Third Party Testing Program FAQs

1. What is the Driver Training Third Party Testing Program?
   The Third Party Testing Program is program in which the Department of Driver Services (DDS) authorizes certified driver training schools and instructors to administer the road skills tests to individuals that have completed a 30 and 6 driver education course at the driver training school. The driver training and third party testing rules and regulations are available here.
2. What is the difference between a Third Party Tester and a Third Party Examiner?
   A Third Party Tester is a certified driver training school that has been approved to offer the road skills testing at their facility. A Third Party Examiner is a certified driver training instructor that has completed a DDS training course and administers the road skills test to drivers.
3. What are the qualifications to become a Third Party Tester and Third Party Examiner?
   Driver training schools that have been certified with DDS for a minimum of two (2) years and have offered, on a full-time basis, both the 30 hour classroom and behind the wheel components may apply to become a third party tester. Applicants must have an acceptable compliance record with the DDS and designate administrative staff to work in the program. The application is available here.
   
   Driver training instructors that have been certified with DDS for a minimum of two (2) years and are employed by a third party tester may apply to become an examiner. Applicants must pass a written examination and training course. The application is available here.
4. Does a Third Party Tester issue a driver's license?
   No. Individuals that pass a road skills test administered by a third party examiner are issued a certificate that must be presented in person to the DDS along with an application for a Class D or Class C driver's license.
5. Can anyone take the road skills test at a Third Party Tester?
   No. Only individuals that have completed a driver education course consisting of 30 hours classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel instruction, taken at the third party tester's facility, are eligible for testing.
6. How do I become a CDL Third Party Tester?
   The CDL Third Party Testing Program is administered by the CDL Compliance Unit. The application is available here.
7. I am currently certified in the Third Party Testing Program. How do I recertify?
   Third Party Testing Program certifications are valid for a two-year period. The recertification application for Testers is available here. Please submit the application at least 30 days prior to the expiration date and include all required documents listed on the application checklist.
   
   The recertification application for Examiners is available here. Please submit the application at least 30 days prior to the expiration date and include all required documents listed on the application checklist. Fingerprinting is required for recertification.
8. I was fingerprinted when I initially became certified for the Third Party Testing Program. Why do I need to be re-fingerprinted again for recertification?
   Fingerprints that are used for non-criminal justice purposes are only retained by the Georgia and Federal Bureaus of Investigation for a matter of days and then purged, hence the need to be re-fingerprinted. In addition, the decision to recertify an individual or entity must be based on current criminal history results.