Joshua's Law in Georgia: Turning Teens into Jedi Masters of the Road (Not Literally, But You Get the Idea)
Ah, teenagers. Those delightful bundles of energy with a newfound desire for independence (and a questionable grasp of parallel parking). If you live in Georgia and have a teenager itching to get behind the wheel, then you've likely heard of Joshua's Law. But fear not, weary parent! This isn't some ancient text requiring teenagers to decipher cryptic driving runes. It's actually a law aimed at making sure your teenager graduates from learner to licensed driver with some actual skills under their belt (and hopefully avoids any roadside mishaps along the way).
 |
| What is Joshua's Law Georgia |
Buckle Up, Buttercup: The Basics of Joshua's Law
In a nutshell, Joshua's Law requires teens aged 16 or 17 who want a driver's license to:
- Complete a driver education course: Think of it as Hogwarts for driving, but with fewer owls (and hopefully no Dementors on the road). This course will equip your teen with the knowledge they need to navigate the sometimes-bizarre world of traffic laws and avoid becoming a meme on dashcam compilations.
- Log some serious driving time: We're talking a minimum of 40 hours of supervised driving, with at least 6 of those hours happening at night. Those late-night pizza runs just got a whole lot more educational (and possibly a little less greasy).
- Get a sworn statement from a parent or guardian: Basically, you're vouching that your teenager isn't a complete menace behind the wheel. No pressure!
The goal? To make sure teenagers have the experience and knowledge they need to be safe drivers. Because let's face it, sharing the road with inexperienced drivers can be an adventure, and not always a pleasant one.
Joshua's Law: Not Just for 16-Year- Olds Anymore!
As of July 1, 2021, Joshua's Law applies to 17-year-olds as well. Now, before you start panicking about the extra year of chauffeuring duties, there is a silver lining for those teens with a hankering for independence (and a strong sense of direction). If your 17-year-old decides to enlist in the military, they can bypass the Class D license requirement and get a full driver's license with proof of enlistment. Just another reason to thank our brave service members, right?
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
How to get a driver's education course approved by Joshua's Law?
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) has a list of approved courses. Check out their website for details [DDS Georgia Driver's Ed].
How long does the driver education course take?
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
The classroom portion is typically around 30 hours.
 |
How do I log my teen's driving hours?
While there's no official form required, it's a good idea to keep a record of your teen's driving time, including the date, time, location, and distance driven.
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
Can my teen take driver's ed online?
Yes, there are DDS-approved online courses available.
I'm not a fan of parallel parking. Do I have to teach my teen?
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
Deep breaths! While parallel parking is a valuable skill, it's not the only thing tested on the driving exam. Focus on the basics of safe driving and your teen will thank you (and maybe avoid some parking lot rage in the future).
So there you have it! Joshua's Law in Georgia, explained with a dash of humor (and hopefully a whole lot less stress). Remember, the goal is to raise a generation of safe and responsible drivers. Now get out there and practice those turns (parallel or otherwise)!
 |
