Georgia Road Test Checklist: What to Bring, What to Expect, and How to Prepare
Georgia Road Test Checklist: What to Bring, What to Expect, and How to Prepare
Getting your driver's license is a big milestone. But before you hit the road on your own, you’ll need to pass the Georgia road test. If you’re feeling nervous—don’t worry. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can walk into your test with confidence and walk out with your license.
At Kennesaw Driving School, we’ve helped hundreds of new drivers in Kennesaw, Canton, and all across Georgia pass their driving test on the first try. This ultimate road test checklist includes:
What documents to bring
Vehicle requirements
How the test works
Common reasons people fail
How to practice effectively
What examiners look for
Tips to calm your nerves
And more
Let’s get you ready to pass the Georgia road test with flying colors.
Section 1: Understanding the Georgia Road Test Requirements
Before we dive into the checklist, it’s important to understand the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) requirements for the road test.
Who Needs to Take the Road Test?
You’ll need to take the road test if:
You’re a teen applying for your first Class D or Class C driver’s license.
You’re an adult (18+) who has never been licensed before.
Your license has expired for more than two years.
You’ve moved to Georgia from another country (not state) and your license is not transferable.
Joshua’s Law Requirements (For Teens Under 18):
If you're under 18, Georgia law requires that you complete:
30 hours of classroom instruction (in-person or online)
6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor
40 hours of supervised driving (6 of those hours at night)
You’ll also need to hold your learner’s permit for at least 1 year and 1 day before taking the test.
Section 2: Road Test Checklist – What to Bring
One of the easiest ways to get turned away on test day is by forgetting your documents. Make sure you have everything from this list:
✅ Required Documents:
Learner’s Permit (Valid and Not Expired)
Must be held for at least 1 year and 1 day (if under 18).
Certificate of Completion (Driver’s Ed)
Required under Joshua’s Law for teens.
Certificate of School Enrollment (DS-1 Form)
If you're under 18, this must be signed by your school and dated within the last 30 days.
Parent/Guardian Consent Form
For drivers under 18.
40-Hour Driving Log
Must include 6 hours of nighttime driving. Can be a paper log or printed from an app.
Proof of Insurance & Registration
For the vehicle being used in the test.
Valid Georgia ID (If Required)
Some testers may be asked for identity verification.
💡 Pro Tip: Make a folder with all your documents the night before your test. Check everything twice.
Section 3: Vehicle Requirements for the Test
DDS does not provide a vehicle for your road test. You must bring your own, and it must meet specific safety standards.
✅ Vehicle Checklist:
✅ Registered in Georgia or another U.S. state
✅ Valid license plate with up-to-date registration sticker
✅ Proof of valid auto insurance
✅ No warning lights (like check engine or ABS)
✅ Working headlights, brake lights, and turn signals
✅ Functioning horn
✅ Windshield wipers and defroster must work
✅ Tires with adequate tread
✅ Driver-side window must roll down
✅ Driver and front passenger seatbelts must work
✅ No excessive damage or safety issues
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive 20 minutes early to inspect your vehicle one last time.
Section 4: What to Expect During the Road Test
1. Pre-Drive Checklist
Before you even start driving, your examiner will ask you to demonstrate basic vehicle knowledge:
Turn on headlights and hazard lights
Activate turn signals
Demonstrate use of windshield wipers
Honk the horn
Show how to use the defroster
2. Basic Maneuvers (Closed Course or Parking Lot)
Most DDS locations start in a parking lot where you’ll be asked to:
Parallel park
Back up in a straight line
Complete a three-point turn
Park in a space and exit safely
3. Road Test (On Public Roads)
You’ll then be taken on a short drive, usually 10–15 minutes. The examiner will evaluate:
Obeying speed limits
Using turn signals properly
Checking mirrors and blind spots
Yielding and merging
Coming to complete stops at stop signs
Maintaining safe following distances
💡 Pro Tip: Examiners are not trying to trick you—they want to see that you can safely operate a vehicle and follow the rules of the road.
Section 5: What Examiners Look For
Here's what DDS examiners focus on during the test:
Smooth acceleration and braking
Proper use of mirrors and blind spots
Correct positioning in lanes
Using signals at the right time
Staying within the speed limit (not too fast, not too slow)
Confidence behind the wheel
Awareness of pedestrians and other drivers
Section 6: Top Reasons People Fail the Road Test (And How to Avoid Them)
Avoid these common mistakes:
❌ Rolling stops at stop signs
❌ Forgetting to check mirrors and blind spots
❌ Driving too slowly or hesitating excessively
❌ Not signaling before turns or lane changes
❌ Hitting the curb while parking
❌ Not obeying traffic signs or signals
❌ Improper lane changes
💡 Fix It Tip: Practice each of these skills repeatedly in a quiet area before test day.
Section 7: How to Practice Effectively
The key to passing is consistent practice. Here's a sample weekly practice plan:
Week 1:
Residential driving, turning, stopping, and starting
Week 2:
Lane changes, mirror checks, and highway merging
Week 3:
Parking maneuvers: parallel parking, backing up, three-point turns
Week 4:
Simulated driving test with a parent or instructor
💡 Use apps like Aceable or RoadReady to log your hours and track progress.
Section 8: Tips for Test Day
Get a good night’s sleep the night before.
Eat a light breakfast.
Review your checklist.
Wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes.
Don’t overthink it—treat it like another practice drive.
Take deep breaths to calm your nerves.
Focus on safety, not perfection.
Section 9: What Happens After the Test
If you pass:
You’ll receive a temporary license on the spot.
Your permanent license will be mailed in a few weeks.
If you don’t pass:
The examiner will explain what went wrong.
You must wait at least 7 days before retesting.
💡 Don’t be discouraged! Most people pass on their second try if they learn from their mistakes.
Section 10: Why Take Your Road Test Prep at Kennesaw Driving School
At Kennesaw Driving School, we offer:
✅ One-on-one road test prep
✅ Mock tests with certified instructors
✅ Parallel parking bootcamps
✅ Supportive coaching to help you stay calm and focused
✅ Vehicles available for testing (if needed)
We're committed to helping drivers in Kennesaw, Canton, and surrounding Georgia communities pass their driving test confidently and safely.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
The Georgia road test may feel intimidating, but with the right preparation, it’s completely doable. Use this checklist as your go-to resource to make sure you have everything you need.
✅ Bring your documents
✅ Make sure your car is ready
✅ Practice the maneuvers
✅ Stay calm and focused
✅ Learn from every drive
Ready to pass your test? Contact Kennesaw Driving School today to schedule your road test prep lessons and take the final step toward becoming a licensed driver in Georgia.
