Want your license? New Georgia drivers won’t have to worry about road test — for now
A nerve-wracking road test no longer stands in the way of new Georgia drivers and their license.
Under Gov. Brian Kemp’s latest executive order, behind-the-wheel tests are temporarily suspended due to concern over the coronavirus, FOX 5 Atlanta reported. New drivers must fulfill all other requirements, including 40 hours of supervised driving, but won’t have to hop in the car with a test administrator.
Moreover, those with a valid learner’s permit “shall be eligible for a Class D driver’s license upon turning 16 years of age, provided all other requirements ... are met,” the order states.
Essentially, it’s now up to parents to determine if their teens are ready to hit the road.
“During these unprecedented times, the Department of Driver Services is trying to make it as easy a process for people to get their license and to lessen the burden on people right now,” Stormi Kenney, who owns a driving school in the Atlanta-area suburb of Kennesaw, told FOX 5.
“I’m hoping most parents won’t just sign off on those 40 hours,” Kenney added. “I’m hoping most will take the time and drive with their kids before they let them obtain their driver’s license.”
At a time when social distancing is key, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for instructors to conduct a road test in the same car with a customer training to get their license. Now, drivers must provide an affidavit showing they’ve completed at least 40 hours of supervised driving, either with a parent or instructor, according to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).
The pandemic has also forced DDS to close several of its customer service centers due to staff shortages, a spokesperson for the department told CBS 46. A message posted to the department’s website urges customers to use DDS Online Services or the DDS 2 Go app during the pandemic.
If all other driving requirements are fulfilled, drivers should be able to exchange their permit for a license after getting approved online, according to WSB-TV. Drivers can print their temporary license at home until a physical one arrives in the mail.
“I have mixed feeling because I do feel we need to keep social distancing,” Alicia Wiggins, whose 15-year-old son is preparing to apply for his license, told the station. “But I also feel nervous about having drivers on the road that haven’t actually passed a road test.”
Many online users voiced similar concern.
“This is not safe at all!” one Facebook user commented. “They should consider suspending testing on the driver’s exam instead of just giving ppl license. This puts not only the driver at risk, but others as well.”
“This is not an acceptable solution,” another critic agreed. “Putting more already distracted drivers on the roads without further training. Just extend their permits!!!”
One Twitter user joked: “Them battles to merge onto I-20 are about to get real interesting.”
Kemp’s current executive order is set to expire May 13.