Defensive Driving

Learning From Georgia Defensive Driving Schools

Georgia defensive driving schools or traffic schools offer defensive driving courses to drivers. A basic defensive driving course comprises of a discussion on good driving attitude and practices. The most common reason for taking a driving safety course in the state of Georgia is ticket dismissal. Other reasons include reducing a traffic fine or reducing points assessed on a driving record. Some people also complete a defensive driving course to be able to avail of discounts in vehicle insurance rates. According to Georgia law OCGA 33-9-42, not less than ten percent discount in insurance premiums will be given to drivers who are 25 years old and above, with a good driving record and have completed a Georgia defensive driving course of not less than six hours.

Drivers in Georgia have the option to complete a Georgia defensive driving course every five years for the purpose of taking points off their driving records. Up to 7 points will be removed from a driving record upon course completion. Depending on the judge of the local traffic court, a moving violation may be dismissed or a traffic fine may be reduced by twenty percent. Drivers who are 21 years old and below will have their license suspended for six months or longer if they are convicted of at least one moving violation that is assessed four or more points. Before their driver permits will be restored, they would have to complete a 6-hour Georgia defensive driving class. If a driver over the age of 21 accumulates 15 points on his driving record in twenty-four months, the Department of Motor Vehicles Safety will suspend his driver license for six months. The same thing will happen to those who earn another 15 points within 2 years for the second time in 5 years. Drivers will have to complete a 6-hour Georgia defensive driving program before their license will be restored.

Georgia defensive driving schools charge $75 for a defensive driving course. Georgia state law sets this rate. These classes basically include discussion on basic driving and road safety including important traffic and driving laws in Georgia. In order for a defensive driving certificate to be recognized and acknowledged by a traffic court, the defensive driving or driver improvement clinic would have to be approved and authorized by assigned regulatory agency in the state. In the state of Georgia, the Department of Driver Services (DDS) had approved five curriculums that will be taught in driving clinics. Instructors who facilitate Georgia defensive driving courses should have undergone comprehensive training of one of these curriculums for them to be given teaching licenses.

The Department of Driver Services only approves of classroom instruction for defensive driving courses in Georgia. Online driving courses are not approved in this state. Some driving schools are very strict about punctuality. Late attendees sometimes are not allowed to join a class anymore. Moreover, most Georgia defensive driving schools do not issue refunds. Complaints about defensive driving schools, their instructors and course content should be made in writing and mailed to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, Regulatory Compliance Section, and P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, Georgia 30013.

Defensive Driving