Georgia Permit Practice Test 2026: In The Vehicle

Basic Vehicle Controls Explained

Start with the controls you touch every trip. The written exam and road test both assume you can name them and use them correctly, even if you’re nervous.

Steering is more than turning the wheel. It’s holding a steady lane, making smooth corrections, and keeping both hands ready. In metro Atlanta, quick lane changes happen around you, but the test is looking for calm, predictable steering. Smooth wins.

Braking is similar. You should know how to stop gradually, how to brake sooner in rain, and why following distance matters. Georgia storms can dump rain fast, especially near Savannah and along I-16, so you’ll want to avoid hard braking that can lead to skids.

Acceleration is about control, not speed. You should be able to enter traffic without creeping, but also avoid flooring it. On the practice written driving test georgia students take, questions often hint at “safe and steady” rather than “fast.”

Gear selector questions are common, especially for automatic transmissions:

• Park is for standing still and securing the vehicle.
• Reverse is only after a full stop.
• Neutral is not a coasting mode for driving downhill.
  This one trips people up.

Also know your parking brake. It’s not just for steep hills in Athens or hilly driveways in Roswell. It’s a backup safety step.

Short question.
Big points.

---

Dashboard Warning Lights and Indicators

Dashboard symbols are easy to ignore until one lights up during a test drive. The DDS wants you to recognize the important ones and respond safely.

The engine warning light, often shaped like an engine, means something needs attention. It might be minor, but you should not assume it’s fine. If the car is running rough or you notice odd smells, you should pull over when safe and tell the supervising driver.

Brake alerts matter even more. If you see the brake warning light, it could mean the parking brake is still on, brake fluid is low, or there’s a brake system issue. On a test, the safe choice is to stop driving and get help. “Keep going carefully” is usually the wrong answer.

Temperature gauges and overheating warnings show risk to the engine. If the temperature climbs into the red, you should pull over safely, turn off the engine, and get assistance. Don’t open a hot radiator cap. That’s a classic safety question.

Know your turn signal indicators too. They seem basic. They aren’t. Leaving a blinker on can confuse other drivers, especially on busy multi-lane roads like I-20 near Augusta or I-285 around Sandy Springs.

A few other indicators show up in practice questions:

• Low tire pressure light means check tires soon, not next month.
• Battery light can indicate a charging system problem.
• High beam indicator reminds you not to blind others at night.
  This one trips people up.

Read carefully.
“May” vs “must” is sneaky.

---

Required Safety Equipment in Georgia

Georgia expects your vehicle to have working safety equipment, and the test expects you to know what it is and how to use it. Some questions are about law. Others are about smart habits.

Seat belts are required. Drivers and passengers must use them, and on the exam the safest answer is almost always to buckle up before shifting into gear. No exceptions for short trips. Even in a quiet Johns Creek subdivision.

Mirrors matter for visibility and lane control. You should know you have a rearview mirror and side mirrors, and that they should be adjusted before you start moving. If you’re sharing the car with family, check them every time. It takes five seconds.

Lighting requirements are a big deal in Georgia. Headlights must be used from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and also when visibility is low. Here’s the part many people miss: if your wipers are on because of rain, your headlights should be on too. That comes up a lot.

Your car should also have working brake lights and turn signals. On the road test, an examiner may check them. On the written test, you may get a scenario question about being seen.

And remember Georgia’s Hands-Free law. You cannot hold or support a phone while driving. Even at a red light. Use hands-free options or wait until you’re parked.

Stay ready.
Safety first.