The Ultimate Georgia Road Test Checklist: Pass Your DDS Test with Confidence

The day of your Georgia Road Skills Test is the final hurdle between you and the freedom of a provisional or full driver's license. It's completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. The most effective way to calm those nerves is to be thoroughly prepared. Arriving at the DDS Customer Service Center or third-party testing site knowing that your paperwork is perfect and your vehicle is ready will allow you to focus on one thing: driving safely.

This ultimate checklist will guide you through everything you need to have and know before your appointment. Consider this your pre-drive inspection for a passing score.

Part 1: Your Document Checklist

Before you even get in the car, the DDS examiner will verify your documents. If anything is missing or incorrect, your test will be canceled on the spot, and you will have to reschedule.

For All Test-Takers:

Your Valid Instructional Permit (Class CP): You must present your current, unexpired permit.
Proof of Vehicle Registration: You need the current, valid registration certificate for the vehicle you will be using.
Proof of Insurance: You must have a current, valid insurance card that shows liability coverage for the test vehicle.
Appointment Confirmation: Have your road test appointment confirmation number or email handy.
A Licensed Driver (21 or older): You must be accompanied to the test site by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.

Additional Documents for Applicants Under 18:

Joshua's Law Completion Certificate: You must present your certificate of completion for the required 30-hour driver education course.
ADAP or eADAP Certificate: You must provide your Certificate of Completion for the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP).
Parental Affidavit: A parent or legal guardian must be present to sign an affidavit certifying that you have completed at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including 6 hours at night.
Georgia Certificate of School Enrollment (DS-1): This form must be signed and dated by your school within the last 30 days.

Part 2: Your Vehicle Checklist

The vehicle you bring for your road test must be safe, street-legal, and in good working order. The examiner will conduct a vehicle inspection before the test begins. If the vehicle fails this safety check, your test will be postponed.

Essential Vehicle Requirements:

Brakes: Both the foot brake and the parking brake must be fully functional.
Lights: The examiner will ask you to demonstrate that all lights work correctly. This includes:
- Headlights (both high and low beams)
- Brake lights (all of them)
- Taillights
- Turn signals (front and back, left and right)
- Hazard lights (four-way flashers)
Horn: The horn must be in working order.
Tires: Tires must have sufficient tread and be properly inflated.
Windshield and Wipers: The windshield must be clean and free of cracks that obstruct your view. The windshield wipers must also be functional.
Mirrors: The vehicle must have a rearview mirror and both a driver's side and passenger's side mirror that are properly adjusted and intact.
Doors: Both the driver and front passenger doors must open and close properly from both the inside and the outside.
Seat Belts: There must be working seat belts for both you and the examiner.
License Plates: The vehicle must have a valid, current license plate.
Clean Interior: The passenger compartment must be clean and free of any debris or clutter that could be a safety hazard or interfere with the examiner.

Part 3: The Driving Skills You'll Be Tested On

The Georgia Road Skills Test is a comprehensive evaluation of your ability to safely control a vehicle and follow traffic laws. The examiner will give you clear instructions and will be scoring you on a variety of maneuvers.

Key Maneuvers and Skills to Master:

Vehicle Control: Smoothly starting, stopping, accelerating, and braking.
Observation: Consistently using your mirrors, scanning intersections, and looking over your shoulder to check your blind spots before turning or changing lanes.
Following the Rules: Obeying all speed limits, traffic signs, and signals.
Turns: Signaling your intentions in advance, approaching in the correct lane, and turning into the correct lane without swinging wide or cutting a corner.
Backing Up: You will be required to back the vehicle up in a straight line.
Stopping: Making complete stops behind the white limit line or crosswalk.
Parallel Parking: This is a required element of the Georgia road test. You must be able to park the car within a designated space without hitting the cones or curb. Practice is absolutely essential for this skill.
Turnabout (Three-Point Turn): You will be required to perform a three-point turn to reverse your direction in a narrow space.
Quick Stop: You will be asked to demonstrate the ability to make a quick, safe stop when instructed.
Lane Management: Staying centered in your lane and not drifting.
Judgment: Maintaining a safe following distance (at least a two-second gap) and yielding the right-of-way correctly to other vehicles and pedestrians.

By using this checklist, you can arrive at your road test appointment with the confidence that comes from being fully prepared. All that's left is to take a deep breath, listen carefully to your examiner, and show them the safe, skilled driver you've become.