Driver education under Joshua's Law
30-hour course; online courses are called virtual driver training programs
Overseen by Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
- What it does
DDS says Georgia law allows insurance companies to offer lower car insurance premiums to customers who complete a driver education course.
What the source says
“Georgia law allows insurance companies to offer reductions in automobile insurance premiums to customers that complete a driver education course.”
Georgia DDS: Driver Education FAQs, read October 7, 2026
- Who can take it
A Georgia driver under 18 must show proof of a driver education course approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) to get a Class D license.
What the source says
“If you are under the age of 18, you will need to show proof of taking a driver education course. The course must be approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).”
Georgia DDS: Driver Education FAQs, read October 7, 2026
- Course length
The classroom (theory) part is at least 30 hours, taken either in a classroom or on the web through a DDS-approved online course.
What the source says
“The theoretical component consists of a minimum of 30 hours of instruction, which teens can acquire either in a classroom environment or via the web through any of the DDS-approved online courses.”
Georgia DDS: Driver Education FAQs, read October 7, 2026
- Taking it online
The 30-hour classroom part of driver education may be taken online.
What the source says
“Yes. The 30-hour classroom part of the driver's education may be taken online.”
Georgia DDS: Driver Education FAQs, read October 7, 2026
DDS has approved online virtual programs for driver education.
What the source says
“DDS has also approved online virtual programs.”
Georgia DDS: Joshua's Law Requirements, read October 7, 2026
Under DDS rules, a virtual driver training course is a web-based course approved by the Department with at least thirty hours of online instruction.
What the source says
“Virtual driver training course - means a web based course of instruction approved by the Department that provides a minimum of thirty (30) hours of on line instruction”
Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, Subject 375-5-2: Driver Training Schools (Georgia Secretary of State), read October 7, 2026
- Who approves it
A certified driver education course is one approved by DDS.
What the source says
“A certified driver education course is a course approved by the DDS.”
Georgia DDS: Driver Education FAQs, read October 7, 2026
- Good to know
The behind-the-wheel part can be done with a DDS-certified instructor or by using the Parent/Teen Driving Guide.
What the source says
“The practical, or behind-the-wheel component, can be obtained under the supervision of a DDS-certified instructor or through the use of the Parent/Teen Driving Guide.”
Georgia DDS: Driver Education FAQs, read October 7, 2026
Teens also need 40 hours of supervised driving, six of them at night.
What the source says
“You also need to complete a total of 40 hours of supervised driving. Six (6) hours of the driving must be at night.”
Georgia DDS: Driver Education FAQs, read October 7, 2026
All teens must hold a learner's permit for one year and one day before a Class D license is issued.
What the source says
“All teens must hold a learner's permit for 1 year and 1 day before being issued a Class D license.”
Georgia DDS: Joshua's Law Requirements, read October 7, 2026