Tour Guide Study Manual and Permitting Process
The Tour Service Ordinance was enacted to manage the day to day operations of the tourism industry within the City of Savannah.
Who needs to be permitted as a tour guide?
The Tour Service Ordinance requires that all tour guides be permitted to conduct tours within the Historic District. This is applicable to all individuals driving or operating a tour service vehicle on the streets of Savannah, acting or offering to act as a guide for hire through any part of the City, or serving as an actor during a tour, including but not limited to pedestrians and persons within tour service vehicles.
How do I get a tour guide permit?
To obtain a tour guide permit, an application must be submitted to the Tour Services Coordinator. It is required that the following information also be included with the application:
- All Tour guides that are required to drive must submit a 7 year driver’s history.
- Walking and Step-on tour guides must have a valid picture ID. A driver’s history is not required.
- A physician’s certificate is required for all applicants. DOT physicals are also accepted.
- All applicants are required to have a criminal background check which is conducted by the City of Savannah.
- Applicants must study the "Manual for the Instruction and Licensing of Tour Guides in the City of Savannah" and take the corresponding Tour Guide Test. A passing grade for the test is eighty percent (80%) or greater.
The Tour Services Coordinator will review this information and either grant or refuse the permit.
Where and when can I take the test?
Individuals wishing to take the test should contact the Tourism and Film Services Department at 912-651-2360 to schedule an appointment. Testing hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Tourism and Film Services Department located at 24 Drayton Street, 6th Floor, Suite 630.
Please note that tests administered after 2:00 p.m. will be scored the following business day. A valid phone number will be required in order to notify applicants of the test results the following business day.
What is the best way to study for the test?
The City of Savannah has established high standards for persons conducting tours of our city. Anyone taking the test should be well versed in all chapters of the “Manual for the Instruction and Licensing of Tour Guides in the City of Savannah.”
The test is a series of 100 questions which are all part of the “Manual for the Instruction and Licensing of Tour Guides in the City of Savannah.” The first 80 questions are multiple choice and focus on the material in the 11 chapters of the “Manual for the Instruction and Licensing of Tour Guides in the City of Savannah." Another ten questions are multiple choice, fill in the blank or true and false that cover on the City of Savannah Tour Service Ordinance in Chapter 11 of the manual. The remaining ten questions focus on wards and squares locations which are highlighted in Chapter 12 of the manual.
Please use the attached sample test of 20 questions to assist with your preparation of the test.
How do I renew my permit?
Tour guide permits are in effect for 12 months from the date of issue. When a tour operator renews their permit each year, they will have to pay $10.00 for a background check and $10.00 for the renewal permit. They will not need to take the test again once they have passed the renewal test.
What is the price to become a permitted tour guide?
Listed below are the fees effective January 1, 2007 to become a permitted tour guide within the City of Savannah.
| Tour Guide Study Manual | Available on-line |
| Tour Guide Test | $100.00 |
| Criminal Background Check | $10.00 |
| Permit | $10.00 |
| Permit Renewal | $10.00 |
| Renewal Test | $25.00 |
How can I get a copy of the “Manual for the Instruction and Licensing of Tour Guides in the City of Savannah" so I can study for the test?
The “Manual for the Instruction and Licensing of Tour Guides in the City of Savannah” is now available on-line. If you are planning to apply for a permit to become a tour guide, you will need to use this manual as a study guide. The previous manual will not be distributed or used for testing. All tests will be given which correspond with the “Manual for the Instruction and Licensing of Tour Guides in the City of Savannah”.
However, if you purchased the Tour Guide Study Manual for $50.00 prior to March 1, 2007, the City will provide you with the test that corresponds with this version of the study manual. Applicants will need to bring a copy of their receipt showing that they purchased the older version of the Tour Guide Study Manual when they take the test. They will also need to pay the additional $50.00 to take the test.
Who do I call if I have questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Tourism and Film Services Department at 912-651-2360 or via email at Bridget_Lidy@savannahga.gov.
Tour Guide Sample Test Questions
“Manual for the Instruction and Licensing of Tour Guides in the City of Savannah”
Taxi/Tour Guide/Wrecker/Pedicab Permit Application
Taxi/Tour Guide/Wrecker/Pedicab Physician's Statement
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