The Teenage & Adult Driver Responsibility Act
The roads are a dangerous place, especially for young drivers. According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, car crashes are the leading killer of teens and young adults, and this is mainly due to inexperience and irresponsible decision-making behind the wheel. The Georgia legislature addressed this problem by enacting the TADRA Bill – the Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act. This is now Georgia’s graduated licensing program for all drivers between 15 and 18, and even carries provisions for drivers over 21. This means that ALL Georgia drivers are affected by this law, and should know exactly what it entails.
The Three Steps of TADRA
In order to obtain a driver’s license in Georgia, teens must complete a three-stage process.The first step requires teens at least 15 years old to pass a written examination, after which they are given an instructional permit, or Class CP license. This permit allows them to practice driving with a licensed passenger 21 years or older. The student must then complete a Joshua’s Law - compliant driver’s education course. Joshua’s Law provides that all teens 16 or older must:
- Undergo a state-approved driver’s education course before they receive a graduated driver’s license
- Complete a total of at least 40 hours behind-the-wheel training, including 6 hours of night driving
Step 2 gives students their Intermediate Class D license. Teens must be between 16 and 18 years old, have successfully passed their Joshua’s Law Drivers Ed course, and must also pass a driving skills exam. The Intermediate License also carries certain restrictions until the student turns 18 years old:
- Teens may not drive between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.
- During the first 6 months, teens may not drive with passengers who are not family members
- During the second 6 months, teens may not drive with more than one passenger under the age of 21 who is NOT a family member
After a teen has turned 18 years old, Step 3 grants them their full Class C driver’s license with all privileges.
How Has TADRA Helped?
Since the Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act was enacted in July 1997, the state of Georgia has seen a 44.5% drop in speed-related crashes and fatalities involving teens within the 18 months after it was put in place. It also places much harsher penalties on both teens and adults for violations such as drunk driving, reckless driving, and other major citations. Drivers under 18 may not incur any violation count over 4 points, or they risk suspension of their license for 12 months. The same goes for underage drinking and driving; Georgia’s zero-tolerance policy will place their license under suspension for a minimum of a year.
Other Georgia State Articles and News on This Website:
Parents, Give Your Teen
The Right Foundation
Fully Approved By The DDS
of Georgia to meet all
Joshua's Law Requirements
