Defensive Driving FAQs     Driver Education FAQs      DUI/Drug DAQs
Defensive Driving School Frequently Asked Questions

The Department of Driver Services (DDS) regulates Driver Improvement Clinics also referred to as Defensive Driving Clinics (DDC). All clinics must provide standard instructions from one of the DDS approved curriculums. Currently, five curriculums have been approved for use in Georgia DDC clinics. Instructors must successfully complete a comprehensive training class from one of the five approved curriculums prior to being licensed by DDS.



What is a Defensive Driving Course?

A course designed to teach drivers about safe driving attitudes and behaviors.


What is the cost of a Defensive Driving Course?

Schools may charge a fee of not more than $75.00 for the entire course.


How long is the Defensive Driving Course?

The course is 6 hours long.


Can I attend a Course via the Internet?

No. DDS only allows classroom instruction for defensive driving courses.


Does the Course involve behind the wheel instruction?

No.


How often may I take a Defensive Driving Course for point reduction?

Once every 5 years.



How do I qualify for a reduction in my insurance premiums?

Verify with your insurance company that you are eligible for the reduction.



Will my teenager qualify for a reduction in insurance premiums?

Check with your insurance agent for requirements.



What if I lose my Certificate of Completion?

You must contact the school you attended and request a replacement. The school may charge a fee of up to $5.00 for the replacement certificate.



I was 5 minutes late and the instructor would not allow me to attend the class. Can they do that?

Yes. Schools are required to deny entrance to any student that is not on time or late returning from breaks.



Can I get a refund from the school if I'm unable to attend the class or if I was denied entrance because I was late?

Most schools will not issue refunds. They may allow you to attend another class.



May I take a Defensive Driving course for insurance reduction and point reduction or for more than one violation?

No.


Defensive Driving FAQs     Driver Education FAQs      DUI/Drug DAQs

Driver Education Frequently Asked Questions

1. Am I required to take a driver's education course to obtain my license?


16 year olds - Yes, completion of a state approved driver education course is required to obtain a Class D license. Additional, 16 years olds must complete a total of 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 hours of which must be at night. A certificate of completion from the driver education school must be presented at time of application for a Class D Driver's License.
17 years olds - No, 17 year olds are not required to complete a driver education, but are required to complete a total of 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 hours of which must be at night.

2. What is a "30 and 6" driver's education course?


A 30 and 6 driver's education course is a course that consists of at least 30 hours of classroom training on the rules of the road and other related matters and 6 hours of behind the wheel training, where the student is driving the vehicle while an approved instructor observes and coaches the student's driving performance. Insurance companies require teen drivers to complete a 30 and 6 course before offering any premium discounts.

3. What is Joshua's Law?


Senate Bill 226 also known as "Joshua's Law" was passed during the 2005 General Assembly. Beginning January 1, 2007, all 16 year-olds applying for a Class D driver's license must complete an approved driver education course and complete a total of 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 hours of which must be at night, with a parent or guardian's sworn verification that these requirements have been met. Any Georgia resident who has not completed an approved driver education course must be at least 17 years old to be eligible for a Class D driver's license. He or she must have completed a total of at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including at least 6 hours at night. The same verification in writing by a parent or guardian is required.

4. Can you earn a tax credit for taking a driver education courses?


Yes, parents or guardians are eligible for a tax credit in an amount up to a $150.00 if their dependent minor child successfully completes a course through a private driver education school that is licensed with the DDS. A copy of the Certificate of Completion and proof of the fees paid for the course will be required to qualify for the credit. The amount of the credit is equal to $150.00 or the actual amount paid, whichever is less. Courses taken at private or public high schools do not qualify for this credit. Check with the Department of Revenue for more information.

Defensive Driving FAQs     Driver Education FAQs      DUI/Drug DAQs

The Georgia DUI, Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program Frequently Asked Questions

The Department of Driver Services (DDS) regulates the DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (RRP) also more commonly referred to as DUI schools. This is an intervention program mandated by law for people convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI), possession of illegal drugs, underage possession of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle, or Boating Under the Influence (BUI).


What is a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Course?

A course designed to focus on changing the actual drinking and drug use behavior of the individual. It is required for all those who have received a DUI, BUI or possession of illegal drugs conviction.

What is the cost of a DUI, Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program?

The course is composed of two components. Schools must charge $75.00 for the Assessment Component, $185.00 for the Intervention Component and an additional $15.00 Materials Fee. The total cost of the course is $280.00.

How long is the course?

The Assessment Component takes most individuals 1/2-hour to one-hour to complete. The Intervention Component class is 20-hours long.

I was 5 minutes late and the instructor would not allow me to attend the class. Can they do that?

Yes. Schools are required to deny entrance to any student that is not on time for the beginning of each class or late returning from breaks.

Can I get a refund from the school if I'm unable to attend the class or if I was denied entrance because I was late?

Most schools will not issue refunds. They may allow you to attend another class.

Can I attend a course via the Internet?

No. DDS only accepts classroom instruction at a certified school for the DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program requirement.

What happens if I have more than one DUI within five years in Georgia?

You must undergo a clinical evaluation and possible treatment. Refer to www.garrp.dhr.state.ga.us for more information.

What happens if I now live out of state and have to clear up my Georgia license?

You should contact 678-413-8400 to determine whether the program in the state you are now living is approved and accepted by Georgia.

How do I get my license reinstated?

In most cases, you will need to provide the original Certificate of Completion from an approved DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program and a reinstatement fee. Because there may be other outstanding issues, you should contact 678-413-8400 for information specific to your driver license.

What if I lose my Certificate of Completion?


You must contact the school you attended and request a replacement certificate of completion. The school will charge $5.00 for the replacement certificate.