What Georgia Teen Drivers Need to Know about Joshua’s Law

When you have a new teen driver, there’s a lot to think about. There’s the issue of finding auto insurance for teens in Georgia, of course, but there are also other things to think about, such as setting new curfews and making sure your teen properly maintains their car. 

And then there’s Joshua’s Law, which every Georgia teen driver (and their parents) should know and understand before getting on the road. 

What exactly is Joshua’s Law and how does it apply to your teen driver?  

What is Joshua’s Law in Georgia? 

Named after Joshua Brown, a 17-year-old from Georgia, who was killed in a single-car accident, Joshua’s Law sets specific requirements for teens under 18 to get their first driver’s license.  

Georgia teens with a learner’s permit must complete an approved driver’s ed knowledge course as well as log a minimum number of hours of supervised driving time and driving instruction, including night driving. 

Where Does Joshua’s Law Come From? 

In 2003, Joshua died in a car accident while driving in the rain. After hydroplaning over a puddle, Joshua lost control of his car, crashed into a tree and was hospitalized for nine days before dying from his injuries. 

Joshua’s parents believed he could have better controlled his car if he had had more driving experience. At the time, Joshua had a driver’s license but had never taken any driver’s ed classes because they weren’t required in Georgia. 

After the accident, Joshua’s father became a tireless advocate for reforming Georgia’s driving laws for teens. By 2005, the state legislature passed a law to ensure that Georgia teen drivers would be better prepared for the road. This law, which took effect in 2007, became known as Joshua’s Law. 

Who Does Joshua’s GA Law Apply To? 

Joshua’s Law applies to all Georgia teen drivers under 18. While the original law applied only to 16-year-olds, the requirements were extended to apply to 17-year-olds as of July 2021. 

Requirements of Georgia Joshua’s Law 

Joshua’s Law sets a roadmap for inexperienced teen drivers to safely and gradually transition from their learner’s permit to a full driver’s license. Once a teen driver has their Georgia learner’s permit, there are four ways to fulfill the requirements of Joshua’s Law: 

1. Method 1 

1. 30 hours of certified classroom instruction 

2. 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training at a certified driving school 

3. 40 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian (6 of the 40 hours must be night driving) 

2. Method 2 

1. 30 hours of certified classroom instruction 

2. 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training taught by a parent or guardian 

3. Method 3 

1. 30 hours of certified online instruction 

2. 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training at a certified driving school 

3. 40 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian (6 of the 40 hours must be night driving) 

4. Method 4 

1. 30 hours of certified online instruction 

2. 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training taught by a parent or guardian 

Once a teen has completed one of the four methods and has had their permit for at least a year and a day, they can apply for a Georgia Class D license. 

What is a Class D License in Georgia? 

Georgia teen drivers who have complied with Joshua’s Law and who have had their permit for more than a year can apply for a Class D license, which is also known as an intermediate license. 

A Class D license allows teens to drive unsupervised but only under the following restrictions: 

• No driving between midnight and 6 AM 
• During the first six months after the license is issued, no passengers in the car 
• During the second six months after the license is issued, no more than one passenger under 21 
• During the third six months after the license is issued, no more than three passengers under 21 

Note that teen drivers will need to carry Georgia auto insurance, no matter what class of license they have. 

Once your teen driver is over 18, they can apply for a Class C license, which is a full Georgia driver’s license. 

Are There Exceptions to Joshua’s Law? 

Almost all Georgia teen drivers must meet Joshua’s Law requirements in order to get an intermediate driver’s license. The one exception is for 17-year-olds who are enlisted in the military. These teens can directly apply for a full Class C license — without needing to hold a permit for at least a year. However, they will still need to fulfill the education and instructional requirements before applying for their license. And, of course, all teen drivers will need to carry minimum liability insurance in Georgia. 

What Counts as an Approved Driver Training School in Georgia? 

Keep in mind that it’s not enough to take your teen to any driver’s school to comply with Joshua’s Law. The course must be offered by an approved driver training school. The good news is that there are plenty of approved options, ranging from high-school courses to fully-virtual online programs. 

While you’re at it, you can always refresh your knowledge with a defensive driving course for adults. Most insurance companies offer discounts for anyone who’s passed a defensive driving course, so it’s a good way to save money on your car insurance in Georgia and help offset the cost of auto insurance for teens in Georgia. 

How Can I Teach My Teen to Drive? 

Joshua’s Law doesn’t require your teen to physically attend a driving school for behind-the-wheel instruction. Two of the law’s options allow parents and guardians to take charge of driving lessons with an online course component. It’s a good alternative when the nearest driving schools are too far or too expensive. 

To help parents best prepare and train their teens to drive, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) published a Parent/Teen Driving Guide that’s free to download.