Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Knowledge exam format
- Two separate tests, Road Signs and Road Rules, with 20 questions each.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Passing score
- At least 15 of 20 correct on each test (Road Signs and Road Rules).Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Retake after failing the knowledge exam
- Wait 1 day after a first failure and 7 days after a second; the $10 permit fee is charged again for each retest.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Knowledge exam languages
- 26 languages for the non-commercial Road Rules and Road Signs tests, including English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese. The road test is in English only.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Documents for a first permit
- One proof of identity (e.g., certified U.S. birth certificate or passport), your full SSN on the online form, two proofs of Georgia residency from separate sources, lawful-status documents if not a U.S. citizen, and proof of school enrollment if under 18. Documents must be in English.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Appointments
- Knowledge exams are walk-in (start at least 30 minutes before the center closes). Road tests are by appointment only. Everyone must submit the online License/ID/Permit Form before visiting a center.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Road test scoring and retakes
- Passing score is 75%. After a failure wait 1 day (7 days after a second failure); wait 30 days if you failed because of an accident or traffic violation.Source: dds.georgia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
More in the Georgia guide
Official Georgia links
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Studying for the Georgia knowledge test?
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