How to prepare for the Georgia learner’s permit test
It’s important to know how to prepare for the Georgia learner’s permit test. Getting a Georgia learner’s permit isn’t just about showing up at the DDS and hoping for the best. Just like students prepare for school exams, you’ll need to study, plan, and bring the right materials to succeed. Taking the time to prepare properly not only increases your chances of passing on the first try—it also builds the knowledge and confidence you’ll need to be a safe, responsible driver.
Think of It Like a Big Test
The learner’s permit exam is one of the first major milestones in your journey toward earning a full driver’s license. And just like any important test, walking in unprepared can lead to stress, mistakes, or even having to retake it. But with the right preparation, you’ll walk in calm and confident.
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Study the material – Learn the rules of the road, signs, safety practices, and Georgia driving laws.
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Practice smart – Use online practice tests to sharpen your knowledge and get familiar with the test format.
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Prepare early – Don’t wait until the night before. Start reviewing the Georgia Driver’s Manual weeks in advance.
Get the Georgia Driver’s Manual
The first step is to study the official Georgia Driver’s Manual. A paperback version can be picked up at any Georgia DDS office. A downloadable digital version is also available by CLICKING HERE.
This manual is a go-to guide for everything from A-Z that you’ll need to know to pass the learner’s permit test. Read the entire book and study the information like you would for a school test. Highlight important points and then re-read them a second time. The info from the manual will turn into questions on your test, so you want to be as familiar with it as possible.
Take practice tests
Once you’ve read and studied the Georgia Driver’s Manual, it’s time to take a few practice tests online. This will help you prepare and allow you to see if you fully understand the information in your manual.
The Knowledge Exam includes road signs and road rules sections. CLICK HERE to take a general practice test. CLICK HERE to take more Georgia learner’s permit practice tests.
More about the Georgia learner’s permit practice test
- Number of questions: 40
- Correct answers to pass: 30
- Passing score: 75%
- Sign questions: 20
Gather required documents
Before heading to the Georgia DDS, be sure to collect the necessary paperwork that you’ll need to present at the DDS office before taking the permit test. You’ll need to present these documents:
- Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate)
- Proof of social security number (W-2, social security card)
- Two proofs of residence (utility bill, financial statement, etc)
- Proof of US citizenship (for non-citizens only)
- Georgia Certificate of Attendance form (signed by your high school)
CLICK HERE to learn more about the specific documents needed when you go to the DDS to take your permit test.
Visit a Georgia DDS office and take the
Learner’s Permit Test
You have prepared for the exam, taken the practice tests and gathered your required documents. So, what’s next? Yep, it’s now time to head to a DDS Customer Service Center to take your Learner’s Permit Test.
The DDS administers written tests Tuesday through Saturday. Wednesday and Thursday are typically less busy than Tuesday, Friday or Saturday. CLICK HERE to find a location close to your home.
What happens at the DDS office?
✅ What to Do at the DDS:
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Show All Your Documents
Bring everything from your checklist, including proof of identity, Social Security number, two proofs of Georgia residency, and a Certificate of School Enrollment (DS-1 Form). Be sure all documents are up to date and originals or certified copies. -
Pass a Vision Exam
Your eyesight will be tested to ensure you meet the minimum vision standards for safe driving. -
Take and Pass the Knowledge Exam
The written knowledge exam is made up of two parts:-
Road Rules Test – covers Georgia traffic laws, safe driving practices, and penalties
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Road Signs Test – tests your ability to recognize and understand road signs
You must score at least 75% on each section to pass.
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Take a Photo
Your photo will be taken for your learner’s permit, so make sure you’re camera-ready!
Note for Applicants Under 18:
If you’re under 18, you must bring one of the following:
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A Parent or Legal Guardian
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A Responsible Adult
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An Authorized Driver Training Instructor
They will be required to sign the License/ID/Permit Form in person. If it’s a responsible adult (not your parent or guardian), they must provide documentation proving their relationship to you.
✔ Pro Tip:
Arrive early, dress appropriately (closed-toe shoes), and double-check that you have everything before leaving home. A smooth, stress-free visit starts with being fully prepared.
You have your Learner’s Permit –
What’s next?
Woo hoo! You have your Georgia learner’s permit, so you’re ready to hit the road, right? Nope, not so fast, speedy. With a learner’s permit, you have permission to drive ONLY with a passenger who is at least 21 years old and has an unexpired Class C driver’s license.
In order to get your actual driver’s license at 16 or 17 years of age, Georgia Law requires that you take an approved Driver’s Ed course, like the one offered at Drive Smart Georgia, a AAA-certified driving school.
You also must have 40 hours of driving experience (6 at night), plus pass the road test, which can be taken no sooner than one year and one day after getting your learner’s permit.
This might all sound very confusing, but Joshua’s Law was passed in Georgia to help keep new drivers safe. Auto accidents are still the #1 cause of death among teens. So, it’s critical to follow the requirements to the tee, not just because it’s the law, but because they save young lives.
Good luck on the first step to a long and winding road of driver safety! Be alert. Make smart smart decisions behind the wheel.
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