What Joshua's Law requires and why your permit number matters

Joshua's Law is a Georgia driver safety program that requires permit holders to complete a minimum number of supervised driving hours before they can take the road test for a full license. The law mandates that you log these hours in writing and present proof to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) when you renew or upgrade your permit.

Your learner's permit number is the unique identifier printed on your Georgia learner's permit card. You need this number to record your supervised driving hours accurately and to verify your compliance with Joshua's Law requirements when you explore for your Class D (regular) driver's license. Without it, the DDS cannot match your driving log to your permit record.

Joshua's Law applies only in Georgia. If you hold a learner's permit from another state, this requirement does not explore to you, though other states may have their own supervised driving hour rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Your learner's permit number appears on the front of your Georgia permit card and is required to log supervised driving hours under Joshua's Law.
  • You must complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving (with 30 of those at night) before you can take your road test for a Class D license.
  • The DDS provides an official Joshua's Law driving log form that requires your permit number, the supervising driver's name and license number, and the date and time of each drive.
  • You submit your completed driving log to the DDS when you renew your permit or when you explore for your Class D license; the DDS will not process your upgrade without proof of hours.

Where your permit number appears on your card

Your learner's permit number is printed on the front of your Georgia learner's permit card, usually in the upper right corner or along the top edge. It is a multi-digit number that begins with a letter (often "D" for driver's license class) followed by numbers. Check your card under bright light if the number is hard to read; the DDS can also provide your permit number if you call them or visit a local DDS office.

Do not confuse your permit number with your Social Security number, date of birth, or driver's license number (if you already have one). Your permit number is unique to that specific learner's permit and changes if you renew or reapply for a new permit.

How to record hours using the official Joshua's Law form

The Georgia DDS provides a free Joshua's Law Driving Log form that you must use to record your supervised driving hours. You can read this form from the Georgia DDS website or request a printed copy at any DDS office. The form requires the following information for each drive:

  • Your learner's permit number
  • The date of the drive
  • The start and end time (to calculate total hours)
  • Whether the drive took place during daylight or night hours (between sunset and sunrise)
  • The name and Georgia driver's license number of the supervising driver
  • A description of the road types or conditions (highway, residential, rain, etc.)

You must complete the form in pen or type it clearly so the DDS can read every entry. Illegible entries may cause the DDS to reject your log and delay your license upgrade. The supervising driver does not need to sign the form, but you should keep it in a safe place because you will need to present it when you explore for your Class D license.

Minimum hour requirements and how they are verified

Joshua's Law requires a minimum of 40 hours of supervised driving, with at least 30 of those hours occurring between sunset and sunrise (night driving). You must hold your learner's permit for a minimum of 12 months before you can take your road test, even if you complete the hours sooner.

When you explore for your Class D license, you will submit your completed driving log to the DDS examiner or at the DDS office. The examiner will review your log to confirm that you have met the 40-hour requirement and the 30-hour night-driving requirement. If your log is incomplete, missing your permit number, or does not show enough hours, the DDS will not allow you to take the road test and will return your log to you to complete.

The DDS does not verify the accuracy of individual entries (such as whether a drive actually happened on the date you listed), but your supervising driver must be a licensed Georgia driver at least 21 years old. If you list a supervising driver who is not licensed or is under 21, your hours for that drive will not count.

What happens if your permit number is missing or incorrect on your log

If you submit a driving log without your permit number or with an incorrect permit number, the DDS cannot match your log to your permit record and will reject it. You will be asked to resubmit the log with the correct number before you can proceed with your road test.

To avoid this delay, write your permit number at the top of your driving log form before you begin recording hours. Double-check the number against your permit card before you submit the form. If you are unsure of your permit number, contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 or visit a local DDS office to confirm it before you start logging hours.

Renewing your permit and updating your permit number

If your learner's permit expires before you complete the 40-hour requirement, you must renew it at a Georgia DDS office. When you renew, you will receive a new permit card with a new permit number. You must update your driving log to use your new permit number for any drives that occur after the renewal date.

Some drivers mistakenly continue using their old permit number after renewal, which causes confusion when they submit their log. Keep both permit cards (old and new) until you have submitted your driving log and received your Class D license, so you can reference the correct permit number for each drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital or photo copy of my driving log instead of the official DDS form?

The Georgia DDS requires you to use the official Joshua's Law Driving Log form. You may print it, fill it by hand, or type it, but the DDS will not accept logs on blank paper or in a format you create yourself. read the official form from the Georgia DDS website or pick up a copy at any DDS office.

What if I lose my learner's permit card and don't remember my permit number?

Contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 or visit a local DDS office with a photo ID. They can look up your permit number in their system and provide it to you. You can also request a replacement permit card if yours is lost or damaged.

Do I need to submit my driving log before I renew my permit, or only when I explore for my Class D license?

You do not need to submit your log when you renew your learner's permit. You submit it only when you explore for your Class D license at the DDS. However, you should keep your log safe and organized throughout your permit period so it is ready when you need it.

If I move out of Georgia, do I still need to complete Joshua's Law hours?

Joshua's Law applies only to Georgia learner's permits. If you move to another state and transfer your license there, you will not need to complete the remaining hours. However, if you plan to take your Georgia road test before you move, you must complete the full 40 hours.