All Things Driving School -Your questions answered below!

I’m new here.  What is Joshua’s Law?

Joshua’s law refers to The Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA), enacted in 2007.  This law requires teens to get specific driving experience and instruction before obtaining licensing beyond the learner's permit. The law also implemented a graduated driver licensing system, imposing time-of-day and passenger restrictions on drivers aged 16 and 17.

More importantly, the law was born out of a Cartersville student who lost his life in a hydroplaning accident.  Joshua’s dad lobbied for increased instruction surrounding drivers education which is today known as the Joshua’s Law Course.  

Do I have to attend in-person driving school?

You absolutely do not, but we can certainly speak to the differences. If you choose an online at-home option (and trust us, we know it is a good option for some people) you will be on a computer, alone, for 30 hours. And YES, they make you stay on for 30 hours - meaning you can’t skip ahead.  (You can go in and out, but in the end, you will have been in front of that machine for 30 hours, reading/watching videos/taking quizzes). This method poses challenges for teenagers with regards to pacing, focus and retention.

If you attend class at Towne Lake Driving School, you will be participating live in a group setting with your peers, where dialogue is created and questions are answered. We create an important environment of education, but also where we laugh and have fun. (I mean, are you going to get Krispy Kreme donuts from an online class?)  

Yes, we think teaching students about driving techniques is critical, but in addition to that, we are committed to talking to our students about their emotional health, their decisions, and character building. We convey how driving is truly the first step in them moving towards adulthood. We want them to know about their brain development so they can make informed decisions.  We also want them to know that life can be tough and we work to normalize this stage of their development, while also giving them resources for when they are feeling the pressure.

But wait, there’s more!  We know as parents you have already talked to your children about so many of the topics we discuss. They may not have listened fully to you. So we repeat much of what you have already said.  They may listen a little more because we are not their parents. But the single most important way we have found to really get their attention is by bringing in a police officer, a seasoned veteran of all things traffic in our county, to really break it down for them.  The information exposure from multiple adults and the repetition seems to create the “exclamation point” we as parents and educators have been looking for.  

So, when is the best time to start my driving school process?

As soon as possible!  We usually recommend starting as soon as your child gets their permit. This will allow time for the student to take the Joshua’s Law class (required for all 16 and 17 year olds) and space out their driving lessons to get the most benefit. Even if your child does not yet have their permit, you may still enroll them in the class. They just cannot begin the driving lessons until their permit is obtained. Older students or those reluctant to drive can also benefit from the Joshua’s Law class and instructed driving lessons.

How long is the Joshua’s Law classroom portion?

The Joshua Law class is four days long from 9:00am to 5:00pm each day with a break for lunch and several smaller breaks throughout the day.   

How do I schedule my driving lessons/ Behind The Wheel training?

The 2 hour “Behind The Wheel” driving lessons are scheduled by calling our office during office hours, Monday through Thursday 1:30pm to 5:00pm and Friday 10:30am - 2:00pm. (Summer hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00am-12:30pm and Thursday 1:30pm-5:00pm) Please note that in most cases drives are scheduled about three to four weeks in advance. 

How quickly can I get my Behind The Wheel training done? And why can’t I do them all in one week?

Generally, we are booking our driving lessons 3-4 weeks in advance. We also recommend allowing no less than 3 weeks in between each lesson. Honestly, we prefer the time between drives to be much longer than that so our students can practice, practice and practice some more.  The key to a successful new driver is maximum time behind the wheel.  We know it can be scary, but so is putting an ill prepared newly licensed driver on the roads. 

As long as the student is advancing in their practice between drives, we typically recommend scheduling the third driving lesson close to when the student will actually be taking their driving test.

Lastly, we know each student comes to us at their own previous level of driving experience.  (We work with students who have never been behind the wheel of a car to those that have been driving their Papa’s tractor since they were 12.)  We meet each student where they are at, with the goal of advancing their skill set throughout their time with our instructors.  

Do you pick up and drop off my student for Behind the Wheel training?

No, all of our drives begin and end at our driving school at 1105 Parkside Lane, Woodstock, GA 30189.

What paperwork do  I need to take to DDS to get my license?

Use this link to get the most current information from the DDS. TLDS will provide you with the certificates you earn through our school. 

https://dds.georgia.gov/how-do-i-class-d

Can I take my driving test through Towne Lake Driving School?

We are a state accredited Third Party Testing Center which allows us to conduct your driving test. The cost to test through us is $90 and must be paid to reserve your appointment time. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must have completed at least three driving lessons with us and have proof of Joshua’s Law classroom completion for us to test you. We are allowed to test those over 18 without these restrictions. 

Do I still have to go to the DDS if I test with you?

Yes. While you will not need to make an appointment at the DMV, they will be the ones to take your picture and issue the state drivers license. You will also need to surrender your permit to them and show all required paperwork (such as: Joshua’s Law certificate, your certificate for passing your driving test with us, your attendance record from school, your ADAP certificate). 

Is ADAP part of the Joshua’s Law/drivers ed class?

No. ADAP stands for Alcohol and Drug Awareness program and is usually taken during Health class at the local area high schools. If your child did Health class online or through a private school, they may not have completed the ADAP course. We recommend that you go to the DDS website at https://dds.georgia.gov/adap to access a Georgia state approved ADAP course. 

What is the Mission 180 Course?  Can anyone take it?

Mission 180 is a short, impactful course developed by police officers with the expressed intent of changing driving habits. The primary focus of this course is on speed and the consequences associated with high speed accidents.  

Yes, anyone can take this course. While local courts do court order individuals to this course, anyone can benefit from a much needed refresher from time to time.  (We often hear from parents of past students who are having issues with their new driver’s habits and they ask about a secondary course.  This class is for you!)

However, Mission 180 is NOT a DDS approved defensive driving/driver improvement course, so be sure you are registering for the appropriate class.  If you have questions, please give us a call.