Defensive Driving Classes

This is the most common question, as drivers take the course for several different reasons. The top five are:

• Point Reduction: To remove up to 7 points from your Georgia driver’s license. This can only be done once every 5 years.
• Insurance Discount: To get an auto insurance discount. By law, drivers 25 or older with a clean 3-year driving record are guaranteed a discount of at least 10%.
• License Reinstatement: To regain driving privileges after a suspension. This is common for:
  • Drivers who accumulate 15 or more points in 24 months.
  • Drivers under 21 who are suspended for a single 4-point violation (e.g., speeding 24+ mph over the limit).
  • Drivers under 18 who accumulate 4 or more points in a 12-month period.
• Ticket Dismissal / Fine Reduction: In some counties, a judge may allow you to take the course to have a ticket dismissed (so it doesn’t appear on your record) or to get a 20% reduction in your fine.

This is the most confusing question for most drivers. Here is the critical distinction:

• Yes (for “virtual classroom”): You can take a DDS-approved “virtual” or “remote” course. These are live, 6-hour classes taught by a certified instructor on a platform like Zoom. You must be present and on-camera for the entire scheduled time, just as you would in a physical classroom.
• No (for self-paced): The Georgia DDS does not accept 100% online, self-paced courses (where you click through slides on your own time) for official purposes like point reduction, court orders, or license reinstatement.

Self-paced online courses are generally only acceptable for an insurance discount, and you must confirm with your insurance provider first.

The price for the 6-hour defensive driving course in Georgia is $95.00 and is set by Georgia state law.

Successful completion of the course allows you to remove up to 7 points from your driving record. This option is only available once every 5 years.

• Defensive Driving (6-Hour): This is a driver improvement course for people who already have their license.
• Driver’s Ed (30+6 Hour): This is a driver education course for new teen drivers to get their Class D license. It involves 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training (the “Joshua’s Law” requirement).

The defensive driving curriculum focuses on changing driving attitudes and behaviors. Common topics include:

• Georgia traffic laws and new legislation
• Defensive driving techniques and crash avoidance strategies (e.g., the 2-second rule, scanning)
• The dangers of impaired driving (alcohol and drugs)
• Managing distractions, fatigue, and road rage
• The proper use of safety equipment, like seatbelts and airbags

Yes. At the end of the 6-hour course, you will be required to pass a final exam or quiz. The test covers the material presented in the class.

Georgia DUI School will issue your official Certificate of Completion immediately at the end of the class. Students in virtual classrooms will typically receive their official certificate within 24 hours of completion.