Does the ADAP certificate cover Joshua’s Law requirements for teen drivers and their education? Learn about it in detail here.
If you’re a Georgia teenager the parent of one navigating the requirements for a driver’s license can seem a lot like being thrust into some kind of maze. Between terms such as ADAP, Joshua’s Law, and driving affidavits, it’s pretty easy to feel overwhelmed. Perhaps the most common question I get is: “Does the ADAP certificate cover Joshua’s Law?” Well, the short answer is yes and no. Let me explain.
For teenagers in Georgia, both the ADAP certificate and the requirements of Joshua’s Law are major markers along one’s journey to acquiring that driver’s license. Each serves a different purpose. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at what each covers, how they are interconnected, and what you have to do in order to check off every box on your driver’s ed checklist.
Table of Contents
What is the ADAP Certificate?
Let’s start with the basics: ADAP is a state-required course for teens in Georgia who want to get their driver’s license. It’s a program designed to educate young drivers about the dangers of alcohol and drug use, especially when mixed with driving. Think of it as Georgia’s way of saying, “We want you to understand the risks before you hit the road.
How Do You Complete ADAP?
The majority of the students in Georgia go through their ADAP course in their 9th-grade curriculum year at school. When the course is completed, they give you your ADAP certificate also known as the ADAP card, something which is quite important given that later on when it will come time for the license, you are required to provide it.
Does ADAP Alone Fulfill Joshua’s Law?
Now, here is where it gets tricky. The ADAP certificate does indeed satisfy part of the Joshua’s Law requirements but is not a complete one in itself. One might say it’s another piece of the jigsaw puzzle. While ADAP deals with substance awareness, Joshua’s Law deals with driver education. Additional actions must be taken to completely satisfy the requirements for Josh’s Law, which is what we will cover on the next page.
What is Joshua’s Law?
Now, the star of the show: Joshua’s Law. Legislatively described as Senate Bill 226, Joshua’s Law is a law passed in Georgia to make teen driving safer, and it was enacted upon the death of a 16-year-old boy named Joshua Brown in a car accident. The law covers all 16- and 17-year-olds, hence giving guidelines on how to get one’s driver’s license.
The Key Requirements of Joshua’s Law
To meet Joshua’s Law requirements you must do the following:
Driver’s Education Course:
A 30-hour classroom or online course that covers driving fundamentals, safety, and road rules.
Coupled with 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor or 40 hours of supervised driving which must be at night.
Valid Learner’s Permit:
You must have had your learner’s permit for at least one year and one day when you apply for your license.
Documents to be submitted:
ADAP Certificate: Evidence of having taken the ADAP course.
Vehicle and Driving Test Preparation:
The vehicle used for the road test is required to have current valid registration and insurance.
You have no major traffic violation on record that could lead to suspension.
Joshua’s Law vs. ADAP: How Do They Relate to Each Other?
Another way to look at it is this: ADAP is just one of the requirements under the big umbrella of Joshua’s Law. While ADAP covers alcohol and drug awareness among teens, Joshua’s Law in itself encompasses more hands-on driver training and road safety. Though finishing ADAP is important, for you to fully comply with Joshua’s Law, you will also need to complete a driver’s education course.
My Journey: Overcoming ADAP and Joshua’s Law
The both of us felt swamped with paperwork and requirements as I was helping my cousin study for his license. He had completed the ADAP program in school, but it was clear when I began looking into Joshua’s Law that ADAP had merely been the tip of the iceberg.
We decided to take things one at a time. First, we started him on an online Joshua’s Law course that would go at his pace of completion. Even the rules of the road course broke them down; I have to admit, even I joined him for lessons every now and then. Let me just say, I even learned a thing or two! We then set up behind-the-wheel training sessions with a local instructor, which became a game-changer. It was one of those proud moments, watching him gain confidence behind the wheel.
Step-by-Step Guide to Meeting ADAP and Joshua’s Law Requirements
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry gotcha. Here’s a simple checklist to make sure you’re meeting all the requirements:
Step 1: Complete the ADAP Program
Most teens do this in 9th grade, but if you didn’t, it’s available online on the Georgia DDS website. When finished, place your ADAP certificate in a safe location.
Step 2: Take a Joshua’s Law Course
Choose a state-approved course that fits your schedule. Online options are great for flexibility, while in-person classes may provide more hands-on guidance.
Step 3: Get Behind-the-Wheel Training
Take at least 6 hours of professional driving lessons or complete 40 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian, including 6 hours at night.
Step 4: Hold Your Learner’s Permit
Make sure you have held your permit for at least one year and one day prior to applying for your license.
Step 5: Prepare Required Documents
Step 6: Scheduling the Road Test
Having done all of the above, you are now ready for your road test. Practice more and keep calm; after all, a beginning is a beginning for everyone!
FAQs
1. Can I skip the ADAP program if I’m over 18?
Yes. ADAP requires only a certificate for Teens under 18 years of age.
2. Is the ADAP course available online?
Yes, you can if you missed it at school. You may enroll for this course online via the website of Georgia DDS.
3. Are there free options for the Joshua’s Law course?
Yes, some agencies offer free or low-cost courses. You can go to the Georgia DDS website to see a list of approved providers.
4. Do students have to take Joshua’s Law course if they have reached the age of 17 years?
Yes. Joshua’s Law requirements apply to both 16- and 17-year-olds.
Wrapping It Up
So, does the ADAP certificate cover Joshua’s Law? Not quite, but it’s a big piece of the puzzle. Think of the ADAP as a box you must check on the road to meeting Georgia’s driving requirements. While ADAP teaches drug and alcohol awareness, Joshua’s Law makes sure you are prepared to be a safe and responsible driver.
If you feel overwhelmed, remember you are not alone. Take it one step at a time, lean on the resources available to you-like online courses and driving guides-and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Trust me, when you finally get your driver’s license in your hands, it will all have been worth it.
Additional Resources
To make your journey smoother, here are some helpful links and resources:
