Georgia DDS 40-Hour Parent/Teen Driving Guide Affidavit (DDS-7): Joshua's Law Driving Experience Affidavit

If you're a parent of a teenager in Gwinnett County preparing for a Class D driver's license, you've probably heard about "Joshua's Law." But what many families don't realize is that sworn verification — typically a notarized affidavit — is a required part of the process.

What Is the Georgia DDS 40-Hour Parent/Teen Driving Guide Affidavit (DDS-7)?

The Driving Experience Affidavit (DDS-7) is the official form parents or guardians must sign to certify that their teen has completed the supervised driving requirements mandated by Georgia's Joshua's Law (O.C.G.A. § 40-5-22). The affidavit serves as sworn proof that the teen driver has accumulated at least 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, including a minimum of 6 hours of nighttime driving.

What Is It Used For?

Under Georgia law, any applicant under age 18 who has not completed an approved driver education course must be at least 17 years old to obtain a Class D driver's license AND must have completed at least 40 hours of supervised driving experience, with at least 6 hours occurring after sunset. The DDS-7 affidavit is the parent or guardian's legal statement under oath confirming these requirements have been met. The form is presented when the teen applies for their license at a DDS Customer Service Center.

Why Does Georgia Law Require Notarization?

Georgia requires sworn verification — either notarization or signing before a DDS employee authorized to administer oaths — because the parent's statement is made under penalty of perjury. The "sworn verification" language in the DDS requirements means the parent is attesting to facts (the teen's driving hours) that directly affect the teen's eligibility for a license. Under O.C.G.A. § 9-10-113, affidavits and sworn statements must be made before a notary public or other officer authorized to administer oaths. This legal safeguard ensures the integrity of the driver licensing process and reinforces the seriousness of the parent's certification.

Where to Find the Official Form

The 40-Hour Parent/Teen Driving Guide, including the Driving Experience Affidavit, is available on the Georgia DDS website at https://dds.georgia.gov/40-hour-parentteen-driving-guide. Additional forms like the Driver Training School Parent Affidavit and the Certificate of School Enrollment (DS-1 — which also requires notarization) can be found on the DDS Teen Drivers Forms page.

Tip: Schedule your notary appointment before going to DDS. Having the affidavit properly notarized ahead of time can streamline your visit and prevent having to make a second trip.

Need this document notarized? Find a trusted notary in your area on Notary of Gwinnett.