Joshua’s Legislation in Georgia for Juvenile Drivers |  What you might want to know

The bill is named for Joshua Brown, a high school student who suffered fatal injuries after an aquaplaning accident in 2003.

ATLANTA – During the last legislative term, House Bill 466 was passed. Several changes are being made that will affect thousands of new teenage drivers in Georgia.

From July 1, the state will require driver training for 15, 16 and now 17 year olds.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Joshua’s Law Training consists of 30 hours of face-to-face or online classes and six hours of on-the-road training.
  • Under Georgia law, teens who wait until the age of 17 to apply for a license must not complete 30 hours of class or online work.
  • A class D driver’s license is only issued to people under the age of 18 after completing their training.
  • The DDS-recognized driver training courses are offered by various high schools and private driving schools. To find certified driving schools in Georgia, click here.

What courses can you take to fulfill the law of Joshua:

  • Method 1: 30 hours of tuition, plus 6 hours of driver training, plus completion of the Parent Teen Driving Guide (includes 40 hours of supervised driving with a parent or legal guardian)
  • Method 2: 30 hours of tuition, plus completion of the Parent Teen Driving Guide (includes 40 hours of supervised driving with a parent or legal guardian)

  • Method 3: online course DDS certified school plus 6 hours of driving training plus 40 hours of supervised driving with a parent or legal guardian.

  • Method 4: online course DDS-approved school plus completion of the Parent Teen Driving Guide (includes 40 hours of supervised driving with a parent or legal guardian)

The bill is named for Joshua Brown, a high school student who suffered fatal injuries after an aquaplaning accident in 2003.

According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, Joshua’s father created the legislation to ensure teens receive quality driver training that saves lives.

At least 15 states do not require any driver training at all.

For full information on youth driver training, click here.