Joshua’s Law is a Georgia state law enacted in 2007[1] changing the driver's license requirements for teen drivers.[2] A teen driver must meet the new requirements to obtain a Georgia driver’s license. The law was named after Joshua Brown, who died in an accident in 2003.[3] Joshua’s parents joined with legislators in an effort to put stronger driver training laws into effect. The end result was The Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA), a law that requires teens get specific driving experience and instruction before obtaining licensing beyond the learner's permit. The law also implemented a graduated driver licensing system, imposing time-of-day and passenger restrictions on drivers aged 16 and 17.
TADRA, enacted on July 1, 1997,[4] necessitates a graduated three step driver licensing procedure for Georgia teens between the ages of 15 and 18. There are three separate classifications for teen driver licensing. Joshua’s Law, which went into effect January 1, 2007, added an additional educational requirement to the second step.
Step 1, the Learner's permit (Class CP license). Can operate a Class C vehicle when accompanied by a person at least 21 years of age who is licensed to drive a class C vehicle, who is fit and capable of exercising control over the vehicle, and who is occupying a seat beside the driver.[5]
Step 2, the Intermediate license (Class D license). Drivers are 16 years of age, who have held an Instructional Permit for 12 months and 1 day and passed the state-administered comprehensive on-road driving test are eligible for this license. There are several restrictions on this license, which are:
Step 3, the Full license (Class C license). The Class C license is granted to drivers ages 18 years and older who have a class D license and have no major traffic convictions during the previous 12 months. Major traffic violations are as follows:
Joshua's Law also implemented additional fees on certain traffic offenses such as DUIs.[6] The program raises approximately $2 to $4 million per year in revenue for the State of Georgia.[7]