How to get a Georgia Driver's License
- Georgia Driver's License Guidelines
- How to Prepare for the Written Exam
- Required ID and Paperwork
GA Drivers License Rules and Requirements
Find out the steps to get your GA drivers license, pass your DMV written test, replace your out-of-state license and the required paperwork to bring to the DMV office to get your driver's license.
Try Sample Test!All applicants need to be familiar with the Georgia Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
Get your GA Driver's Permit
If this is your first driver's license, you will need to apply for a Georgia learner's permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques. Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test and vision test to receive a GA driver's license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for one year and one day before taking the road skills test.
Effective January 1, 2007, sixteen year olds must be in compliance with Joshua's Law, which requires GA approved Driver's Education before license issuance. At age 17, Driver's Education is not required.
Prepare for the Written Knowledge Test
The Georgia DMV requires that all applicants must pass a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques. If you fail the exam, some states require you to wait until at least the next day to take the test again and charge a re-examination fee.
All new drivers are encouraged to study for this driver education exam so you don't miss the opportunity to get your learners permit as soon as you reach the approved age. Online practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the DMV Exam - Take the Georgia practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
New Georgia Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain a Georgia driver's license within 30 days of establishing a permanent residence in GA. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
There is no written exam or road skills testing required to change a valid out-of-state license to a GA driver's license, however you will need to pass the vision test.
If you are under Age 18 with valid out of state license please call the Customer Service Number at (678) 413-8400 for specific information since the state of issuance may have different requirements for those under age 18 than the teen driving requirements in Georgia.
A person surrendering an out of state learner's permit for a Georgia permit must meet all other licensing requirements.
International Drivers
Nonresident drivers over the age of 16 years who have a valid driver's license issued by their home country may operate motor vehicles upon the highways of this State when their license is in their immediate possession. 30 days after the nonresident driver becomes a Georgia resident, he/she must apply for a Georgia driver's license and pass all of the required tests including the written exam, vision screening and road skills test.
Required Paperwork
Before you head to the Georgia DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, you will receive your new:
- Restricted Driver's License (16 years to 18 years of age) valid for 5 years.
- Full Driver's License (18 years of age and older) valid for up to 8 years.
Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
