Keith Mack
Joshua's Law, which came into effect in Georgia in 2007, applies to 16 and 17-year-olds who want to get their driver's license. The law was passed to ensure that teens educate themselves and gain experience before driving. It requires teens to take an accredited driver's education course or wait until they turn 17 to get their license. The law has reportedly saved thousands of young lives.
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What You'll Learn
Joshua's Law requirements
Joshua's Law, or Senate Bill 226, is a law in the state of Georgia that outlines the requirements for teenagers under 18 to obtain a driver's license. The law has been in effect for 16-year-olds since January 1, 2007, and as of July 1, 2021, 17-year-olds must also meet these requirements.
To obtain a Class D driver's license, 16 and 17-year-olds must complete an approved driver education course. This can be done through a certified private or public driver training school, or through an online virtual program. The DDS-approved courses are offered by various high schools and private driving schools, with prices starting at around $250. Online virtual programs are typically lower in cost.
In addition to the driver education course, teenagers must also complete 40 hours of supervised driving, with a parent or guardian, 6 of which must be at night. A driving log is not required for this supervised driving, but a parent or guardian must attest to the completion of this training when applying for the license.
There are a few exemptions to Joshua's Law. Seventeen-year-olds enrolled in the U.S. military are eligible for a Class C driver's license without the need to hold a Class D license for a year. Proof of military enlistment is required. Additionally, all teens must hold a learner's permit for 1 year and 1 day before being issued a Class D license, and a learner's permit is required for behind-the-wheel training.
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Driving course options
Joshua's Law, named after 17-year-old Joshua Robert Brown from Cartersville, Georgia, was passed to ensure that teens educate themselves and gain experience before driving. The law has been in effect for teens under 17 since January 1, 2007, and as of 2021, it also includes 17-year-olds.
Online courses
Joshua's Law requires 16 and 17-year-olds to complete a 30-hour knowledge course, which can be taken online. Aceable is one provider of this course, which can be taken at an affordable rate.
Parent-taught courses
Alternatively, Joshua's Law permits parent-taught instruction. This includes 40 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian, and a further 30 hours of online instruction with a certified virtual program. A parent or guardian must also be present when applying for the license.
Driving schools
Various high schools and private driving schools offer DDS-approved driver education courses, which generally start at around $250. Most will offer both classroom sessions and driving lessons.
It is important to note that 17-year-olds enrolled in the U.S. military are exempt from Joshua's Law and can obtain their driver's licenses without observing the waiting period.
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Behind-the-wheel training
Joshua's Law, also known as Senate Bill 226, was established to ensure that teens educate themselves and gain experience before driving. The law applies to 16 and 17-year-olds in Georgia who want to obtain a Class C or Class D driver's license.
Parent-taught behind-the-wheel training:
Joshua's Law allows for 40 hours of parent-taught behind-the-wheel training. This option provides flexibility for families who prefer to guide their teens through the initial stages of driving. A dedicated Parent/Teen Driving Guide is provided to ensure structure and cover all the necessary skills. During these 40 hours, a parent or guardian must be present in the vehicle at all times, offering guidance and ensuring their teen's safety. This option empowers parents to play an active role in their child's driving education.
Certified driving schools:
Another option for behind-the-wheel training is enrolling in a certified driving school. These schools offer professional instruction and provide the necessary hours of practice. While prices may vary, they generally start at around \$250. Certified driving schools are an excellent choice for teens who benefit from structured learning environments and experienced instructors. These schools are well-equipped to teach teens the skills they need to become safe and confident drivers.
Military service exemption:
It's important to note that there is an exemption from Joshua's Law for 17-year-olds enrolled in the U.S. military. These individuals can obtain their driver's licenses upon completing the law's requirements without observing the waiting period. This exemption recognises the unique circumstances and responsibilities of those serving in the military.
Joshua's Law prioritises the safety of teen drivers in Georgia. By mandating behind-the-wheel training, the law ensures that teens gain practical experience and become more aware of their responsibilities on the road. Whether through parent-taught methods or certified driving schools, the behind-the-wheel training component of Joshua's Law plays a pivotal role in shaping safer and more skilled young drivers.
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License application process
Joshua's Law, or Senate Bill 226, is a law in the state of Georgia that requires 16 and 17-year-olds to complete specific requirements before obtaining a Georgia driver's license. The law is named after Joshua Brown, a high school student who died in a car crash in 2003.
To comply with Joshua's Law and be eligible for a Class D Provisional License, 16 and 17-year-olds must complete the following:
- 30 hours of driver education: This can be completed through an online virtual program or a DDS-approved driver education course offered by various high schools and private driving schools. The cost of these courses typically starts at $250.
- 40 hours of supervised driving: This can be completed with a parent, legal guardian, or a licensed instructor from a driver training school. The Parent/Teen Driving Guide provides a structured approach to help parents teach their teens safe driving practices.
- 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training at a certified school: This is in addition to the 40 hours of supervised driving.
Once the above requirements are met, individuals can apply for their license by following these steps:
- Obtain a Certificate of Completion: After completing the 30-hour driver education course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion within 1-2 business days. This certificate can typically be accessed through your course dashboard.
- Gather required forms and paperwork: Print your Certificate of Completion and gather any other necessary forms, such as the Verification of Enrollment in Military Service Form (DS-517) if applicable.
- Visit the driver's licensing office: Bring your completed Certificate of Completion and other required forms to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office when applying for your license. A parent or guardian must accompany the applicant during this process.
- Submit the application: Submit your license application, including any necessary forms and documentation, to the DDS.
- Complete the behind-the-wheel training requirements: While not mandatory before submitting the application, individuals must complete the remaining behind-the-wheel training hours to obtain their license fully. This includes the additional 6 hours of training at a certified school and the remaining hours of the 40 hours of supervised driving.
- Obtain your license: Once all requirements are met, including the behind-the-wheel training hours, individuals will be eligible to receive their Class D Provisional License. This license comes with restrictions on when and with whom the driver can operate a vehicle. At the age of 18, individuals can apply for a Class C Full License without these restrictions.
It is important to note that 17-year-olds enrolled in the U.S. military are exempt from the waiting period and can obtain their driver's license upon completing Joshua's Law requirements. Additionally, all teens must hold a learner's permit for 1 year and 1 day before being issued a Class D license.
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Law's impact and purpose
Joshua's Law, also known as Senate Bill 226, is a law in the state of Georgia that imposes specific requirements on teenagers seeking a driver's license. The law was named after Joshua Robert Brown, a 17-year-old from Cartersville, Georgia, who tragically lost his life in a car accident. The law aims to ensure that teen drivers educate themselves and gain sufficient experience before getting behind the wheel.
Prior to the revision of the law in 2021, Joshua's Law applied only to 16-year-olds. As of July 1, 2021, the law was expanded to include 17-year-olds as well. This change was implemented to enhance the safety of even more teenage drivers on the road.
The primary purpose of Joshua's Law is to enhance the safety of teenage drivers and reduce the number of road accidents involving young and inexperienced drivers. According to sources, the law has successfully saved thousands of young lives each year, highlighting its positive impact on road safety in Georgia.
To obtain a Class C or Class D driver's license at the age of 16 or 17, individuals must fulfil certain requirements under Joshua's Law. These requirements include completing an accredited driver's education course, holding an instructional permit for at least one year and one day, and undergoing extensive behind-the-wheel training. The behind-the-wheel training can be parent-taught or completed at a certified driving school, ensuring teens gain practical experience under supervision.
Additionally, Joshua's Law offers an exemption for military service members. Seventeen-year-olds enrolled in the U.S. military can obtain their driver's licenses upon fulfilling the law's requirements without needing to observe the waiting period. This exemption recognises the unique circumstances and responsibilities of teenagers serving in the military.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Joshua's Law applies to teens under 17 who are seeking to obtain a driver's license. It was revised in 2021 to include 17-year-olds as well.
To obtain a Class C or D driver's license at 16, individuals must complete an accredited driver's education course or wait until they are 17. This includes 40 hours of parent-taught behind-the-wheel training, 30 hours of online instruction, and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training at a certified school.
Joshua's Law was passed to ensure that teen drivers educate themselves and gain experience before driving. It is named after Joshua Robert Brown, a 17-year-old from Georgia who hydroplaned into a tree.
No, individuals who are 18 or older are not required to fulfill the Joshua's Law requirements.
Yes, there is an exemption for military service members. Seventeen-year-olds enrolled in the U.S. military can obtain their driver's licenses upon completing Joshua's Law requirements without observing the waiting period.
