Joshua’s Law - Comprehensive Driver’s Education

What is “Joshua's Law”?

Beginning January 1, 2007, all 16 year-olds applying for a Class D driver's license must complete an approved driver education course AND complete a total of 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 hours of which must be at night, with a parent or guardian's sworn verification that these driving requirements have been met.

The four ”Joshua’s Law” approved methods of driver education:

Method #1: 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of actual behind the wheel instruction with a DDS approved Instructor. This qualifies your child for a $150 GA tax credit, as well as 10% off of your insurance.

Method #2: 30 hours of classroom instruction. 6 hour behind the wheel instruction must be completed by the parent using the Parent/Teen Driving Guide. Please visit http://www.gateendrivereducation.dds.ga.gov for more information. This course qualifies your child for a $150 GA tax credit, and possibly 10% off of insurance.

Method #3: Online driver education course, and then 6 hours behind the wheel training by a DDS approved Instructor. This choice does NOT qualify for tax credit; you may possibly get 10% off your insurance.

Method #4: Online driver education course, and you, (the parent), must complete the Parent/Teen Driving Guide. This choice usually does NOT qualify for tax or insurance credit.

A list of approved driver training programs and other information is provided on the DDS website at www.dds.ga.gov. Before taking a driver education course, be sure to verify that the program has been approved by DDS.