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.

How do I know the school has been approved?
Click here for a list of approved schools

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 do I obtain a points reduction?
In accordance with O.C.G.A. §40-5-86, licensed Georgia residents may request that DDS reduce the number of points assessed against their Georgia driver’s license by up to 7 points once every 5 years.  To qualify for a points reduction, you must successfully complete a certified 6-hour driver improvement (defensive driving) course and present the original certificate of completion to the DDS by mail or in person at one of our Customer Service Centers.  If you request a points reduction by mail, please mail the original driver improvement (defensive driving) certificate of completion to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, Georgia 30013.  A list of certified driver improvement (defensive driving) course can be found at the following link:   http://www.dds.ga.gov/DUI/SchoolMatrix.aspx
 

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. For all qualifications click here.

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.

If I experience problems with a Defensive Driving School, instructor or course, what can I do?
All complaints relating to Defensive Driving Schools or instructors must be made in writing, signed by the complainant and mailed to the address below:

Georgia Department of Driver Services
Regulatory Compliance Section
P.O. Box 80447
Conyers, Georgia 30013

If I would like to open a Defensive Driving School or become a Defensive Driving instructor, how do I apply?
Application materials for new and renewal Defensive Driving Schools and Instructors are available on-line. Click here for the online application(s).

If you have additional questions pertaining to defensive driving clinics contact the Regulatory Compliance Section at 678-413-8752.

Direct questions pertaining to point's reduction for driver’s license to the Driver Services Section of DDS.

To review the list of approved Defensive Driving Schools click here