Getting your driver’s license in Georgia involves successfully passing several exams designed to ensure you’re a safe and knowledgeable driver. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) requires you to demonstrate competency in vision, knowledge of road rules and signs, and driving skills. This guide will walk you through each exam, providing you with the information you need to prepare and pass.
Vision Exam: Seeing Clearly for Safe Driving
Your first step is the vision exam. Georgia law mandates a minimum vision standard to operate a vehicle safely.
Your vision will be checked using a specialized machine. You must have at least 20/60 vision in one eye, with or without glasses or contact lenses, and a field of vision of no less than 140 degrees. If you don’t meet the field of vision requirement, you’ll need to complete a Vision Report Form (DS-MR-274). This form must be filled out by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist who will assess your vision in detail.
Knowledge Exam: Rules of the Road and Road Signs
The Knowledge Exam is divided into two parts: the Road Rules Test and the Road Signs Test. You must pass both sections to move forward in the licensing process. For each test, you need to answer at least 15 out of 20 questions correctly.
To help you prepare, the DDS provides a Driver’s Manual which is an essential resource. You can also take a Practice Test on the DDS website to get familiar with the exam format. No appointment is needed to take the Knowledge Exam at a DDS Customer Service Center (CSC).
For individuals with reading disabilities, oral tests are available. If you require an oral test, it’s best to visit your nearest CSC to inquire about scheduling, as each location has specific days and times for oral test administration.
Important Timing for Knowledge Exams:
- Non-Commercial Tests: Begin your test at least 30 minutes before the CSC closes.
- CDL Knowledge Tests: Begin at least 45 minutes before closing.
Road Rules Test: Demonstrating Your Driving Knowledge
This section assesses your understanding of:
- Driver responsibilities on the road
- Knowledge of Georgia driving laws
- Safe driving practices to prevent accidents
The questions are tailored to the specific class of driver’s license you are applying for. The Road Rules Test is available in several languages other than English. You can find a list of supported languages on the DDS website.
Road Signs Test: Recognizing and Interpreting Traffic Signs
This test evaluates your ability to recognize and understand standard highway signs, signals, and road markers. You’ll be asked to identify various signs and explain their meaning. Like the Road Rules Test, the Road Signs Test is also available in multiple languages. Check the language list for options.
Road Skills Test: Putting Your Driving Prowess to the Test
The Road Skills Test is the practical component where you demonstrate your ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Before starting your Road Skills Test, ensure you have the following:
- Vehicle Insurance: Your vehicle must be covered by liability insurance. You will need to show proof of valid insurance.
- Vehicle Safety Inspection: Your vehicle will undergo a safety inspection to ensure it meets requirements.
- Working Turn Signals (or Hand Signals): If your vehicle’s turn signals are not working, you must know and be ready to use hand signals.
- Vehicle Registration and Tag: Present your vehicle registration, and ensure your license plate (tag) is not expired.
The Road Skills Test is conducted in English only. In Georgia, you might take either a virtual or traditional road test:
- Virtual Road Test: Administered remotely by an examiner using a dual-facing camera and hands-free device. A licensed adult (21 years or older) must be in the vehicle with you as a passenger.
- Traditional Road Test: An examiner will be in the passenger seat of your vehicle during the test.
During the Road Skills Test, you’ll be asked to perform a series of driving maneuvers. For a better understanding of what to expect, review the Road Skills Test Overview. For more detailed rules, consult the DDS Driver’s Manual.
Scheduling Your Road Test
The Georgia DDS offers an online appointment system to schedule your road test for automobiles, motorcycles, or commercial vehicles. Visit the Road Test Appointments page to schedule your test.
After your test, the examiner will review your score sheet with you. You must achieve a minimum score of 75% to pass.
Retesting Policies
If you don’t pass an exam on your first attempt, here are the retesting rules:
- First Failure: You must wait at least one day to retest for either the Knowledge Exam or Road Skills Test.
- Subsequent Failures (2nd, 3rd, etc.): You must wait at least 7 days before retesting after a second or any further failed attempts for either exam.
- Road Skills Test Failures with Traffic Violations: If you fail the Road Skills Test due to a traffic accident or receive a traffic violation during the test (whether you get a ticket or not), you must wait 30 days to retest.
All retesting is subject to appointment availability. You must pay the permit fee before each test attempt. DDS CSCs accept cash and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express). They do not accept checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks. Fees are non-refundable and must be paid each time you take a test.
Motorcycle Rider Skills Test
For motorcycle licenses, a separate Rider Skills Test is required. Safe motorcycle operation relies heavily on your skills and knowledge.
Georgia offers a Motorcycle Safety Program that provides rider education courses, and graduates may be eligible for a driver’s license test waiver.
The Rider Skills Test (RST) is used for both two-wheeled (RST-2W) and three-wheeled motorcycles (RST-3W). Both tests consist of four riding exercises designed to evaluate your motorcycle control and hazard response skills. The final two exercises involve speeds up to 15 mph. Refer to the Georgia Motorcycle Operators Guide for detailed information about each exercise.
Scoring is based on time/distance standards and path violations. The test can be stopped early if you accumulate too many points, commit an unsafe act, or fail to follow instructions.
90-Day Motorcycle Driver’s License Test Waiver
You may be eligible for a 90-Day Motorcycle License Test Waiver in Georgia. The DDS will waive the knowledge and skills tests for a Class M license if you obtain this waiver from the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP).
The GMSP offers comprehensive rider education programs, including classroom instruction and on-cycle training in a controlled environment. They even provide training motorcycles. This waiver, detailed on the 90-Day Motorcycle License Test Waiver page, does not waive the vision test or any license fees and is valid for only 90 days after course completion.
By understanding the requirements and preparing thoroughly for each exam, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining your Georgia driver’s license.
