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Joshua's Law Requirements: What You Need to Know Before Getting Behind the Wheel

Written by: Elaine Smith
Published: April 26, 2023
Last updated: October 3, 2024

Are you a teenager who's excited to get behind the wheel? Before you hit the road, it's important to understand Joshua's Law requirements. This Georgia state law aims to reduce the number of accidents involving teen drivers by promoting safe driving practices and providing education and training for new drivers. Read on the learn more.

Overview of Joshua's Law Requirements

Joshua's Law is a Georgia state law that applies to all 16-year-old drivers seeking a Class D driver's license. The law requires that these young drivers complete a DDS-approved driver education course and have a total of 40 hours of supervised driving experience, with at least 6 hours occurring at night.

New drivers are also subject to a range of restrictions, including not being allowed to drive between midnight and 5 a.m. and not being permitted to transport more than one passenger under the age of 21 who is not an immediate family member.

These restrictions are designed to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities among new drivers, among the most vulnerable groups on the road.

Additionally, under Joshua's Law, new drivers are not allowed to use a cell phone or any other electronic device while driving, except in cases of emergency. These requirements help ensure that young drivers in Georgia gain the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become safe and responsible drivers on the state's roads.

Steps to Obtain a Georgia Driver's License

To obtain a Georgia driver's license, there are several steps that applicants must follow:

  • Obtain a learner's permit by passing a written test on Georgia's rules of the road and vision test.

  • Complete a DDS-approved driver education course or a 30-hour Joshua's Law course.

  • Log a minimum of 40 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 6 hours of night driving.

  • Pass a driving test that covers basic driving skills, such as parking, turning, and changing lanes.

When applying for a driver's license, applicants must bring several documents to verify their identity and residency, including proof of social security number, birth certificate, and two documents showing proof of residence.

Driver education courses are highly recommended for all new drivers as they provide in-depth knowledge about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving techniques. These courses also teach defensive driving skills that can help prevent accidents and injuries on the road.

It's important to note that driver education and driver training are not the same. Driver education courses provide classroom instruction on driving laws and safety, while driver training focuses on behind-the-wheel instruction and practice. Both components are necessary for obtaining a driver's license in Georgia.

The Parent/ Guardian Role in Obtaining a Driver's License

Parents and guardians play a critical role in helping their teens obtain a driver's license in Georgia. Their involvement is essential in ensuring their child's safety and compliance with Joshua's Law requirements. By actively engaging in their child's driver education and training, parents can help build their child's confidence and prepare them for the responsibilities of driving.

To ensure compliance, parents should keep track of their child's supervised driving practice hours and log them in the provided driving log. They should also supervise their child's driving experience to ensure they adhere to traffic laws and safe driving practices.

Here are some tips for supervising new drivers during the learning process:

  • Start with short driving sessions in low-traffic areas and gradually increase the difficulty level as the child gains more experience.

  • Encourage open communication with the child about their driving experience and provide constructive feedback.

  • Set clear rules and expectations for the child's driving behavior, such as not using a cell phone while driving or not driving under the influence.

  • Serve as a role model for safe driving behavior, as children often model their parents' driving habits.

Common Mistakes Made by New Drivers

  • Distracted driving: Driving while distracted by electronic devices, food, passengers, or other activities that take the driver's attention away from the road.

  • Speeding: Driving over the posted speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions increases the risk of accidents and injuries.

  • Failure to use seatbelts: Failing to wear a seatbelt while driving or riding in a car can result in serious injuries or fatalities in the event of a crash.

  • Driving under the influence: Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol, which is illegal and highly dangerous to the driver and others on the road.

  • Common errors during the driver's license exam: Making mistakes such as failing to signal, not checking mirrors, improper speed control, not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, and not parallel parking correctly.

Consequences of Violating Joshua's Law Requirements

Violating Joshua's Law requirements can result in penalties and legal consequences. These consequences can include fines, license suspension, and mandatory attendance at a driver improvement program.

If a driver violates Joshua's Law requirements and causes an accident, they may be held legally liable and face civil lawsuits or criminal charges. Additionally, violating Joshua's Law requirements can also impact insurance rates and coverage.

Insurance companies may increase premiums or deny coverage in the event of an accident. They may also require drivers to complete driver education courses or other training programs to maintain coverage. It's important for drivers to take Joshua's Law requirements seriously to avoid these consequences and ensure safe driving practices on the road.

Conclusion

Joshua's Law is a crucial step toward ensuring the safety of new drivers on Georgia roads. By completing a driver education course, obtaining supervised driving experience, and following driving restrictions, teens can develop safe driving habits and avoid accidents.

It's important for new drivers to take Joshua's Law seriously and prioritize safety on the road to avoid legal and insurance consequences. As always, it's recommended that new drivers continue to practice safe driving habits and seek ongoing education and training to improve their skills and stay safe on the road.

Learn about the 3 major causes of vehicular accidents and how to prevent them in our blog.

Managing Editor Before joining Keep Driving, Elaine was an editor for an international internet technology consulting firm. She shows tremendous interest in writing about future technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learnings.
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