We know that taking your Georgia driving test can be nerve-wracking. With a little preparation and insight into the test itself, there's nothing to be worried about. This guide will make sure you know the specific requirements in Georgia, what you can expect on the GA road test itself and give our best practice tips. Here's exactly what you need to know to pass your Georgia behind-the-wheel test. Want to see a mock test video of the actual Georgia road test? Read until the end!

What to know before your Georgia driving test

Prior to completing your test, you need to ensure that you have completed an adequate amount of practice so that you are comfortable and prepared behind the wheel. The vehicle that you take should be the same one you have been practicing in as different cars will operate a little differently. Whether you decide to practice with an experienced family driver, take driving lessons, or book with our car and driver road test service, you need to be prepared to understand both the technical and practical sides of the test. This encompasses studying the right material and utilizing that knowledge on the driving test.

Once you believe that you are comfortable enough, you can schedule your road test. This is not an option, walk-ins are not possible. Save yourself the time and ensure that you have booked your road test in Georgia. Certain DMVs will have higher pass rates. Those are your best bet to ensure that you pass.

Prepare yourself for success...

The night before your driving test, you will want to ensure that you do your own pre-test inspection. The worst situation would be to bring your vehicle to the road test and not have it operating properly. Any cracks in the windshield will lead to an automatic reschedule. Ensure that the vehicle is in pristine shape and that your mirrors are adjusted to allow you to have maximum visibility. Any requirements and vehicle details that must be met in the state of Georgia should be looked over.

There will also be a vision exam that you have to complete, thus you will need to bring your corrective lenses and be prepared to test your field of vision.

Your paperwork will need to be completed and accompanied with your permit, insurance, registration, and social security number details. Once all of that is ready, you should review the material. From road signs to hand signals to the features on your vehicle, it is a good thing to be prepared. On the day of your test, you can have a licensed driver accompany you to the test.

Once you've verified your driving test, car paperwork, and car requirements, it’s time for more practice. In Georgia, unlike a few other states, you can practice in the area around the DMV where your road test is scheduled. We strongly recommend that you do, as this is where part of your GA driving test will be. Take time and get to know the area.

What are the vehicle requirements for the Georgia driving test?

In Georgia, your vehicle is required to demonstrate the following vehicle and driver safety items within the pre-drive checklist. It is a good idea to check all of these prior to going to the testing center.

• Current registration, insurance, and inspection sticker
• A windshield with no cracks or debris that would obstruct the view
• Key safety requirements: working speedometer, horn, rearview mirror, seatbelts and windshield wipers.
• Working doors: the driver and passenger doors must open from the inside and outside.
• Working lights: brake lights, turn signal lights in front and back, headlights and taillights.
• No service or warning lights illuminated on the dashboard

In addition, valid vehicle registration and inspection sticker are mandatory.

If you don't have a vehicle that meets all of these requirements and/or a sponsor to take you to your driving test, you have a few options. You can get a car through a driving school, see if a friend or family member can accompany you with their car, or Skip  offers a car and driver service for the Georgia road test which you can reserve ahead of time online.

Pro-tip: Skip can also make a road test appointment for you at the same time as reserving a car and driver for you.

What to know the day of your Georgia driving test

First, get to the DMV early! If you're late, they'll ask you to reschedule. We recommend you get there at least 15 minutes before your scheduled road test time. When you get to the DMV, you'll go inside and check in with your driver at one of the computers which will give you a number. You'll sit and wait in the DMV until your number is called, at which point you'll go to the counter. You'll then present your Learner's Permit as well as the registration and insurance for the car you'll be taking your road test in.

Then you'll go back out to the parking lot with your licensed driver who will drive you both around the building to the road test line where you'll wait until the examiner comes up to the car. At this point, your licensed driver will get out and can wait inside the DMV while you test. You'll move over to the driver's seat and the examiner will begin your road test, which starts with the vehicle safety check. They'll ask you to show them the car's hazard lights, left and right blinker, horn as well as hand signals. Next, it's the driving portion of the test.

What will be on the Georgia driving test?

For the Georgia Road Test (aka "Road Skills Test") you'll be tested on the following maneuvers. Here's what to practice:

1. Parallel Parking: You've practiced this a lot. You can do it. 🙂
2. Backing: Back your car slowly for about 50 feet, as straight and smoothly as possible. Be sure to actually turn your head and look back (instead of just using your mirrors). Pro tip: we see a lot of people get points deducted for not doing this.
3. Stopping for Signs or Traffic Signals: Give the proper hand or brake signal; approach in the proper lane; stop before a pedestrian crosswalk and remain stopped until you can drive safely through.
4. Turnabout: Turn your car in a narrow space using two-, three- or five-point turns.
5. Yielding Right-of-Way: Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, motor vehicles, bicyclists or anyone else who moves into the intersection before you.
6. Turning: Be sure to turn into the same side lane you're turning from (ie: if you start your turn in the left-hand lane, you must turn into the left-hand lane)
7. Passing: Always look ahead and behind to make sure you can safely pass without interfering with other traffic.
8. Following: Make sure not to drive too close! Here's a tip: Pick a reference point and watch the car in front of you pass it, then count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two." If you pass the same spot before you're done counting, you're too close.
9. Posture: Keep both hands on the steering wheel (10 and 2). Don't rest your elbow on the window and avoid trying to have a conversation with the examiner - they're busy giving you instructions.

Lastly, during your driving test, it's highly likely that your examiner will be taking notes. This is nothing to worry about! The examiner may simply be checking off requirements as you complete them. Keep your eyes on the road and not on your examiner, and you'll do just fine.

What happens after the Georgia driving test?

Congratulations on completing your driving test! Regardless of the result, you should be proud for going through the test.

If you passed, you will be given a temporary license. It will serve as your license to drive until your actual laminated one comes in the mail.

When you are driving with an experienced driver or a professional, it feels a lot safer knowing that they are there to provide support and quick decision making, but once you are driving on your own, there are precautions you must take. Not all drivers will be able to read your mind, which is why you should always drive defensively. You are responsible for your passengers, so remind everyone in your vehicle to buckle up. Be a diligent driver and play your part in ensuring that the roads are safe for other drivers.

If you failed your GA DMV driving test, don't worry! Most people usually pass on their second try, and it gives you another opportunity to learn and try again. Call your instructor to find out where you went wrong. This will provide benchmarks to help you adapt and test again. In Georgia, depending on the portion of your test that you failed, the time periods can vary. Knowledge exams or road skills tests can be retested within one day. For the road skills retest, you will have to wait for 30 days.

Each time, make sure you have a licensed driver and car for your road test. In the meantime, keep practicing and reschedule your road test when you feel ready. 🙂 Now, enjoy this video with Skip concierge driver Suzanne as she explains what you need to know to pass your Georgia road test.