Prospective Georgia drivers would have to pay to take driver's license examinations under legislation that the state Department of Driver Services hopes will increase the dismal pass rate on the written tests.

Only 58 percent of the 488,950 driver's exams taken in fiscal 2007 were passing, according to the department. Because many applicants end up taking the test more than once, it strains the department and clogs lines for prepared applicants, said public information officer Susan Sports.

Many applicants don't study and are simply trying their luck, she said.

Ricardo Lewis is not one of them.

Mr. Lewis decided to wait until Tuesday to finally get his driver's license. The 23-year-old Augustan, who was the lone test-taker Tuesday afternoon at the Department of Driver Services on Mike Padgett Highway, said he has been studying the manual for the past three days but had trouble with a few questions.

He said he didn't think a $10 charge for taking the test would be unreasonable.

"People waste $10 every day on unnecessary stuff, and you've got to have this to drive or go to jail or get a ticket," Mr. Lewis said.

The legislation, House Bill 1111, introduced by Rep. Johnny Floyd, R-Cordele, would implement an upfront fee for the department's written tests.

Applicants now have to pay $10 for a license after passing the knowledge test, Ms. Sports said. People who flunk don't pay anything.

Under the bill, an aspiring drivers would pay the $10 upfront. If the person passes, the department would consider the money payment for a license. The department would keep the money from someone who fails.

The upfront fee would apply for all knowledge tests, including commercial and motorcycle licenses, Ms. Sports said.

The bill has passed the House and is in the Senate Public Safety Committee.