How to get a Georgia Driver's License
Find out how to get a new GA driver's license, replace your out-of-state license and requirements for international drivers with this Georgia DDS guide.
Georgia DDS Driver's License Rules
Under GA DDS guidelines, you must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a Georgia Drivers License.
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.
First Time Drivers
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 in addition to vision and hearing tests to receive a DE drivers 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.
New GA 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.
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
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.
Driver's License Resources
Georgia Driver's Manual |
