Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Teen Driving Laws

1. What is TADRA?
   

   TADRA is the acronym used to refer to Georgia’s Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act. 
   
   TADRA is a graduated driver's license program for young drivers ages 15 to 18.  It was established in Georgia by a collaborative effort of highway safety advocates, legislators, law enforcement officials, educators, businesses and media in the wake of a high number of fatal vehicle crashes involving young, inexperienced drivers.
   
   This act directly addresses the leading killer of our young people - traffic crashes.  The law significantly changes the way young motorists earn and maintain the privilege of driving by providing a controlled means for new drivers to gain experience, and by reducing high-risk driving situations.  While the law does focus on young drivers, it also contains important provisions that affect drivers over the age of 21, particularly in the area of DUI prevention and enforcement.

2. What are the conditions associated with Class D Georgia driver’s license?
   
   • No driving between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.  No exceptions.
   • During the first six-month period immediately following the issuance of a Class D Georgia driver’s license, the Class D license holder shall not drive a motor vehicle upon the public roads, streets or highways of this state when any other passenger in the vehicle is not a member of the driver's immediate family.
   • During the second six-month period immediately following the issuance of a Class D license, the Class D license holder shall not drive a motor vehicle upon the public roads, streets or highways of this state when more than one other passenger in the vehicle (who is not a member of the driver’s immediate family) is less than 21 years of age.
   • After the second six-month period, any Class D license holder shall not drive a motor vehicle upon the public roads, streets or highways of this state when more than three other passengers in the vehicle (who are not members of the driver’s immediate family) are less than 21 years of age.
3. I’m 17 years old and possess a Class D Georgia driver’s license. Do the curfew and passenger conditions still apply to me?
   

   Yes.

4. I’m 18 years old and still possess my Class D Georgia driver’s license. Do the curfew and passenger restrictions still apply to me?
   

   Yes.  The conditions associated with a Class D Georgia driver’s license are based on the class of license, not the age of the driver.  Drivers 18 or older that have had no major traffic convictions in the last 12 months may apply in person or online for a Class C Georgia driver’s license.   DDS internet services are available twenty-fours a day and seven days a week.

5. I’m 17 years old and I don’t have a Learner’s Permit or Class D Georgia driver’s license. When can I get my Class C Georgia driver’s license?
   

   You are eligible to apply for a Class C Georgia driver’s license once you reach age 18.  Remember, however, that when you apply for a Class C Georgia driver’s license, you will be required to swear or affirm under penalty of law that you have 40 hours of supervised driving experience, 6 hours of which are at night.

6. What is Joshua’s Law and how does it affect teen drivers?
   

   Joshua’s Law was enacted in 2005.  Among other things, it requires all teens under the age of 17 that apply for a Class D Georgia driver’s license on or after January 1, 2007 to show proof that they successfully completed a DDS-approved driver education course.

7. What is an approved driver education course?
   

   An approved driver education course is one that has been certified by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) for purposes of enabling teens to obtain their Class D Georgia Driver’s license at age 16. 

   Georgia’s driver education program is comprised of two components—a theoretical component and a practical component.  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.  The practical, or behind-the-wheel component, can be obtained under the supervision of a DDS-licensed instructor or through use of the complimentary DDS Parent/Teen Driving Guide.

   There are two ways to complete each component, resulting in four methods of satisfying the driver education requirements. See the chart here.

8. Where can I find an approved driver education course?
   

   A complete list of DDS-approved driver’s education courses can be found here.
   
   The DDS Parent/Teen Driving Guide is available at DDS Customer Service Centers or as a free download here.

9. I’m 17 years old. If I take driver education, can I get my Class D license before I’ve had my Learner’s Permit for a year?
   

   No.  One of the statutory requirements for obtaining a Class D Georgia driver’s license is that the applicant must have held a valid Learner’s Permit for at least 12 months and one day prior to application for the Class D Georgia driver’s license.

10. Will I get a reduction in my auto insurance premiums when my child completes an approved driver education course?
    

    Georgia law allows insurance companies to offer reductions in automobile insurance premiums to customers that complete a driver education course.  We recommend that you speak with your insurance agent.

11. What is “supervised driving” and do I need a log for supervised driving?
    

    “Supervised driving” refers to driving experience obtained under the supervision of an individual that is at least 21 years old, possesses a valid Class C driver’s license, is seated next to the driver at all times while he or she is driving, and is capable of exercising control over the vehicle if necessary.

    No log is required for supervised driving.  However, at the time application is made for a Class D driver’s license, a parent, guardian, or duly authorized DDS-certified driver education instructor will be required to swear or affirm under penalty of law that the applicant received 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 hours of which was at night.

12. What if my child had driver education in another state and just moved to Georgia?
    

    If your child is under the age of 17 and wishes to obtain a Class D Georgia driver’s license, they will be required to show proof that they successfully completed a driver education program from one of the DDS-approved schools found here.

13. Who can I contact for more information?
    

    You may use the “Contact Us” feature above or you may submit a question or comment to Ask Teen Driver . You may also click on “FAQs” above for information on various other topics.

14. What are the three steps of the graduated licensing program?
    

    Step 1 – Learner's Permit (Class CP): a Georgia Learner’s Permit is granted to applicants that are at least 15 years old and have successfully passed a knowledge test consisting of road rules and road signs.  While operating a motor vehicle, drivers that possess a Learner’s Permit must be accompanied by an individual that is at least 21 years old, possesses a valid Class C driver’s license, is seated next to them in the vehicle, and is capable of exercising control over the vehicle if necessary.

    Step 2 – Intermediate License (Class D): a Class D Georgia driver’s license is granted to applicants either 16 or 17 years old that have held a Georgia Learner’s Permit for 12 months and one day, have not committed any major traffic violations, and have successfully passed a road skills’ test.  A Class D Georgia driver’s license has certain conditions, which are outlined in Question #3.

    Step 3 – Full License (Class C):  a Class C Georgia driver’s license is granted to drivers 18 years old or older that have had no major traffic convictions in the last 12 months.