How Georgia’s Joshua’s Law Affects Teen Drivers: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Earning a driver’s license is an exciting milestone for teens, but in Georgia, it’s not as simple as passing a test. Thanks to Joshua’s Law, young drivers must complete a series of steps before they can hit the road independently. While it may seem complicated at first, Joshua’s Law is designed with one goal in mind: keeping teens safe.

At Kennesaw Driving School, we work with families in Kennesaw, Canton, and across Georgia every day to help them navigate the licensing process. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what Joshua’s Law is, what it requires, and how to help your teen driver meet every milestone without stress.

Let’s break it down step by step.

Section 1: What Is Joshua’s Law?

Joshua’s Law (House Bill 466) was passed in Georgia in 2005 in memory of Joshua Brown, a high school senior who died in a car accident. His parents advocated for stronger teen driver education requirements to help prevent future tragedies.

The Goal of Joshua’s Law:

To ensure that teen drivers receive comprehensive education and hands-on training before getting their driver’s license.

Section 2: Who Does Joshua’s Law Apply To?

Joshua’s Law applies to all Georgia teens seeking a Class D driver’s license (provisional license), typically between the ages of 16 and 17.

If your teen is:

• 16 or 17 years old and applying for a driver’s license

• Holding a Georgia learner’s permit (Class CP)

They must complete Joshua’s Law requirements to earn their full driving privileges.

Section 3: Joshua’s Law Requirements: Step-by-Step

Here’s exactly what your teen needs to do under Joshua’s Law:

✅ 1. Complete a DDS-Approved Driver’s Education Course

• 30 hours of classroom or online instruction (state-approved)

• Covers topics like traffic laws, defensive driving, and road safety

• Schools must be approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)

At Kennesaw Driving School, we offer both in-person and online Joshua’s Law courses.

✅ 2. Complete Behind-the-Wheel Instruction

• 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor

• Can be completed at a certified driving school

This professional instruction is critical for learning safe driving habits and preparing for the road test.

✅ 3. Complete Supervised Driving Hours

• 40 hours of supervised driving practice with a parent or guardian

• At least 6 of these hours must be at night

Driving practice must be documented and submitted using a Parent/Teen Driving Log.

✅ 4. Hold Learner’s Permit for 1 Year and 1 Day

Teens must hold a valid Georgia learner’s permit (Class CP) for at least one year and one day before they can apply for a driver’s license.

💡 Tip: Practice driving in a variety of conditions—nighttime, rain, highway, city streets.

✅ 5. Pass the Road Test

Once all requirements are completed:

• Schedule a road test at a Georgia DDS office.

• Bring all required documents (we’ll cover these below).

• Pass the driving skills test to earn a Class D license.

Section 4: Important Documents Needed for Licensing

When your teen is ready to take the road test, they must bring:

• Valid learner’s permit

• Certificate of Completion for 30-hour driver’s ed course

• Certificate for 6-hour behind-the-wheel instruction

• Completed 40-hour supervised driving log

• Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport)

• Proof of Georgia residency

• Proof of school enrollment (DS-1 Form)

• Parent/guardian consent form (if under 18)

• Proof of insurance and vehicle registration for the car used in the test

💡 Pro Tip: Create a folder with all documents a week before the test. Missing paperwork is one of the top reasons teens are turned away at their road test appointment.

Section 5: Key Deadlines and Ages for Georgia Teens

AgeRequirement15Eligible to apply for a learner’s permit (Class CP)16Eligible for a Class D license IF Joshua’s Law requirements are completed17Must still complete Joshua’s Law requirements for Class D license18Eligible to apply directly for a full Class C license without Joshua’s Law (but education is still recommended)

Section 6: Common Mistakes Parents and Teens Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Even motivated teens sometimes stumble over licensing requirements. Here’s what to watch out for:

❌ 1. Waiting Too Long to Start Driver’s Ed

Some families think they can cram everything into the last month before the road test. But squeezing in 30 hours of instruction, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel, and 40 supervised hours is extremely difficult.

💡 Solution: Start driver’s ed as soon as your teen gets their permit.

❌ 2. Choosing a Non-Certified Driving School

If the driving school isn’t certified by Georgia DDS, the hours won’t count toward Joshua’s Law requirements.

💡 Solution: Always verify that your school is DDS-certified (like Kennesaw Driving School).

❌ 3. Incomplete or Missing Driving Logs

The 40-hour driving log must be accurately completed and signed by a parent or guardian.

💡 Solution: Use an app like RoadReady or maintain a written log consistently after each session.

❌ 4. Not Practicing Enough at Night

Night driving is a different skill set. Teens must log at least 6 hours of nighttime driving.

💡 Solution: Plan multiple nighttime driving sessions over several months—not just cramming at the end.

❌ 5. Bringing an Unsafe or Non-Compliant Vehicle to the Test

If your vehicle has broken brake lights, missing mirrors, or bald tires, the test could be canceled.

💡 Solution: Inspect the car before test day—or rent a vehicle from your driving school if needed.

Section 7: How Kennesaw Driving School Makes Joshua’s Law Easy

At Kennesaw Driving School, we streamline the entire process:

✅ Joshua’s Law Packages

• 30-hour online or classroom driver’s education

• 6-hour behind-the-wheel training

• Road test preparation

• Certificates included

✅ Flexible Scheduling

• Weekend, evening, and school break options

• One-on-one driving lessons tailored to student needs

✅ Road Test Prep

• Mock exams

• Parallel parking bootcamps

• Local DDS road test route practice

✅ Experienced, Patient Instructors

• Special training to work with teen drivers

• Emphasis on defensive driving, confidence, and safety

✅ Support for Parents

• Regular updates on student progress

• Guidance on completing the driving log

• Help scheduling the road test and gathering documents

Section 8: Why Joshua’s Law Makes a Difference

Joshua’s Law isn’t just a set of hurdles to jump through—it saves lives.

• Teens who complete structured driver’s education are 27% less likely to be involved in a crash.

• Insurance rates are often lower for teens who complete a certified program.

• Better habits start early when safety is emphasized from the beginning.

Georgia’s investment in structured teen driver education has helped reduce fatal crashes among young drivers—and that’s something every family can feel good about.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Rush the Process—Invest in Safety

If you’re helping a teen earn their license in Georgia, understanding Joshua’s Law is critical. It's not about making the process harder—it’s about making the roads safer.

By choosing the right driving school, starting early, practicing consistently, and focusing on skill-building—not just passing the test—you'll help your teen become a confident, responsible driver for life.

At Kennesaw Driving School, we make Joshua’s Law easy to understand, simple to complete, and rewarding for both parents and students.

🚗 Ready to complete Joshua’s Law the right way?
Contact Kennesaw Driving School today to enroll in a Joshua’s Law package and start the journey toward safe, confident driving.