Month: March 2025

Just what exactly do you need to get your driver’s license at 16? To get your driver’s license at 16 in Georgia, you must meet several qualifications and complete a few requirements. Here’s exactly what you need:

1. Complete Joshua’s Law Requirements

• 30-Hour Driver Education Course: You must complete a 30-hour classroom or online driver education course, known as Joshua’s Law. This course covers the basics of driving, traffic laws, and safety.
• 6 Hours of Behind-the-Wheel Training: You need to complete at least 6 hours of driving instruction with a certified driving school or instructor.

2. Hold Your Learner’s Permit

• You must have held your Georgia Learner’s Permit for at least 12 months and 1 day before applying for your driver’s license.
• During this time, you should gain experience driving under supervision, including completing at least 40 hours of supervised driving (6 of which must be at night).

3. Pass the Road Test

• You’ll need to pass the road test at the Georgia DMV or a certified driving school. This will test your ability to operate a vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
• In case you don’t want to go to the DDS, you can take the road test at a certified driving school like A-1 Driving School!

4. Parental or Guardian Consent

• If you’re under 18, you need parental or guardian consent to apply for your driver’s license.

5. Provide Required Documents

When you go to take the road test or apply for your license, you’ll need to provide:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, etc.)
• Proof of residency (like a utility bill or school record)
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Proof of completion of the Joshua’s Law course and driving hours

6. Pay the Fees

• The fee for the driver’s license application is typically around $32.

7. Pass Vision and Knowledge Tests (if not already done)

• You’ll need to pass a vision test and may also be required to take a written knowledge test (unless you’ve already taken it when getting your learner’s permit).

 

Taking driving school has many benefits, especially if you’re new to driving or want to improve your skills. If you live in Athens Georgia, now is the perfect time to take driving lessons! Here’s why it’s a great idea to enroll:

1. Learn Important Skills

Driving school teaches you the basic skills, like steering and braking, as well as advanced skills like parallel parking and defensive driving.

2. Build Confidence

If you’re nervous about driving, a driving school can help you feel more comfortable and ready to drive safely.

3. Prepare for the Driving Test

Driving schools focus on what you need to know to pass your test, like road signs, parking, and driving in traffic.

4. Understand Road Rules

You’ll learn the rules of the road, including traffic laws and how to stay safe in different situations.

5. Save on Insurance

Many insurance companies give discounts to drivers who complete a certified driving course, saving you money on car insurance.

6. Reduce Accident Risk

In driving school, you’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes and drive safely, reducing your chances of getting into an accident.

7. Increase Road Awareness

You’ll become more aware of the road, other drivers, and pedestrians, making you a safer driver.

8. Learn from Experts

Certified instructors are experienced and know how to teach in a calm, clear way to help you become a safe driver.

9. Create Good Habits

Driving school helps you develop good habits, like always wearing a seatbelt and obeying speed limits.

10. Practice Behind the Wheel

You’ll get hands-on driving experience, which helps you feel ready to drive on your own.

 

Driving school is a smart investment and a great way to make the roads around you familiar, and having a driver who is familiar with the area in which you live is even better! It gives you the skills, confidence, and knowledge to become a safe driver. Whether you’re getting your license or just want to improve, driving school helps you get there and should not be inaccessible! We want every student to get the best at the best price for you. Sign up for a class today!

Do you live in Athens Georgia and need to take your road test? If you take a road test with a driving school that you have taken classes with prior you’ll feel more comfortable during the road test! Dealing with the DDS for your road test can be scary sometimes, so why not take it where you feel comfortable? Familiarity can be an advantage when the test rolls around, and on top of that you’ll know exactly what your driver expects of you! If you live in Athens and wanted to take your test with a driving school here are some of the ins and outs of the test!

Adult Road Test (18 and Over):

• No class requirement; students do not need to take lessons with A-1.

• Must have a valid Georgia Driver’s Permit.

• Cost: $150.

Road Test (Under 18):

• Must complete the 30-hour Joshua’s Law course (classroom or online) + 6 hours of driving lessons at A-1 or another certified school in Georgia.

• Must have a valid Georgia Driver’s Permit for at least 1 year and 1 day.

• Can retake the road test if failed.

• Cost: $95.

• Free re-test if failed the first time.

Additional Info:

• No refunds after 1:00 pm on Friday before the road test.

• Cancellations before that time incur a cancellation fee.

Why Road Signs Matter

Road signs are designed to prevent accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow. Without road signs, roads would be chaotic and dangerous. Signs provide instructions, warnings, and information to help drivers make safe decisions. They’re a universal language that every driver must understand. That’s why learning what each sign represents is one of the first things you’ll study when getting ready for your driver’s license.

Types of Road Signs

Road signs can be divided into three main categories: regulatory signs, warning signs, and informational signs. Each type of sign has its unique purpose.

1. Regulatory Signs

These signs are meant to inform drivers of the rules they must follow. Breaking these rules can result in fines or accidents.

Examples:

• Stop Sign: Come to a full stop before proceeding past the stop sign.
• Speed Limit Sign: Follow the speed limit on the sign to gauge how fast/what speed to drive at.
• Yield Sign: Drivers must slow down or stop to give the right of way to other vehicles or pedestrians.

2. Warning Signs

Warning signs help drivers stay alert and prepare for upcoming hazards. These signs are often yellow or orange, with black symbols or text. They’re usually diamond-shaped or triangular.

Examples:

• Curve Ahead: A sign with a curved arrow warns of a sharp bend in the road.
• Pedestrian Crossing: A sign showing a person walking indicates areas where pedestrians frequently cross.
• Construction Zone: A sign with an orange background alerts drivers that they are entering a construction area where workers might be present.

3. Informational Signs

These signs provide helpful information to drivers. They might indicate directions, distances, or points of interest. They are usually green, blue, or brown.

Examples:

• Exit Signs: Green signs with the word “EXIT” show drivers which lane to take to leave the highway or freeway.
• Hospital or Gas Station: Blue signs point to nearby services like gas stations, rest stops, or hospitals.
• Mile Markers: These signs indicate the distance you’ve traveled along a highway.

Shapes and Colors of Road Signs

Understanding the shapes and colors of road signs is important because it helps you identify the purpose of a sign:

• Octagon (8 sides): Always means “STOP.”
• Triangle: Indicates “Yield.”
• Diamond: A warning about upcoming hazards or changes.
• Rectangle or Square: Usually regulatory signs that provide rules or directions.
• Round: Warning for railroad crossings.
• Vertical Rectangle: These typically provide information, such as speed limits or directions.

Colors:

• Red: Often used for stop signs or things that require immediate attention, like “Do Not Enter.”
• Yellow: A warning or caution, usually for changes in road conditions.
• Green: Indicates directions, exits, or allowed actions.
• Blue: Typically used for informational signs like service areas or rest stops.
• Orange: Construction zone warnings.

The obstruction of road signs could lead to serious injury or trouble with an officer of the law. If you or someone you know has faced legal action and is required to take the risk reduction course A-1 Driving Schools is always here to help!