By CAROL HEARD

Communications Specialist at Bainbridge State College

Bainbridge State College is offering what Georgia’s teenagers could say is a match made in heaven – the ability to use any internet-based device—even a smartphone—to complete a required driver’s education course.

Under Georgia’s “Joshua’s Law,” teenagers wanting to get a driver’s license must take 30 hours of driver education. But unlike traditional programs, part of a program at Bainbridge State’s Continuing Education Center allows teenagers to participate on any web-based device, even a smartphone, said Marty Davis, the college’s continuing education coordinator.

“There are other online programs throughout the state; however, taking a program sponsored by Bainbridge State’s Continuing Education department, you can be assured that your son or daughter is receiving quality instruction and excellent customer service,” Davis said. “The number of enrollments has steadily increased since March, another indicator how well the program works.”

Georgia’s Joshua’s Law online course is 30 hours long and covers all of the information that teens need to know to operate a vehicle and stay safe while driving. The course teaches a variety of defensive driving techniques such as safe following practices, how to properly scan the road in front, and how to be aware of other drivers’ blind spots.

The Joshua Law, which was passed in 2007, states that all 16-year-old Georgia residents who wish to earn a provisional Class D driver’s license must complete an approved course such as the one offered by Bainbridge State and spend 40 hours driving under parental supervision, six hours of which must be at night.

To learn more about Bainbridge State College’s driver’s education course or other course offerings, please contact Marty Davis, coordinator of Continuing Education, 315 S. Boulevard Drive in Bainbridge, or (229) 248-2516.