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Online Drivers Ed

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Frequently Asked Questions: Driver Education (Click on a question to get the answer)

1.) What is the difference between “driver training” and “driver education”?
These two terms are frequently used interchangeably, but refer to the same course described in Question #4.
2.) Am I required to take a driver education course to obtain my Class D driver’s license?
If you are 16 years of age, applying for a Class D License or Motorcycle Permit (Class MP):

You must complete an approved driver education course with a certified private or public driver training school using one of the following methods. Approved classes are also offered online.  You must also complete each item in the method you choose.

  • Method 1
    • 30 hours of classroom instruction
    • 6 hours behind the wheel training at the certified school
    • 40 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian (6 hours of the 40 hours must be at night)
  • Method 2
  • Method 3
    • 30 hours of online instruction with a certified virtual program
    • 6 hours behind the wheel training at a certified school
    • 40 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian (6 hours of the 40 hours must be at night)
  • Method 4
If you are 17 years of age, applying for a Class D License or Motorcycle Permit (Class MP), on or after July 1, 2021:
3.) What is an approved driver education course?
An approved driver education course is a course approved by the DDS. Driver education courses not approved by the DDS can not be used for purpose of obtaining a Class D Georgia driver’s license.
4.) How is driver education structured in Georgia?

Georgia’s driver education program is comprised of two components—a theoretical component and a practical component. The theoretical component consists of a minimum of 30 hours of instruction, which teens can acquire either in a classroom environment or via the web through any of the DDS-approved online courses. The practical, or behind-the-wheel component, can be obtained under the supervision of a DDS-licensed instructor or through use of the complimentary DDS Parent/Teen Driving Guide.

There are two ways to complete each component, resulting in four methods of satisfying the driver education requirements.

5.) What is a “30 and 6″ driver education course?
A “30 and 6” driver education course is the traditional course consisting of at least 30 hours of instruction in a classroom environment and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training conducted by a certified instructor that coaches the student and observes his or her driving performance.
6.) I am ready to apply for my Class D driver’s license. What is “supervised driving” and do I need a log for “supervised driving”?

“Supervised driving” refers to driving experience obtained under the supervision of an individual that is at least 21 years old, possesses a valid Class C driver’s license, is seated next to the driver at all times while he or she is driving, and is capable of exercising control over the vehicle if necessary.

No log is required for supervised driving. However, at the time application is made for a Class D driver’s license, a parent, guardian, or duly authorized DDS-certified driver education instructor will be required to swear or affirm under penalty of law that the applicant received 40 hours of supervised driving experience, 6 hours of which was at night.

7.) Can I take driver education online?

Yes. The 30-hour theoretical component of driver’s education may be taken online.

Please be aware that online providers may offer a variety of traffic safety courses or may be approved in other states, so be sure to register for the driver education course that satisfies the Joshua’s Law requirements for the State of Georgia.

Also, remember that in addition to the 30-hour theoretical component, teens under the age of 17 must complete the practical component of driver’s education under the supervision of a DDS-licensed instructor or through use of the complimentary DDS Parent/Teen Driving Guide, which is available as a free download.

8.) I signed up for an online course, but I’ve lost my username and password. Can DDS provide me with my lost username and password?
Unfortunately, the DDS does not have access to that information. You will need to contact the online course directly for your account information.
9.) What is the 40-hour Parent/Teen Driving Guide?
The DDS Parent/Teen Driving Guide is a handbook that provides in-car lessons to help parents prepare their teenagers for the responsibilities of driving. The guide can be used in conjunction with a 30-hr. DDS-approved classroom or online driver education course to satisfy the driver’s education requirements of Joshua’s Law. The DDS Parent/Teen Driving Guide is available at DDS Customer Service Centers or as a free download here.
10.) What happens if I now live out of state and I need to take a Driver Improvement class to clear up my Georgia Driver’s License?
You may contact the National Safety Council or AAA (American Automobile Association) to find where you can take a Driver Improvement class in your state. It must be a minimum of 6 hours in a classroom setting and you are not allowed to take the same course twice to equal the 6 hour requirement. Online classes are not accepted at this time.
11.) Will I get a reduction in my auto insurance premiums when my child completes an approved driver education course?
Georgia law allows insurance companies to offer reductions in automobile insurance premiums to customers that complete a driver education course. We recommend that you speak with your insurance agent.
12.) Can I earn an income tax credit if my child takes a driver education course?

Parents or guardians may be eligible for a state income tax credit if their dependent minor child successfully completes a driver education course through a DDS-approved private driver training school.

A copy of the Certificate of Completion and proof of the fees paid for the course will be required to qualify for the credit. The amount of the credit is equal to $150.00 or the actual amount paid for the driver education course, whichever is less.

Courses taken at private or public high schools do not qualify for this credit. Check with the Department of Revenue for more information.

13.) Are driver education instructors employees of DDS?
No. Driver education instructors are employees of the schools where they instruct. The DDS credentials driver education instructors in accordance with the requirements set forth by DDS rules and regulations and the Georgia Driver Training School Act.
14.) Does the State of Georgia contract with the driver training schools?
No. Driver training schools are independently owned and operated or offered through local schools or school districts. The DDS credentials school owners, the instructors they employ, and ensures compliance with DDS rules and regulations in accordance with the Georgia Driver Training School Act.
15.) What if my child had driver education in another state and just moved to Georgia?
If your child is under the age of 17 and wishes to obtain a Class D Georgia driver’s license, they will be required to complete a driver education program from one of the DDS-approved schools.

Teenage & Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA)

TADRA is a graduated driver’s license program for young drivers ages 15 to 18. It was established in Georgia by a collaborative effort of highway safety advocates, legislators, law enforcement officials, educators, businesses and media in the wake of a high number of fatal vehicle crashes involving young, inexperienced drivers.

This act directly addresses the leading killer of our young people – traffic crashes. The law significantly changes the way young motorists earn and maintain the privilege of driving by providing a controlled means for new drivers to gain experience, and by reducing high-risk driving situations. While the law does focus on young drivers, it also contains important provisions that affect drivers over 21, particularly in the area of DUI prevention and enforcement.

Three-Step Process in TADRA

TADRA involves an intense, three-step educational process that allows the young driver to gain more experience behind the wheel:

STEP ONE – INSTRUCTIONAL PERMIT
(CP) is granted to 15-year-olds upon successfully passing a written examination. The driver with this permit must be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 21 years old and possesses a valid Class C driver’s license at all times while driving.

STEP TWO – INTERMEDIATE LICENSE
(Class D) The license is granted to drivers between 16 and 18 years of age who have held an Instructional Permit for 12 months and passed a driving test. The Intermediate License has the following restrictions:

1. No driving between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. No exceptions.

2. Passenger restrictions:

For the initial six-month period immediately following the issuance of a Class D license, any Class D license holder shall not drive a motor vehicle upon the public roads, streets or highways of this state when any other passenger in the vehicle is not a member of the driver’s immediate family.
During the second six-month period immediately following issuance of a Class D license, any Class D license holder shall not drive a motor vehicle upon the public roads, streets or highways of this state when more than one other passenger in the vehicle (who is not a member of the driver’s immediate family) is less than 21 years of age.

After the second six-month period, any Class D license holder shall not drive a motor vehicle upon the public roads, streets or highways of this state when more than three other passengers in the vehicle (who are not members of the driver’s immediate family) are less than 21 years of age.

3. Joshua’s Law – On or after January 1, 2007, any 16 year old who obtains an initial Class D license must have completed:

You must have completed a driver education course approved by the Department of Driver Services and
You also must have completed a cumulative total of at least forty (40) hours of other supervised driving experience, including at least six (6) hours at night.
If you have not completed an approved driver’s education course, you cannot get your Class D driver’s license until you reach age seventeen (17). Remember, forty (40) hour of driving experience, including six (6) hours of driving at night, is always required for a Class D driver’s license.

STEP THREE – A FULL LICENSE (Class C) driver’s license is granted to drivers ages 18 years of age and older who hold the class D license and have incurred no major traffic convictions during the previous 12 months. The following violations must not occur during this period:

DUI
Eluding a police officer
Drag racing
Reckless driving
Hit and run
Any violation that assesses four or more points on the driver’s license
**Drivers under the age of 18 years in a 12-month license suspension period must not incur a violation point count over four points.

**Georgia has a zero tolerance for underage drunk driving. Convicted drivers with a blood- alcohol content level of .08 grams or higher will face a 12-month license suspension on the first offense.

Please call us at 404-554-8888 if you have questions about our online driver education. You may also send us a message using our online inquiry form.