What Is Joshua's Law In Georgia? Learn The Basics (2025)
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
Summary
- Joshua’s Law is named for a teen who died in a single-car accident
- It establishes comprehensive education requirements for teen drivers
- Requirements include classroom education and behind-the-wheel training
Teen drivers are often more likely to get into car accidents. Each state sets its own requirements for driver education, and some are trying to protect teens with stricter training. Joshua’s Law in Georgia is a prime example.
Free Car Accident Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
What Is Joshua's Law, and Why Was It Created?
Joshua’s Law was named after Joshua Brown, a teenager who lost his life after his car hydroplaned. Joshua’s parents campaigned for more intensive education to protect other teen drivers, and Joshua’s Law was enacted in Georgia in 2007.
Joshua's Law Requirements for 16-Year-Olds
Teens applying for a Class D license must take a driver education course at a driving school or online. There are four education methods to choose from:
Method 1
Students must take 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel training. They must also have 40 hours of parent-supervised driving time, and six of those hours must be at night.
Method 2
For this method, students take 30 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of parent-taught behind-the-wheel training. Parents must follow Georgia’s Parent/Teen Driving Guide.
Method 3
Students may also take 30 hours of online driving instruction, six hours of behind-the-wheel training and 40 hours of supervised driving time—with six of those hours being at night—with a parent.
Method 4
Students can take 30 hours of online instruction and undergo 40 hours of parent-taught training using the Parent/Teen Driving Guide.
Joshua's Law Requirements for 17-Year-Olds
The requirements for 17-year-olds are the same as those for 16-year-olds.
Military Exemption for 17-Year-Old Applicants
Teens normally must hold a Class D, or provisional, license for a year and a day before receiving a Class C license. If you are 17 and in the military, you may apply directly for a Class C license.
Free Car Accident Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
How to Meet Driver Education and Practice Hour Requirements
The requirements under Joshua’s Law in Georgia are fairly flexible. Classroom instruction can be in person or online, and behind-the-wheel training can be with parents or through a driving school.
Driving Restrictions Under Joshua's Law
The law allows teens to only have immediate family in the car for the first six months. For the next six months, they may have one non-related passenger under 21. After that, they may carry up to three non-related passengers.
Free Car Accident Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
Steps to Get a Class D License in Georgia
To get a Class D license, you must have held a learner’s permit for a year and a day without a major traffic violation, completed all education requirements under Joshua’s Law in Georgia and taken an alcohol and drug awareness program. You may then schedule a road test.
Need Qualified Legal Support?
Whether you’re searching for the best car accident lawyer Atlanta has to offer or you need legal assistance in Savannah, it can be difficult to know where to turn. ConsumerShield can help. Fill out our contact form for a complimentary case evaluation today.
Free Car Accident Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
Other georgia Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
-
In-person courses are usually around $250, but online courses may be less expensive.
-
No, but your parent must personally attest that you have completed all requirements.
