Over Coronavirus Concerns, Georgia Teens Can Now Get a Driver's License Without Actually Proving They Can Drive

Leah Barkoukis | April 30, 2020 4:55 PM

Due to coronavirus concerns, for the next few weeks teens in Georgia will be able to get their driver’s licenses without taking a driving test.

Under the new executive order issued by Gov. Brian Kemp, teens who have met all other driving requirements just need their parents’ approval to get their license online.

Under the temporary rules, teen learner’s permit holders will be allowed to upgrade to a provisional license by providing an affidavit from their parent, guardian or driving instructor that they have completed 40 hours of supervised driving. A clean driving record of at least one year and one day is also required. Permit holders over the age of 18 can sign their own affidavit.
The commissioner of the state’s Department of Driver Services¸ Spencer Moore, told WSB-TV that social distancing guidelines currently make it impossible to conduct the in-person tests, and that there is a backlog of 30,000 applicants, with an average of 5,000 teens having taken the exam every week prior to the shutdown. Moore said the first time pass rate for the road test typically runs over 80 percent.
Georgia's state of emergency is set to expire on May 13, but could be extended by the governor as circumstances dictate. (Fox News)

"I'm hoping most parents won't just sign off on those 40 hours, I'm hoping most will take the time and drive with their kids before they let them obtain their driver's license," Stormi Kenney, owner of Kennesaw Driving School, told Fox 5.

What could possibly go wrong?