“Joshua’s Law” requires all 16 year-olds applying for a Class D driver’s license to 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. As of July 1, 2021, Joshua’s Law driver training is now added to the list of requirements for 17-year-olds to complete prior to being issued a Class D driver’s license. In addition, any 17-year-old Georgian who elects to serve our country by joining the U.S. military will be eligible for a Class C driver’s license without holding a Class D license for a year (currently required for all teens under 18); proof of military enlistment is required.

For more information on Joshua’s Law requirements for 16 and 17-year-olds, as well as the methods available for completetion, visit https://dds.georgia.gov/joshuas-law-requirements.

WHAT IS A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION?

A Certificate of Completion is a DDS prescribed certificate providing written proof that the student has successfully completed a driver education course consisting of thirty (30) hours of classroom and six (6) hours of behind the wheel instruction. For insurance reduction, a student must successfully complete this program and be issued a Certificate of Completion.

A Limited Certificate of Completion is a DDS prescribed certificate providing written proof that the student has successfully completed a driver training course consisting of less than thirty (30) hours of classroom and six (6) hours of behind the wheel instruction.

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

For further information visit the Department of Driver Services website at www.dds.georgia.gov or www.gateendrivereducation.dds.ga.gov.