Georgia has specific laws that place limits on teenage drivers ages 16 to 18. Known as Joshua’s Law, drivers in this age group cannot have any peer passengers for the first six months of getting their driver’s license—only immediate family members. For the second six-month period, teen drivers are permitted to drive with one peer passenger.
Joshua’s Law is just one of Georgia’s teenage driving laws, which place limits on this high-risk group of drivers. Teens aged 16 to 18 are also subject to curfew restrictions. Whether you’re a teen in Georgia itching to get your license or a parent preparing to get your child ready for the road, make sure you have a good understanding of teen driving laws where you live.
To help you gain more knowledge about teenage driving laws in Georgia, the car insurance
comparison app Jerry
is bringing you a comprehensive guide on the subject. In this article, we’ll go over what kinds of driving restrictions Georgian teens are subject to and how young drivers can save money on their Georgia car insurance costs
. Rules for teen drivers in Georgia
Back in 1997, Georgia established the Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA) that put specific requirements in place for teens aged 15 to 18 who want to become licensed drivers.
Under TADRA, teens in Georgia must progress through a series of provisional license restrictions to prove that they are truly ready for the responsibility of driving. If a teen receives any violations during this period, it will prolong the provisional process.
TADRA isn’t just about following road rules. Teens are also required to meet certain educational requirements. For instance, if you’re 17 years old and drop out of high school, this could prevent you from obtaining your driver’s license.
Getting a learner’s permit
In Georgia, you can apply for a learner’s permit as early as age 15. But, in order to qualify you must first complete the following actions:
Have your permit application signed by a parent, guardian, or authorized driving instructor
You’ll need to be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or authorized driving instructor when you arrive at the Department of Driver Services (DDS) to take your permit test. There’s also a $10 fee that’s payable by cash or credit card. In addition to submitting verification of identity, such as a birth certificate at the time of testing, you must also show a Certificate of Attendance from your high school that’s been signed and dated within the last 30 days.
If you pass the knowledge and vision portions of the exam, you’ll be granted a learner’s permit. With a learner’s permit, you must drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. Their license must be in good standing in case they need to take control of the vehicle at any time, and they must be seated in the passenger’s seat while the car is in motion.
Getting a provisional driver’s license
After you’ve held your Georgia learner’s permit for one year and one day without incident, you’re eligible to get your Class D provisional driver’s license.
Again, if you’re under 18, you’ll need to submit proof you’reenrolled in high school, a copy of your high school diploma or GED, or verification that you’re attending a GED program to even be eligible to take the driver’s license test.
Before obtaining a Class D provisional license in Georgia, teens aged 16 must complete the following coursework:
Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP) which is taught in many schools or is available to take online. You will be asked to show proof of completion of the ADAP course when you arrive at the DDS to take your driving test.
30 hours of driver’s education classroom instruction or the equivalent online course
DDS Parent-Teen Driving Guide which includes 40 hours of on-road experience (at least six hours must have been driven at night).
If you cannot meet the above requirements, you’ll need to wait until you’re 17 to obtain your driver’s license.
As long as you can check all of these boxes and pass your written and driving tests, you’ll earn your Class D provisional license in Georgia. As the name suggests, there will be several restrictions on your driver’s license which are enforced by state law. These restrictions include:
No driving between the hours of 12 AM and 5 AM. There are no exceptions.
For the first six months, only immediate family members are permitted to ride in the vehicle while you drive.
During the second six-month period, one passenger under 21 who is not an immediate family member can ride in the vehicle while you drive.
After one year without incident, three passengers under 21 who are not immediate family members can ride in the vehicle while you drive.
Georgia teenage drivers and cell phone use
Texting and driving is a massive problem that affects all of us—but teens are even more susceptible to the temptations of this dangerous habit. This is an all-too-common form of distracted driving that goes beyond just texting or making calls. Engaging in browsing or posting on social media while behind the wheel is also a major contributor to the thousands of accidents every year that are caused by phone use behind the wheel.
Not only is texting and driving illegal in Georgia, but it’s also against the law to have a cell phone or similar form of technology (like a tablet or GPS device) in your hands while you drive. This is part of the Hands-Free Georgia Act which took effect in July of 2018.
If you’re caught with your phone in your hand while driving in Georgia, you’ll be fined $50 for a first offense and receive one point against your driver’s license. A second conviction within 24 months will result in a $100 fine.
Penalties for violating Georgia teen driving laws
As we mentioned earlier, teens who hold a provisional driver’s license will need to uphold the responsibilities that come with it. Violating the terms of your Class D teen driver’s license in Georgia could carry the following penalties:
If you’re caught driving passengers under the age of 21 who are not immediate family members you could be subject to a 180-day license suspension which will require a $100 reinstatement fee
. Attempting to misrepresent your age to purchase alcohol in Georgia will result in a six-month license suspension. For a second offense, your license will be suspended for 12 months.
Speeding while under a provisional license could also carry a license suspension if you were traveling especially fast.
Accumulating four or more points on your provisional license within a 12-month time frame will get you a suspended license.
If you’re caught driving with a suspended provisional license, you will be arrested. A minimum of two days in jail will follow—in addition to a $500 fine if you’re convicted.
In addition to having your license suspended and having to pay the fees that accompany this consequence, you should also expect your car insurance to increase—especially if you’re a repeat offender.
How to find affordable car insurance for teenage drivers in Georgia
There’s no doubt that teen drivers have to fulfill a lot of responsibilities to prove they are ready to handle the seriousness of having a license. On top of that, having a teen driver on your insurance policy is known to increase your rate exponentially.
Insurance companies know that teens are the riskiest age group to insure, but before you assume the worst, why not browse car insurance quotes with Jerry
—you might be surprised at how much you can save. Jerry is a trusted super app
for drivers that fits right into your pocket. Once you sign up for Jerry’s free app, it takes under a minute for Jerry to pull the cheapest quotes from our pool of top-rated insurance companies and deliver the best ones directly to your smartphone. After you’ve found the policy that best suits you and your teen driver’s needs, give it a tap and Jerry will help you get enrolled. Best of all? In a matter of minutes, you’ll be treated to next-level savings you have to see to believe. On average, people who use Jerry save over $800 on their annual coverage!
“Jerry
was spot on. I’m young with one rear end on my record. Still, they dropped my monthly insurance rate from $468 to $250. This really saved me money.” —Jason M.
RECOMMENDEDInstantly compare top insurance companies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
What insurance do you want to compare?
4.7
