Are you a teen in Georgia looking to complete your driver’s education without the high costs? The Georgia Driver’s Education Grant Scholarship is designed to help students aged 15 to 17 fulfill Joshua’s Law requirements with financial support. If you meet the criteria, you can receive a scholarship covering the full cost of a driver’s ed course through authorized providers, such as Georgia Driving School.
This blog post will walk you through everything you need to know about the grant, from eligibility criteria to the application process and how to redeem the scholarship successfully.
Scholarship Requirements Table
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 15-17 years old |
| Residency | Georgia resident with a valid Instructional Permit or Driver’s License |
| Course | 30 hours classroom + 6 hours behind-the-wheel |
| Redemption | Within 30 days of award notification |
| Completion | Within 180 days of award date |
| Priority | 1st: Dependents of fallen public safety/military personnel 2nd: Financial need 3rd: All other applicants |
1. What is the Georgia Driver’s Education Grant Scholarship?
The Georgia Driver’s Education Grant Scholarship is a program designed to provide financial aid to students aged 15 to 17 years old who wish to take a state-approved driver’s education course. The scholarship allows students to fulfill Joshua’s Law requirements without financial strain, covering the full cost of the training.
2. Eligibility Requirements
To apply for this grant, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Georgia resident between 15 and 17 years old.
- Have a valid Georgia Instructional Permit or Driver’s License.
- Priority is given in the following order:
- Children or dependents of Georgia public safety professionals or military personnel killed in the line of duty.
- Students with financial needs.
- All other students who do not qualify under the first two priorities.
3. Scholarship Awarding Process
- Scholarships are awarded monthly.
- Applications are due by the last day of each month.
- Award notifications are sent via email on the 1st of the following month.
- If the number of applicants exceeds available scholarships, a random selection process is used.
4. How to Apply for the Scholarship?
Applying for the scholarship is simple. Follow these steps:
- Create an Account – Register online at Georgia Highway Safety Office.
- Login to the Portal – Access the scholarship application portal.
- Submit the Application – Fill in the required details and submit before the deadline.
- Check Your Email – If selected, you will receive an award email on the 1st of the month.
5. How to Redeem the Scholarship?
Once you receive your scholarship award, follow these steps:
- Choose an Authorized Provider – Pick a training school from the list of state-approved driver’s education providers.
- Redeem the Grant – Present the scholarship redemption code within 30 days of receiving the award.
- Complete the Course – Finish the 30-hour classroom training and 6-hour behind-the-wheel instruction within 180 days.
6. Requirements for Driver’s Ed Training
The training consists of:
- 30 hours of classroom instruction.
- 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor.
7. How Long Do You Have to Complete the Course?
Students must complete the 30/6 driver’s education course within 180 days of receiving the grant.
8. Cost of Driver’s Education Without the Grant
If you don’t qualify for the scholarship, the average cost of a state-approved driver’s education course in Georgia is $250.
9. Authorized Driver’s Education Providers
One of the well-known authorized providers is Georgia Driving School. To find the full list of approved providers, visit the official Georgia Highway Safety website.
10. Benefits of Taking Driver’s Education
- Legal Compliance – Completing a certified course is mandatory under Joshua’s Law.
- Lower Insurance Rates – Many insurance companies offer discounts for completing driver’s education.
- Enhanced Driving Skills – Professional instruction helps develop safe driving habits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of the Georgia Driver’s Education Grant Scholarship?
The scholarship aims to help Georgia teens meet Joshua’s Law requirements by providing financial assistance for driver’s education courses.
2. How long does it take to complete driver’s ed in Georgia?
It takes 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
3. What happens if I don’t redeem my scholarship in time?
You must redeem your scholarship within 30 days. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of the award.
4. What if I don’t complete the course within 180 days?
If you don’t complete the course in time, you may lose your scholarship funding, and you’ll have to pay for the course yourself.
5. Can homeschool students apply for this scholarship?
Yes! All Georgia students, including homeschoolers, are eligible to apply as long as they meet the age and residency requirements.
Conclusion
The Georgia Commission Grant Scholarship for Driver’s Ed is a fantastic opportunity for young drivers to gain essential driving skills without financial burden. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can apply, redeem, and complete your training within the required time frame. Don’t miss out—apply before the month’s deadline and take the next step toward safe and responsible driving!
