What is a Georgia state approved defensive driving course?
If you want or need to take a Georgia state approved defensive driving course, look no further. Drive Smart Georgia is here to guide you through the process of who needs to take the class and how to find the best one available in Georgia.
We now offer a Georgia state approved defensive driving course. The good news is that anyone in the state of Georgia can take it on Zoom. Residents who live close to our Cumming location can also take an in-person defensive driving class.
What is a Georgia state approved defensive driving course?
If you’re looking to take a Georgia state certified defensive driving course, Drive Smart Georgia has you covered. Our 6-hour course is fully approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and meets all state requirements.
Flexible Learning Options
To fit your busy schedule, we offer two convenient formats:
- In-Person Classes: Held in a traditional classroom setting at our Cumming location.
- Zoom Classes: Attend the course virtually from the comfort of your home, available to anyone in Georgia.
Both formats include the full 6 hours of instruction required by Georgia law and provide the same certification upon completion.
Weekly Class Schedules
- Choose between 1-day or 2-day options for greater flexibility.
- Classes are available weekly, so you can easily find a time that works for you.
Drive Smart Georgia – Your Go-To for defensive driving
- Fully approved by the Georgia DDS
- Expert instructors: Professional, experienced, and dedicated to helping you succeed.
- Recognition Statewide: Fully approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).
- Convenient access: Attend classes in person or virtually – whichever suits your needs.
- We teach our in-person classes at our Cumming office, located at 1790 Peachtree Pkwy, Suite 202, Cumming, GA 30041.
What is the difference between a Georgia state approved defensive driving course and one not approved by the Georgia DDS?
- People who take a state approved defensive driving class through Drive Smart Georgia may use the Certificate of Completion for certain matters related to their driver’s license.
- Defensive Driving courses not approved by the DDS, such as through AARP, cannot be used for driver’s license related issues.
- Drive Smart Georgia’s defensive driving course is approved and certified by the State of Georgia’s DDS.
Who needs to take a Georgia state approved defensive driving class?
Anyone can take and benefit from a Georgia state approved defensive driving class. Two of the most popular reasons that people take it is to reduce their auto insurance cost and for personal education to stay safe on the road.
People also take the defensive driving course for the following reasons:
Ticket dismissal – Many judges in Georgia will dismiss or not process a moving violation ticket if the offender completes the six-hour course. This means the ticket won’t be reported to insurance or appear on the driver’s record.
Fine and point reduction – Under Georgia law, some courts allow offenders to complete a course, resulting in a 20% fine reduction and no points added to the driver’s record.
Points removal – Drivers may take the course once every five years to remove seven points from their driving record.
- Drivers aged 21 and older who accumulate 15 points within 24 months will have their license suspended.
- Drivers under 18 who accumulate four or more points within 12 months will have their license suspended for six months.
- Drivers under 21 will have their license suspended for six months for a single moving violation that results in an assessment of four or more points.
CLICK HERE to view the complete Georgia Points Schedule, a detailed list of traffic violations, and the point penalty for each.
License reinstatement – If your license has been suspended in Georgia, often courts require the completion of a Defensive Driving course before it can be reinstated.
Insurance discounts – Georgia drivers can take the 6-hour Defensive Driving course to receive a 10-15% discount on their auto insurance premium. The exact discount varies by insurance company, so please check with your insurer for specific details.
Personal education – Parents often attend the course for an insurance discount and want their newly licensed teen driver to attend for personal education. If your teen has completed our Driver’s Ed program, many insurance companies offer a discount for Driver’s Ed until age 21. In this case, the Defensive Driving class may not provide an additional discount but is still beneficial for personal education. Please check with your insurer for specific details.
What is the cost to take a Georgia defensive driving course?
The Georgia Department of Driver Services sets the $95 cost for the 6-hour Defensive Driving course. The program is fully refundable if the student does not complete the course or earn a certificate of completion if the refund request is made within 14 days of purchase.
Should you take a defensive driving course if you have a clean driving record?
Even if you have a clean driving record, there are two big reasons to consider taking a defensive driving course in Georgia:
- Lower Your Insurance Premiums: Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete a state-approved defensive driving course. By investing a few hours, you could save significantly on your insurance costs.
- Stay Safe and Sharp on the Road: Over time, driving habits can become complacent or rusty. A defensive driving course helps refresh your skills, making you more aware of potential hazards and ensuring you stay safer on the road while maintaining your excellent driving record.
Is the rising cost of auto insurance putting a strain on your family budget?
According to Forbes, in 2024, the average cost of full coverage auto insurance in the U.S. rose 26% from 2023. In Georgia, the increase was slightly above average. For a family with several drivers (especially TEEN DRIVERS), the cost to ensure everyone can be sky high.
Reduce costly insurance premiums
Georgia drivers can take the 6-hour defensive driving course to receive a 10-15% discount on their auto insurance premium. The exact discount varies by insurance company, so please check with your insurer for specific details.
Parents often attend the course for an insurance discount and want their newly licensed teen driver to attend for personal education. If your teen has completed our Driver’s Ed program, many insurance companies offer a discount for Driver’s Ed until age 21. In this case, the defensive driving class may not provide an additional discount but is still beneficial for personal education. Please check with your insurer for specific details.
Does our Georgia state approved defensive driving class include in-car driving lessons?
No. It includes in-person classroom or Zoom instruction only and does not include in-car driving lessons. However, they are available for purchase on our website.
Related articles:
- How to take an online Georgia defensive driving course?
- Defensive Driving is now available at Drive Smart Georgia
- Who needs to take a Georgia defensive driving course?