The Georgia knowledge (permit) test
Georgia's knowledge exam is the written test you pass to get a Class CP permit, or a Class C license if you are an adult applying for the first time. It is run on a computer at Department of Driver Services (DDS) Customer Service Centers.
The exam is split into two separately scored parts, so you need to be ready for both sign recognition and traffic law questions.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can describe the two parts of the Georgia knowledge exam and the pass mark for each.
- You can explain the test room rules and what counts as misconduct.
- You can say how long you must wait before a retake.
- You can build a study plan around the DDS Drivers Manual.
What you need to know and understand
- The exam has a Road Signs test and a Road Rules test.
- You need 15 correct out of 20 on each part to pass.
- If you fail one part, you retake only that part.
- Knowledge exams are walk-in, with no appointment, but must start at least 30 minutes before closing.
- DDS lists the non-commercial knowledge tests in 26 languages, including English and Spanish.
- After a first failure you wait until the next day; after a second or later failure you wait 7 days.
- Oral exams can be arranged for people with reading disabilities.
Two tests, two scores
The Road Signs test checks that you can identify standard highway signs, signals and markers by their shape, color and symbol. The Road Rules test covers driver responsibility, Georgia traffic laws and safe driving habits. Each part needs 15 correct answers out of 20, which is 75 percent.
Because they are scored separately, a strong score on one part cannot make up for a weak score on the other. The $10 permit fee is paid before every attempt and is not refunded if you fail.
Test room rules
DDS treats any break of these rules as misconduct, and the whole session is counted as a failure:
- No pens, pencils, paper or other items in the testing area.
- No cell phones, text messaging devices or other wireless devices.
- No talking to anyone except the examiner.
Languages, retakes and what to study
The DDS Test and Exams page lists the Road Rules and Road Signs tests in 26 languages. The older Drivers Manual still says Road Signs is English only, so if you want another language for that part, confirm with your center first. The road test itself is given in English.
If you fail, you can retake the failed part the next day. After a second or later failure you must wait 7 days. Each retake costs the fee again.
Study straight from the DDS Drivers Manual. For Road Signs, focus on Section 7 (sign shapes and colors, signals and pavement markings). For Road Rules, focus on Section 5 (traffic laws), Section 6 (teen laws), Section 9 (sharing the road) and Section 10 (points and suspensions). DDS offers a free online practice test, and our Georgia practice test and permit test guide go deeper.
Common mistakes
- Studying only signs. Half the exam is Road Rules, including numbers such as speed limits and Georgia's teen rules.
- Keeping a phone in your pocket in the test area. That alone can turn the session into a failure.
- Guessing at numbers. Learn Georgia-specific figures like the 0.02 limit for drivers under 21 and the midnight to 5 a.m. Class D limit.
- Retaking too quickly after a second failure. Plan for the 7-day wait and use it to study.
Test yourself: The Georgia knowledge (permit) test
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Go deeper
Sources: Georgia Drivers Manual, Section 3: Testing Information (Georgia Department of Driver Services); Test and Exams Information page (Georgia Department of Driver Services). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Georgia licensing agency.