Driving Tests

Joshua's Law in Georgia: Driver's Ed and ADAP Rules for Teens

informational·how to guide·Published September 5, 2026

What is Joshua's Law in Georgia, and who must follow it?

Joshua's Law is Georgia Senate Bill 226. Teens who are 16 or 17 and apply for a Class D license must finish an approved driver education course with 30 hours of classroom or online instruction. Each of the 4 methods also needs 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 of them at night. Two methods add 6 hours behind the wheel at a certified school.

Where the Joshua's Law facts come from

The four methods, the cost, the military exception and the permit period come from the Georgia DDS page on Joshua's Law requirements. The ADAP facts come from the DDS ADAP page. The affidavit, the signer, the transfer rule and the Class C rules come from the DDS Drivers Manual and the DDS Class D, Class C and Teen Drivers pages. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (dds.georgia.gov) before you drive.

Who must follow Joshua's Law?

Joshua's Law applies to teens who are 16 or 17 and apply for a Georgia Class D Provisional License. You must complete all Joshua's Law requirements before DDS issues the Class D. Since July 1, 2021, a 17-year-old must meet the same requirements as a 16-year-old.
You must also hold a learner's permit for 1 year and 1 day before the Class D. You can apply for the Class CP permit at age 15, and you need it before the behind-the-wheel training. Test yourself with our free question on how long you must hold the permit.

The 4 Joshua's Law methods at a glance

The 4 Joshua's Law methods at a glance
Method	30 hours of instruction	Behind the wheel	Supervised driving
Method 1	In a classroom	6 hours at the certified school	40 hours with a parent or guardian, 6 at night
Method 2	In a classroom at the certified school	40 hours taught by a parent, with the Parent/Teen Driving Guide	Included in the 40 hours of the Guide
Method 3	Online, with a certified virtual program	6 hours at a certified school	40 hours with a parent or guardian, 6 at night
Method 4	Online, with a certified virtual program	40 hours taught by a parent, with the Parent/Teen Driving Guide	Included in the 40 hours of the Guide

How much does driver's ed cost in Georgia?

DDS says that approved driver education courses generally start at around $250 (as of 2026). High schools and private driving schools offer them. Online virtual programs approved by DDS are lower in cost. DDS keeps a list of certified driver education schools for new driver courses. Before you pay, ask the school for the price and the hours, and make sure that the school is on the DDS list.

Which Joshua's Law method fits you?

You want a certified instructor to teach the driving part

Choose Method 1 (classroom) or Method 3 (online). Both include 6 hours behind the wheel at a certified school, plus 40 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian.

A parent or guardian can teach the driving part

Choose Method 2 (classroom) or Method 4 (online). The parent teaches 40 hours behind the wheel with the DDS Parent/Teen Driving Guide.

You want to keep the cost low

Online virtual programs are lower in cost. Methods 3 and 4 use an online program for the 30 hours.

You chose a method

Complete each item in that method: the 30 hours of instruction and all of its driving hours.

Do I need a driving log for Joshua's Law?

No. You do not need a driving log for supervised driving or for parent-taught behind-the-wheel training. But a parent or guardian must come with you when you apply for the license at DDS and attest that you completed the training.
At the road test, a signed DDS affidavit confirms the 40 hours. If you used the Parent/Teen Driving Guide, the completed Guide serves as that affidavit. If a certified instructor gave the on-the-road part, a separate document that confirms it is completed at the road test.

What is ADAP, and how do I finish it?

ADAP is the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program. Georgia teens under 18 must complete it to get a Class D license, and you must show proof of ADAP or eADAP when you apply.
Most schools teach ADAP, so many teens complete it at their high school. If you cannot complete it at school, for example because you are home-schooled or you were absent when the school gave the course, take eADAP online at any time. A separate Parent ADAP course is open to parents and guardians.

Steps to the Class D license under Joshua's Law

1
Get your Class CP permit
You can apply at age 15 or older. You need the permit before the behind-the-wheel training, and you must hold it for 1 year and 1 day before the Class D.
2
Choose one of the 4 methods
Enroll with a certified driver education school, or take the 30 hours with a DDS-approved online virtual program.
3
Finish the 30 hours and the driving hours
Complete each item in your method: the 30 hours, the 6 hours with a certified school (Methods 1 and 3) or the Parent/Teen Driving Guide (Methods 2 and 4), and the 40 hours of supervised driving with 6 at night.
4
Finish ADAP or eADAP
Take ADAP at school, or take eADAP online if you cannot finish it at school.
5
Go to DDS with a parent or guardian
A parent or guardian must be present and attest that you finished the training. If you are under 18, bring proof of school enrollment. The adult who signs your application may revoke your license until you are 18. Read more in our guide to Georgia Class D license rules.
6
Pass the road test
A Class D applicant must pass a road test that checks that you can operate a vehicle safely.

Exceptions to Joshua's Law

17 and enlisted in the military: you may apply for a Class C license and you do not need to hold your permit for 1 year and 1 day. You must give DDS a completed Verification of Enrollment in Military Service form (DS-517).
Military families: teens with parents on active U.S. military duty can use an out-of-state driver's education certificate if it is within 9 months of their 16th birthday.

What if I wait until I am 18?

Joshua's Law covers 16- and 17-year-olds. A Class C license is for drivers 18 and older. If you have no license at 18, you may apply for a Class C right away: you pass the knowledge and road tests and sign an affidavit that you completed 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 of them at night. A permit holder may apply for a Class C only at age 18. If you hold a Class D at 18, you can upgrade to a Class C online or in the DDS 2 GO app. See how to get a Georgia license at 18 or older.

Key takeaways

Joshua's Law (Senate Bill 226) applies to 16- and 17-year-olds who apply for a Class D license.
Choose 1 of 4 methods. Each one has 30 hours of instruction, and the methods differ in who teaches the driving part.
Supervised driving is 40 hours with 6 at night. No driving log is needed, but a parent must attest at DDS.
Courses generally start at around $250. Online virtual programs cost less.
Teens under 18 also need ADAP or eADAP for the Class D.
Next step: practice on the free Georgia Class C practice test.

Joshua's Law: common questions

Is Joshua's Law for 17-year-olds too?

Yes. Since July 1, 2021, a 17-year-old who applies for a Class D license must meet the same Joshua's Law requirements as a 16-year-old: the 30 hours of instruction and the driving hours of one method. ADAP is also required. A 17-year-old who is enlisted in the military may apply for a Class C license instead, with form DS-517.

Can I take the Joshua's Law course online?

Yes. Methods 3 and 4 use 30 hours of online instruction with a certified virtual program, and online programs are lower in cost. The driving part is done in a car: Method 3 adds 6 hours behind the wheel at a certified school, and Method 4 uses 40 hours of parent-taught driving with the Parent/Teen Driving Guide.

How many hours of night driving do I need?

Six of the 40 hours of supervised driving must be at night. A parent or guardian supervises these hours, and you do not need to keep a driving log. Test yourself with our free question on supervised driving hours.

Can I take ADAP online?

Yes. If you cannot complete ADAP at your high school, you can take eADAP online, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This option helps teens who are home-schooled or who missed the school course. You must show proof of ADAP or eADAP when you apply for the Class D license.

What if I move to Georgia as a teen?

If you are under 18 and hold a license or permit from another state, you must meet all Georgia requirements, including school enrollment, driver education and ADAP, before the license can be transferred. Transfer your out-of-state permit to Georgia too. The total time that you held a permit must be at least 1 year and 1 day before the Class D.