Joshua's Law Online Course: What Georgia Teens and Parents Should Expect

Published November 8, 2026 • 8 min read

If you're a Georgia teen getting ready to drive — or a parent helping them through the process — you've probably heard about Joshua's Law. It's the state requirement that every teen under 18 must complete a 30-hour driver education course before getting their Class D license. But what does taking Joshua's Law online actually look like? Here's everything you need to know before you start.

What Is Joshua's Law?

Joshua's Law (O.C.G.A. § 40-5-24) was named after Joshua Brown, a 15-year-old from Warner Robins, Georgia, who was killed in a car accident in 2003. The law was passed to improve teen driver safety by requiring all first-time drivers under 18 to complete a comprehensive driver education course before earning their Class D license.

The requirement has two parts:

1. 30 hours of classroom instruction (which can be completed online through a DDS-approved provider)
2. 40 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel practice with a parent or guardian, including at least 6 hours of nighttime driving

The online course fulfills the first requirement. The behind-the-wheel hours are completed with a parent or guardian on your own time.

What Does the Joshua's Law Online Course Cover?

The 30-hour curriculum is set by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and covers everything a new driver needs to know. Here's what you'll learn:

• Georgia traffic laws and signs — speed limits, right-of-way rules, traffic signals, lane markings, and road signs
• Vehicle operation basics — steering, braking, accelerating, parking, and mirror use
• Defensive driving techniques — scanning the road, maintaining safe following distance, anticipating hazards
• Sharing the road — how to drive safely around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles, and large trucks
• Driving in different conditions — rain, fog, night driving, highway driving, and construction zones
• Impaired driving awareness — the dangers and legal consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving — why texting, phone use, and other distractions are so dangerous for new drivers
• Georgia's graduated license system — the rules and restrictions that apply at each stage from permit to full license

The course uses interactive lessons with text, images, and scenarios that make the material engaging — not just pages of text to click through.

What Is the Online Experience Like?

Taking Joshua's Law online is designed to be flexible and convenient. Here's what a typical experience looks like:

Work from Any Device

The course works on computers, tablets, iPhones, and Android phones. You can start a lesson on your laptop at home and pick up where you left off on your phone later. There's nothing to download or install.

Go at Your Own Pace

There are no scheduled class times. Log in whenever it works for your schedule — before school, after practice, on weekends. Your progress is saved automatically every time you log out, so you never lose your place.

Short, Manageable Lessons

The 30 hours are broken into individual modules and lessons. Each lesson covers a specific topic and takes roughly 20–45 minutes, depending on the subject. You don't have to finish a full module in one sitting.

Quizzes Along the Way

After each module, there's a short quiz to make sure you're retaining the material. These are True/False and Multiple Choice questions based on what you just covered. If you don't pass, you can review the material and retake the quiz — unlimited attempts, no extra charge.

A Final Exam at the End

Once you complete all the modules, there's a comprehensive final exam covering the full course. It's also True/False and Multiple Choice. You get unlimited attempts, so there's no pressure — study the material and take it when you're ready.

How Long Does It Take to Complete?

The course is 30 hours of instructional content, and the platform tracks your time to ensure you complete the full requirement. Here's what to realistically expect:

Most students who stay consistent finish within 2 to 4 weeks. The key is logging in regularly rather than trying to cram long sessions.

What Happens After You Finish the Course?

Once you pass the final exam, here's the process:

1. You receive a completion certificate — your certificate will be available within 48 business hours of passing the final exam. You can download and print it.
2. Keep the certificate — you'll need it when you visit a Georgia DDS office to apply for your Class D license.
3. Complete behind-the-wheel hours — if you haven't already finished your 40 hours of supervised driving practice (including 6 hours at night), continue working on those with your parent or guardian.
4. Take the road test — once you have your certificate and have completed the behind-the-wheel hours, schedule your road skills test at a DDS location.

The 40-Hour Behind-the-Wheel Requirement

The online course handles the classroom portion, but Joshua's Law also requires 40 hours of supervised driving practice with a parent, guardian, or driving instructor. At least 6 of those hours must be at night.

Tips for getting your hours in:

• Start early — begin practicing as soon as your teen gets their learner's permit. Spreading 40 hours over 12 months is much easier than cramming near the end.
• Drive in different conditions — practice on highways, in neighborhoods, in parking lots, in rain, and at night. Variety builds real skill.
• Keep a driving log — while Georgia doesn't require you to submit a log, tracking your hours helps you stay on pace and proves completion if asked.
• Be patient — every new driver makes mistakes. Use them as teaching moments, not arguments.

For more tips on supervising your teen's practice driving, check out our Parent's Guide to Georgia Teen Driving.

How to Choose a Joshua's Law Online Course

Not all Joshua's Law courses are the same. Here's what to look for when choosing a provider:

• DDS approval — this is non-negotiable. The course must be approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services. If it's not, the certificate won't count.
• Device compatibility — make sure it works on phones and tablets, not just desktop computers. Teens study everywhere.
• Self-paced format — avoid courses that require live Zoom sessions or scheduled class times. Self-paced is more practical for busy teens.
• Unlimited retakes — look for courses that let you retake quizzes and the final exam without extra fees.
• Responsive support — if something goes wrong mid-course, you need to be able to reach someone. Check for phone, email, or chat support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take Joshua's Law online if I'm 17?

Yes. Joshua's Law applies to all first-time license applicants under 18 in Georgia. Whether you're 15, 16, or 17, you need to complete the 30-hour course before getting your Class D license.

Do I need Joshua's Law if I'm 18 or older?

No. The Joshua's Law requirement only applies to drivers under 18. If you're 18 or older and applying for your first Georgia license, you do not need to complete the 30-hour course. However, you still need to pass the road skills test.

Can I start the course before I have my learner's permit?

Yes. There's no requirement to have your permit before starting the online course. Some families start the course before or around the same time as getting the permit, so the classroom portion is done well before the 12-month permit holding period ends.

Is the course the same as the DDS road test?

No. The Joshua's Law online course is the classroom education requirement. You still need to take a separate road skills test at a DDS office to demonstrate your actual driving ability. The online course prepares you with knowledge; the road test evaluates your behind-the-wheel skills.

What if my teen loses interest or falls behind?

This is common. The self-paced format is a double-edged sword — it's flexible, but there's no one pushing you forward. Set a daily or weekly goal (even 30 minutes a day adds up), and consider tying progress to driving privileges: "Complete two lessons this week and we'll practice driving on Saturday."

How much does Joshua's Law online course cost?

Prices vary by provider, typically ranging from $40 to $195. Our course is competitively priced and includes everything — all lessons, quizzes, the final exam, unlimited retakes, and your completion certificate. Check our Joshua's Law course page for current pricing.

The Bottom Line

Taking Joshua's Law online is the most convenient way for Georgia teens to complete their required 30 hours of driver education. You can work at your own pace, from any device, and fit it around school, sports, and everything else. The course covers everything you need to know to be a safe, knowledgeable driver — from Georgia traffic laws to defensive driving techniques.

The sooner you start, the sooner you'll have your certificate in hand and be one step closer to your Class D license. Pair the online course with consistent behind-the-wheel practice, and you'll be well-prepared for both the road test and real-world driving.

For a detailed breakdown of the full licensing process, see our Complete Guide to Georgia's Graduated License System.