Booking Your Georgia Road Test: A Guide to DDS Appointments and Third-Party Testers

You've passed your Knowledge Exam, completed your Joshua's Law requirements, and held your permit for a year and a day. The final step to earning your Georgia driver's license is scheduling and passing the Road Skills Test.

In Georgia, you cannot simply show up at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) Customer Service Center to take your road test; an appointment is required. This guide will walk you through the process of booking your test, explaining your two main options: the state's online system or a certified third-party tester.

Before You Schedule: Confirm Your Eligibility

Don't jump the gun on scheduling. Make sure you meet all the state's requirements first. For most teen drivers, this means you must:

Be 16 or 17 years old.
Have held your Instructional Permit (Class CP) for at least one year and one day. [2, 3]
Have completed all Joshua's Law requirements (30-hour course and 40 hours of supervised driving). [1]
Have had no major traffic violations that would reset your permit holding period.

Option 1: Scheduling a Test with the Georgia DDS

This is the traditional route for taking your driving test. All appointments are handled through the DDS's online portal.

How to Schedule Online with the DDS:

Navigate to the Official DDS Website: Go to the official Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov.
Select "Schedule a Road Test Appointment": Find the appointment scheduler on the website's main page or under the "Licenses & Permits" section.
Enter Your Information: You will need to enter your personal information to locate your record. Be sure to have your permit number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready.
Choose Your Service and Location:
- Service: Select "Class D" or "Class C" Road Test, depending on your age and what you are applying for.
- Location: The system will show you a list of DDS Customer Service Centers that offer road tests. Select the one most convenient for you.
Find a Date and Time: The portal will display a calendar with available appointment slots.
- Be Prepared to Wait: DDS appointments, especially in metro Atlanta, are often booked up for weeks or even months in advance. This is the biggest challenge of scheduling through the DDS.

Pros and Cons of Using the DDS:

Pro: Cost-Effective. There is no additional fee for the test itself, beyond your standard licensing fees.
Con: Long Wait Times. This is the biggest drawback. You must plan far ahead to get an appointment.
Con: Limited Flexibility. DDS centers operate on standard business hours, with no weekend or evening appointments.
Con: You Must Provide Your Own Vehicle. You must bring a safe, registered, and insured vehicle for the test.

Option 2: Scheduling with a Certified Third-Party Tester

A much more convenient, though more expensive, option is to take your road test with a state-approved third-party testing program. These are typically private driving schools authorized by the DDS to administer the official state road test.

How it Works:

Find an Approved School: The Georgia DDS website maintains a list of all certified "Third-Party Test" providers.
Contact the School Directly: You will schedule your appointment directly with the driving school, either through their website or by calling them.

Pros and Cons of Using a Third-Party Tester:

Pro: Excellent Availability. This is the number one reason people choose this option. Third-party testers often have appointments available within days, not months.
Pro: Flexible Scheduling. Many offer appointments on weekends and in the evenings to accommodate school and work schedules.
Pro: Use Their Vehicle. Most schools allow you to use one of their driver training vehicles for the test. This can reduce stress, as their cars are guaranteed to meet all DDS safety requirements and are familiar to students who took lessons there.
Pro: Familiar Environment. Testing with an instructor you know at a location you've driven from before can be less intimidating than a busy DDS center.
Con: Additional Cost. This is the main trade-off. You will pay the driving school a separate fee for their service (often $75-$150+) in addition to the licensing fees you'll still have to pay at the DDS when you go to get your physical license.

Which Option is Right for You?

If cost is your primary concern and you can plan several months in advance, scheduling with the DDS is a good choice.
If speed, convenience, and flexibility are your priorities, and you're willing to pay an extra fee to get your license much sooner, a third-party tester is likely your best bet.

Regardless of which path you choose, securing your appointment is the final gate to pass through on your way to earning your Georgia driver's license.