Driving a car or other motorized vehicle is considered a privilege, not a right, including for a child in foster care. The ability to drive represents a significant milestone in a child’s life and demonstrates a specific level of maturity and responsibility that can enhance a child’s sense of independence and self confidence. The responsibilities that accompany allowing a foster child to obtain a driver’s license will impact the child, his or her parents and foster parents (or another caregiver), and the placement agency. The potentially fatal consequences of irresponsible driving cannot be overemphasized to the child on a regular basis while he or she remains in your care. Driver’s license options for children under the temporary or permanent care of DFCS include: 

• Intermediate Class D license granted to drivers between 16 and 18 years of age who have held an Instructional Permit for 12 months and passed a driver’s exam 

• Full Class C license granted to drivers age 18 or older who hold a Class D license and have incurred no major traffic convictions during the past 12 months

The following specifications also apply: 

• The child is making continued satisfactory progress toward the completion of his or her written Transitional Living Plan 

• A valid Georgia driver’s license must be obtained prior to the operation of any motor vehicle for any reason, with or without an adult present 

• If parental rights have not been terminated, biological parent(s) must provide written consent by signing the Consent for Youth to Drive a Motorized Vehicle (Appendix H). This form also documents the parent(s) understanding that he/she/they are ultimately responsible for any liability that occurs because of the child’s driving

• The foster parent or another caregiver must provide written permission for a child to use his or her personal vehicle by signing the Acknowledgement of DFCS Driving Policy for Youth in Care form (Appendix I), thereby acknowledging liability in the case of a car accident wherein the child will be covered under the foster parent(s) insurance policy

Considerations for granting a foster child permission to drive and obtain a driver’s license should be based on the following: 

• The maturity level of the child and his or her ability to make sound judgments 

• The successful completion of a driver’s education course and quality instruction by a mature adult driver 

• Successful academic performance 

• The intended use of the vehicle, i.e. transportation to and from school, work, extracurricular activities, etc. 

• Previous driving record • History of substance and/or alcohol use and/or abuse 

• Completion of a formal driving contract between the foster child and foster parent(s) regarding the general use of the motor vehicle and any contingencies; a sample contract is available from your case manager or Independent Living Coordinator

Persons over the age of 18 who remain in foster care must abide by the above policies and procedures and the following: 

• He or she must sign the Consent to Remain in Foster Care form that reflects an understanding of the youth’s responsibility relative to the ownership and operation of a motor vehicle and other liability issues 

• He or she must demonstrate a clear understanding that ownership of a vehicle is dependent upon his or her ability to maintain the expense of operating a vehicle, including sufficient insurance protection (must be minimum level required by the State of Georgia) 

While the foster parent(s) and case manager shall work together to ensure that all requirements have been met, as described above, final approval will come from the agency, county or regional director.