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Georgia’s behind-the-wheel training is a key part of earning your driver’s license. This hands-on experience allows new drivers to develop the practical skills needed to navigate Georgia’s diverse road conditions confidently. Whether you’re learning under Joshua’s Law or preparing for the Georgia road test, behind-the-wheel training ensures you’re equipped with the driving techniques required for safe driving.

1. Georgia’s Behind-the-Wheel Training Requirements

In Georgia, new drivers under 18 are required to complete 6 hours of professional behind-the-wheel instruction as part of Joshua’s Law. This training can be completed through a licensed driving school, or parents can use the Parent/Teen Driving Guide for supervised practice.

Additionally, Georgia drivers must log 40 hours of supervised driving, with at least 6 hours at night. These requirements ensure that new drivers gain experience in both daytime and nighttime driving conditions before they can take the Georgia DDS road test.

2. Navigating Georgia’s Roads with Confidence

Behind-the-wheel training in Georgia prepares students to handle a variety of driving environments, from urban roads to rural highways. Georgia’s road system presents unique challenges, including rural areas with fewer traffic signals and highways with high-speed traffic.

During training, you’ll practice navigating these different environments, learning to handle the challenges of both city driving and rural roads. For instance, you’ll gain experience driving on Georgia’s interstates and local roads, ensuring you’re well-prepared for real-world driving.

3. The Importance of Certified Driving Instructors in Georgia

Georgia-certified driving instructors are crucial in helping new drivers develop safe driving habits. These instructors provide personalized guidance and immediate feedback during behind-the-wheel sessions, helping students correct mistakes in real time.

Additionally, the training vehicles used in Georgia’s programs are equipped with dual controls, allowing instructors to intervene if necessary, ensuring the safety of both the student and other road users.

4. Defensive Driving and Hazard Perception

Behind-the-wheel training in Georgia emphasizes defensive driving, teaching students to anticipate hazards and make safe decisions on the road. This includes managing difficult road conditions, avoiding collisions, and learning how to react to unexpected situations like sharp turns, sudden stops, or hazards on rural roads.

Students will also practice night driving, which is a crucial part of Georgia’s driving requirements. Handling visibility challenges and fatigue management are key skills taught during these sessions​.

5. Preparing for the Georgia DDS Road Test

Georgia’s behind-the-wheel training is specifically designed to prepare students for the Georgia DDS road test. In addition to basic driving skills, students will practice essential maneuvers like three-point turns, parallel parking, and safely interacting with traffic signals.

Completing the required training hours qualifies you to schedule your DDS road test and begin driving independently.

Conclusion

Behind-the-wheel training in Georgia is a critical step toward becoming a safe and confident driver. By completing your training with a certified instructor, you’ll gain the skills needed to navigate Georgia’s roads and pass your DDS road test with ease. 

Ready to start? Check out state-approved programs like Georgia Driving School to begin your journey toward safe, responsible driving.