If you're under 18, Georgia requires you to complete 30 hours of drivers ed and 40 hours of supervised driving to get your license—thanks to Joshua's Law. That means either classroom or online instruction from a DDS-approved school, plus hands-on practice with a licensed adult. If you're 18 or older, you're only required to complete the 40 hours of supervised driving (including 6 hours at night). Still, taking a drivers ed course can make you a safer driver and may even lower your insurance costs.
Learning to Drive in Georgia? Here's What You Need to Know
Getting your Georgia drivers license means meeting different requirements based on your age. Teens have stricter education standards under Joshua’s Law, while adult learners follow a different path. The good news? These requirements are designed to help you become a confident, capable driver—not just pass a test. Whether you’re 15 and ready to start or 25 and just getting behind the wheel, here’s what it takes to get licensed in Georgia.
If You're Under 18: What Joshua's Law Requires
Since 2007, Georgia has enforced Joshua's Law, named after a teen whose tragic accident led to stronger driving education standards. As of July 1, 2021, that law applies to all teens under 18.
Your Options to Meet the Law:
- 30 hours of classroom instruction + 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training + 40 hours of supervised driving (6 hours at night)
- 30 hours of classroom instruction + complete the 40-hour Parent-Teen Driving Guide
- 30 hours of online drivers ed + 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training + 40 hours of supervised driving (6 hours at night)
- 30 hours of online drivers ed + complete the 40-hour Parent-Teen Driving Guide
All coursework must be completed through a DDS-approved driving school.
Georgia isn't alone in requiring comprehensive driver education. In fact, states requiring driver's education varies, with different hour requirements and age restrictions to ensure new drivers are properly prepared for the road.
If You're 18 or Older
You're not required to take the 30-hour drivers ed course—but that doesn't mean it's not a smart move.
Here's what is required:
- 40 hours of supervised driving
- At least 6 of those hours must be at night
Why take drivers ed anyway?
Even if it's not mandatory, the benefits speak for themselves:
- Learn life-saving driving strategies (that aren't in the manual)
- Qualify for potential insurance discounts
- Boost your confidence behind the wheel
As one Georgia insurance agent put it: "You could save 5% on your premium for three years just by completing a course."
For families looking to maximize their savings, understanding teen car insurance savings can help reduce the financial impact of adding a young driver to your policy.
Even If...
You're short on time • You're nervous about passing • You're not sure if it's "worth it"
Even if all of that feels true—you've got this. DriversEd.com makes it simple to meet Georgia's requirements with a supportive, self-paced course that's fully online and DDS-approved. We've helped over 13 million drivers get on the road safely. You're next.
Understanding teen driving restrictions across different states can help you appreciate why Georgia's graduated licensing system exists—it's designed to keep new drivers safer during their most vulnerable learning period.
Georgia Drivers Ed FAQ
What is Joshua's Law in Georgia?
Joshua's Law requires all teens under 18 to complete a DDS-approved drivers ed course and 40 hours of supervised driving before getting a license.
Can I take Georgia drivers ed online?
Yes. Georgia allows online drivers ed courses as long as they're approved by the DDS.
Do adults have to take drivers ed in Georgia?
No, but adults still need 40 hours of supervised driving—including 6 hours at night.
For teens preparing for the school year, our teen driving safety checklist covers essential preparation tips to help new drivers develop safe habits and confidence behind the wheel.
Summer Driving Considerations
Georgia's intense summer heat and busy roads present unique challenges for new drivers. Understanding Georgia summer driving risks can help you stay safe during the period known as the "100 Deadliest Days" for teen drivers.
Bottom Line
- Under 18? 30 hours of instruction + 40 hours of driving
- 18 or older? Just 40 hours of driving—but education still helps
- Best bet for everyone? A DDS-approved course from DriversEd.com
Updated 08/01/2025
