Skip to content
State Cert Guide

Independent guide, not a government agency. We earn commissions on some links.

Does my teen need drivers ed to get a license in Georgia?

Yes, if your teen is 16 or 17 and wants a Georgia driver's license. Joshua's Law asks for a driver education course and driving practice. Approved classes are offered online. Your teen must also hold a learner's permit for 1 year and 1 day first. A 17 year old enlisted in the military is exempt from that wait.

By State Cert GuideChecked against the sources listed below.Report a mistake

The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
30 hours of classroom instructionGeorgia lists these hours in Method 1 and Method 2, each with driving hours added.
Verified. Georgia Department of Driver Services · Joshua's Law requirements (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Cost
School courses generally start at around $250; online programs cost lessGeorgia says school courses generally start at around $250. Online virtual programs are lower in cost.
Same source and date as above
Supervised driving
40 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian, 6 at nightSome of the four ways include 40 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian. Six of those 40 hours must be at night.
Same source and date as above
Permit hold time
A learner's permit held for 1 year and 1 day before a Class D licenseGeorgia also requires the permit for the behind-the-wheel training.
Same source and date as above
Who needs it
Joshua's Law covers 16 and 17 year olds who want a Georgia driver's licenseThe Department of Driver Services lists it as Senate Bill 226.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check who it covers. Joshua's Law covers 16 and 17 year olds who want a Georgia driver's license. A 17 year old has the same requirements as a 16 year old.

  2. Step 2. Pick one of four ways to do it. Each starts with 30 hours of instruction, at a certified school or in a certified virtual program online. Then you add either 6 hours behind the wheel at a certified school plus 40 hours of supervised driving, or 40 hours of parent-taught driving. Check the state's list of certified driver training schools first.

  3. Step 3. Get your teen's learner's permit first, because Georgia requires it for the behind-the-wheel training. Then do the driving hours your way needs: 6 hours at a school plus 40 hours of supervised driving, or 40 hours taught by a parent.

  4. Step 4. Go to the license appointment with a parent or guardian. Georgia asks them to attest that your teen finished the supervised or parent-taught driving. It doesn't ask for a driving log.

Before you pay

Check the school against the state's list of certified driver training schools before you pay.

Ask what the price covers. Georgia says school courses generally start at around $250 and online virtual programs cost less.

If you pick an online program, make sure it is a certified virtual program.

Ask whether the price includes the 6 behind-the-wheel hours.

Questions

Does the course rule also cover a motorcycle permit?

Yes. A 16 year old applying for a Class D license or a Motorcycle Permit (Class MP) must complete an approved driver education course with a certified private or public driver training school, using one of the four methods.

Can I teach the driving part myself?

Yes, in two of the four ways. The parent-taught ways use 40 hours of parent-taught behind-the-wheel training and Georgia's Parent/Teen Driving Guide. Your teen still takes 30 hours of instruction, in a classroom or online.

My teen is 17 and enlisted in the military. What changes?

A 17 year old enlisted in the military may apply for a Class C license and is exempt from holding the permit for one year and one day. Your teen must provide a completed Verification of Enrollment in Military Service Form (DS-517).

Who offers the approved courses?

Georgia says various high schools and private driving schools offer the DDS-approved courses.

What to do next

Start with Georgia's Joshua's Law page, then pick the way your teen will do the course.

dds.georgia.gov

Sources we read