Georgia Teen Drivers License & Joshua's Law Requirements

What is Joshua's Law in Georgia?

Joshua's Law is a Georgia state law requiring all teen drivers to complete a state-approved driver education course before obtaining their provisional license. Named after Joshua Brown, a teenager who died in a car accident, this law aims to reduce teen driving fatalities through comprehensive education and supervised practice.

This mandatory course covers essential topics including traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, the dangers of impaired and distracted driving, and Georgia-specific regulations that every teen driver must understand.

Complete Joshua's Law Requirements

To comply with Joshua's Law and obtain your provisional license, Georgia teen drivers must fulfill these specific requirements:

1. Driver Education Course (30 Hours)

• Complete a state-approved 30-hour driver education course
• Course must be taken from a certified driving school
• Online and in-person options are available
• Receive certificate of completion
• Course covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, and Georgia regulations

2. Learner's Permit Requirements

• Must hold your learner's permit for at least 1 year and 1 day
• No violations or suspensions during permit period
• Pass vision screening and knowledge test initially
• Provide proper documentation and pay fees

3. Supervised Driving Practice

• Complete minimum of 40 hours of supervised driving practice
• At least 6 hours must be nighttime driving
• Supervision by licensed driver 21+ with valid license
• Keep detailed driving log with dates, times, and conditions
• Practice various driving scenarios and road conditions

Georgia Teen Driver Age Requirements

Georgia has specific age-based requirements for teen drivers that determine when you can obtain each type of license:

Provisional License Restrictions

Once you obtain your provisional license after completing Joshua's Law requirements, certain restrictions apply to ensure continued safe driving practices:

Passenger Restrictions

• First 6 months: No passengers under 21 (except family members)
• Second 6 months: Only one passenger under 21 allowed
• Family members are always permitted as passengers
• Violations can result in license suspension

Driving Time Restrictions

• No driving between midnight and 6:00 AM
• Exceptions for work, school activities, or emergencies
• Must carry documentation for exception activities
• Restrictions lift at age 18 with clean driving record

Taking Your Road Test

After completing all Joshua's Law requirements, you'll need to pass the road skills test to receive your provisional license. Here's what to expect:

Pre-Test Requirements

• Valid learner's permit held for required period
• Joshua's Law course completion certificate
• Completed 40-hour driving practice log
• Properly registered and insured vehicle for test
• Supervising adult (parent/guardian) present

Road Test Components

• Vehicle safety inspection (lights, signals, mirrors)
• Basic maneuvers (parking, backing, three-point turn)
• Traffic navigation and rule compliance
• Defensive driving demonstration
• Emergency procedures understanding

Teen Driver License Costs

Understanding the total costs associated with obtaining your teen driver's license helps families budget appropriately:

Additional costs may include practice driving lessons, vehicle insurance increases, and potential retesting fees. For complete fee information, visit our detailed costs page.

Required Documentation

Gather these essential documents before visiting the DDS office for your teen driver's license:

Identity and Age Verification

• Certified birth certificate or valid passport
• Social Security card or W-2 form
• School enrollment verification (if under 18)

Georgia Residency Proof

• Two documents showing Georgia address
• Utility bills, bank statements, or lease agreements
• Parent/guardian documents if teen doesn't have bills

Joshua's Law Compliance

• 30-hour driver education course completion certificate
• 40-hour supervised driving practice log
• Current learner's permit
• Parent/guardian consent and presence

Tips for Teen Driver Success

Follow these recommendations to successfully navigate Georgia's teen driver requirements and become a safe, confident driver:

During Your Learner's Permit Phase

• Practice driving in various conditions (day, night, rain, highways)
• Keep a detailed log of all practice hours
• Focus on developing good habits early
• Take professional driving lessons if needed
• Study the Georgia Driver's Manual thoroughly

Choosing a Driver Education Course

• Verify the course is state-approved for Joshua's Law
• Compare online vs. classroom options
• Read reviews and ask for recommendations
• Ensure completion certificate is provided
• Confirm course covers all required topics

Preparing for Your Road Test

• Practice with the vehicle you'll use for testing
• Review parallel parking and three-point turns
• Get familiar with the testing route if possible
• Ensure vehicle has valid registration and insurance
• Arrive early and bring all required documents