Does This Driving School Satisfy Joshua’s Law in Georgia? What Parents and Teens Need to Know
Does This Driving School Satisfy Joshua’s Law in Georgia?
If you're preparing for your teen’s driving journey, one question stands out above the rest:
"Does this school satisfy Joshua’s Law?"
And it's a great question—because not all driving schools do.
At Kennesaw Driving School, we talk to parents every week who are confused or overwhelmed by Georgia’s driver’s ed laws. That’s why we created this blog: to give you a complete, clear breakdown of how to fulfill Joshua’s Law, what the requirements are, and how to find a driving school that’s officially certified by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).
Section 1: What Is Joshua’s Law?
Joshua’s Law is a Georgia state law passed in 2005 that made driver's education mandatory for teens applying for a Class D license.
The law was created in memory of Joshua Brown, a high school senior who died in a crash. His parents advocated for safer driver education, leading to a law that now helps save lives across the state.
Section 2: Who Does Joshua’s Law Apply To?
Joshua’s Law applies to any teen under 18 applying for a Class D provisional driver’s license in the state of Georgia.
✅ If You’re a Teen (Under 18) in Georgia:
To get your license, you must:
Be at least 16 years old
Hold your learner’s permit (Class CP) for at least 1 year and 1 day
Complete 30 hours of driver’s education
Complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving with a certified instructor
Complete 40 hours of supervised driving (6 of which must be at night)
Pass the Georgia DDS road test
Section 3: What Are the Joshua’s Law Requirements?
Let’s break it down into each component:
✅ 1. 30 Hours of Driver’s Education (Classroom or Online)
This course must be:
State-approved by the Georgia DDS
Completed in either a classroom setting or online
Focused on topics like defensive driving, traffic laws, accident prevention, etc.
Kennesaw Driving School offers both in-person and online 30-hour options certified by the DDS.
✅ 2. 6 Hours of Behind-the-Wheel Driving Lessons
Must be:
Completed with a DDS-certified driving school
Taught by licensed instructors in dual-controlled vehicles
Focused on skill-building, defensive driving, and road test preparation
You cannot substitute these hours with parent driving. Only certified schools can issue the DDS certificate.
✅ 3. 40 Hours of Supervised Driving with a Parent/Guardian
This includes:
At least 6 hours of nighttime driving
Supervised practice logged in a Georgia DDS-approved form
At Kennesaw Driving School, we provide tracking logs and guidance for parents to help fulfill this requirement correctly.
✅ 4. Passing the Georgia Road Test
You must:
Be at least 16 years old
Bring all completion certificates (30/6 and driving log)
Bring your valid permit, ID, and school enrollment form
Pass both the vehicle safety check and on-the-road skills exam
💡 Pro Tip: We help students schedule their road test and offer test day car rental packages.
Section 4: How Do You Know If a Driving School Satisfies Joshua’s Law?
Not all driving schools are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
✅ 1. Is the School DDS-Certified?
Check the Georgia DDS website for an official list of approved providers:
Georgia DDS Certified Driving Schools Directory
Or ask directly:
"Can you provide a DDS Certificate of Completion for the 30-hour and 6-hour Joshua’s Law requirements?"
Kennesaw Driving School is fully certified and listed on the DDS registry.
✅ 2. Do They Offer the 30/6 Package?
Look for programs that specifically mention:
A 30-hour classroom or online driver education course
6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
Some schools only offer driving lessons—but without the classroom portion, they don’t satisfy Joshua’s Law.
✅ 3. Do They Issue the DDS Completion Certificate?
After completing your 30/6 program, the school must provide a DDS Certificate of Completion that you bring to your road test.
Without this certificate, you cannot get your Class D license.
Section 5: What Happens If You Don’t Complete Joshua’s Law Requirements?
If you're under 18 and skip any part of the Joshua’s Law process:
You will not be issued a Class D license
Your application at the DDS will be rejected
You may need to reschedule your road test
You’ll face delays in earning your full driving privileges
That’s why choosing a fully compliant, certified school from the start is so important.
Section 6: What Sets Kennesaw Driving School Apart?
We’ve helped hundreds of Georgia teens complete Joshua’s Law the right way—with confidence and clarity. Here’s what makes us a top choice:
✅ All-Inclusive Joshua’s Law Packages
30-hour online or classroom course
6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving
Road test preparation
DDS certificate processing included
✅ Local Expertise
We train students in Kennesaw, Canton, and surrounding areas
Our instructors are familiar with local DDS test routes and examiners
✅ Parent & Teen Support
We provide driving logs, progress reports, and practice tips
We walk you through paperwork, testing prep, and requirements
✅ Road Test Day Services
Instructor attends the road test for support
Option to use our DDS-compliant vehicle for testing
Section 7: FAQs About Joshua’s Law and Driving Schools
❓ Can I take the 30-hour course online?
Yes! The Georgia DDS allows certified online providers. We offer both online and in-person options.
❓ Can my parent teach me instead of a driving school?
Parents can help with the 40-hour supervised driving, but the 6-hour professional lessons must be completed with a certified school.
❓ What if I’m over 18—do I still need to complete Joshua’s Law?
No. Joshua’s Law only applies to teens under 18. However, adult learners still benefit from professional instruction.
❓ Can I complete the 30/6 program at different schools?
In some cases, yes. But it’s easier to bundle both components at one school that issues a single certificate (like we do at Kennesaw Driving School).
❓ What if I already have my learner’s permit?
Perfect! That’s when you should begin your 30/6 program so you’ll be ready to test as soon as your 1 year and 1 day holding period is up.
Section 8: What to Do Next – Your Joshua’s Law Checklist
Here’s your step-by-step action plan:
✅ Apply for your Georgia learner’s permit (Class CP)
✅ Enroll in a DDS-approved 30-hour course
✅ Schedule 6 hours of behind-the-wheel lessons
✅ Log 40 hours of supervised practice (6 at night)
✅ Get your DDS certificates from the school
✅ Schedule and pass your road test
✅ Celebrate your Class D license!
💡 Need help with any of this? Call us—we’ll guide you through it.
Final Thoughts: Choose a School That Does It Right the First Time
Joshua’s Law was created to keep Georgia’s teen drivers safe—and it works. But it only works when students choose schools that know what they’re doing and meet all the legal requirements.
At Kennesaw Driving School, we’re proud to offer complete Joshua’s Law programs that are:
Certified by the Georgia DDS
Supported by experienced instructors
Designed for real-world driving success
We’ll help your teen become a safe, confident driver—while checking every legal box on the way to their license.
🚗 Ready to enroll in a Joshua’s Law-certified program?
Contact Kennesaw Driving School today to schedule your course and start the journey toward driving independence—with full legal compliance and expert support.
