Georgia State Laws for Teen Driving
Getting a driver's license is an important rite of passage in a teenager's life. The freedom that comes with driving is a welcome change from being driven around. However, teen driving is also very dangerous. According to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, drivers aged 15 to 20 accounted for 12% of deadly accidents in the United States in 2008. The state of Georgia has laws aimed at protecting teen drivers and reducing fatal crashes.
Other People Are Reading
-
Joshua's Law
-
According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, or DDS, Joshua's Law is a law passed in 2007 to stiffen the requirements for 16-year-old drivers to get a Georgia class D, or "graduated," driver's license. In order to get a driver's license, 16-year-olds must complete a Georgia DDS-sanctioned driver's education course. If teens do not take a Georgia DDS-approved driver's education course, they cannot get a driver's license until they are 17. Additionally, according to the Georgia DDS, teens must complete 40 hours of instruction or driving, including a minimum of six hours at night. Teen drivers must also have held an instructional permit, which they can get at the age of 15 by passing a written test, for at least one year to qualify for a class D license.
Class D Restrictions
-
Georgia class D graduated driver's licenses come with many restrictions, which are gradually removed as teens get older. Class D licensed drivers cannot drive between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. Teens holding a class D license also may not carry any passengers (other than immediate family) for the first six months after being licensed. After six months, teens can carry one non-family passenger under the age of 21, and after 12 months, they may carry as many as three non-family passengers under the age of 21. The class D license becomes a class C, or regular, driver's license once the driver turns 18, provided that she does not have any moving violations.
-
School/Crime Requirements
-
Georgia law states that, in order to maintain a driver's license, any person under the age of 18 must be currently enrolled in, or graduated from, a school or educational institution. Also, in order to maintain a driver's license, students must not be expelled, drop out or miss more than 10 consecutive days of school. Teens also must not commit crimes involving school violence, sex or drugs. The state of Georgia will suspend the driver's license of any teen who does not meet the above requirements for one year, or until they turn 18, whichever is first.
-
References
- Photo Credit wrecked car image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com
