Georgia teenagers who will soon be getting behind the wheel will need to know about a new law that goes into effect Thursday.
Starting on July 1, “Joshua’s Law” will require 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds to take a safety course before they can get their license.
“Joshua’s Law,” also known as House Bill 466, passed during this year’s legislative session. Currently, 17-year-olds are exempt from 30 hours of program instruction and the six hours of road training.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services says anyone under the age of 18 will not be issued their initial Class D license without completing the required training.
There are several options for teens to complete the program, including:
- 30 hours of classroom instruction at a DDS approved school plus six hours of behind the wheel training at DDS approved school plus 40 hours of supervised driving with parent/guardian
- 30 hours of classroom instruction at a DDS approved school plus completion of the parent teen driving guide that includes 40 hours of supervised driving with parent/guardian
- DDS approved school online course plus six hours of behind the wheel training at DDS approved school plus 40 hours of supervised driving with parent/guardian
- DDS approved school online course plus completion of the parent teen driving guide that includes 40 hours of supervised driving with parent/guardian
Teens are not required to present a driving log for the supervised hours but a parent or guardian must be there when they apply for a license.
The DDS says approved courses are offered by high schools and private driving schools that can cost around $250. There are approved online virtual programs offered at a lower cost.
A list of approved schools can be found on the DDS website.
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