The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is offering several helpful tips and tricks to teens who are looking to earn their driver’s permit. 

To receive a driver’s permit in Georgia, teens must pass a Road Signs and Road Rules test. According to a release by the DDS, one common mistake is thinking that these tests will be easy or obvious to pass. 

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“While the Road Signs section does not typically give applicants trouble, passing the Road Rules portion of the exam is tricker and proven by a 68.02 percent pass rate,” the release said. 

In order to have the best chance of passing the exam, the DDS recommends that teens take the time to study ahead of the test. 

“Data shows that studying for the permit test is crucial for not only obtaining a Permit, but it helps make safer drivers,” DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore said in the release.  “The first step is to study the official Georgia Driver's Manual, which can be found on the DDS website, or it can be downloaded on the free mobile app DDS 2 GO.” 

Teens can also take a practice test on the DDS website at https://online.dds.ga.gov/ddsgeorgiagov/practicetest/index.aspx. 

 According to the release, a few other helpful tips are to:  

Plan ahead. Make sure to bring the necessary documents to the learner’s permit test. A list of these documents can be found at https://dds.georgia.gov/how-do-i-learners-permit. The majority of teens taking the test will need to bring an original birth certificate, proof of school enrollment and residency requirements. The DDS also asks for teens to provide their full social security number, although they do not need to see the social security card.  

Be wary of fake websites and apps claiming to have the “Georgia DMV” test answers or study sheets. Many of these are an attempt to steal personal information or money. Reliable information and practice tests can be found on the official DDS website or mobile app for free. 

Plan to visit at a less crowded day and time. While teens don’t need an appointment to take the test, planning ahead can help provide a shorter wait. According to the release, Tuesday is the business day for service statewide. For a shorter wait, those taking the test are encouraged to visit in the middle of the week and during the middle of the day. 

Applicants under the age of 18 must bring a parent or guardian, responsible adult or authorized driver training instructor with them to sign their license/ID/permit form. The responsible adult must provide paperwork to show their relationship.  

For complete driver testing and issuance information, go to www.dds.georgia.gov or download the free mobile app DDS 2 GO.