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Georgia state law provides the opportunity for drivers to take what is called a defensive driving course. These courses are designed to educate drivers on traffic laws, safe driving practices, and more, and can carry with them a long list of neat benefits.
Why Would I Take a Defensive Driving Course in Georgia?
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to take a defensive driving course in Georgia, ranging from court-ordered mandates to a desire to learn more about traffic laws. Whatever your personal circumstances, here are five of the most common reasons why you might want to take a defensive driving course.
May Be Court Ordered
It is possible for a situation to arise that results in you being ordered by a court to successfully complete a defensive driving course. Most often, this is due to you having committed a violation that would otherwise result in the suspension or revocation of your driver license or you obtaining too many points in too short a time period.
Driver License Points Reduction
If you earn 15 or more points on your driver license within a 24-month period, the Department of Driver Services (DDS) will suspend your license. But by successfully completing a state-approved defensive driving course, you can potentially have your number of active points reduced by up to seven. That makes defensive driving courses a great way to prevent your driver license from being suspended as a result of your point total.
Driver License Reinstatement
If your driver license has been suspended as a result of a lesser traffic violation, then you might be eligible for early reinstatement provided you successfully complete a defensive driving course. This is part of the state’s Driver Improvement Program, which is designed to help problematic drivers improve their driving skills, making them less likely to recidivate.
Insurance Premium Reduction
Many people choose to take defensive driving courses without having any outstanding traffic tickets or points on their license or needing to reinstate their license. That’s because successfully completing one of these courses can potentially save you hundreds of dollars on car insurance each year.
The exact amount that a certificate from a state-approved defensive driving course will save you depends on your insurance provider. Some providers will offer significant savings for safe drivers while others won’t budge on their pricing no matter what.
On the bright side, state law (OCGA §33-9-42) requires all insurance providers to offer savings of at least 10% for all policyholders who successfully complete one of these programs.
Personal Education
Another common reason to take these courses is to develop as a driver by learning improved driving skills, such as how to get out of a slide caused by icy roads or how to avoid getting into an accident caused by an aggressive driver. Some people even take these courses just for fun.
How Much Does a Defensive Driving Course Cost in Georgia?
Defensive driving courses in Georgia will cost you $95 no matter which school you go to. That means both the most prestigious and the most notorious defensive driving schools will offer their services at the same price. This is due to state law setting the price firmly at $95 for all state-approved courses.
How Often May I Take a Driver Improvement Course for Points Reduction?
If you are taking one of these courses to remove the number of points on your driver license, then you can only do so once every five years. Another way of looking at this is, for $95 and a few hours of studying, you can remove up to seven points from your driver license every five years.
Can I Take a Driver Improvement Course Online?
Although many other states acknowledge modern, online learning solutions, Georgia’s Department of Driver Services does not. There are no state-approved online defensive driving courses in the state of Georgia.
Best Driving Schools in Georgia
Now that you know what a defensive driving school is, it’s time to pick which one is right for you. The five schools listed below are some of the best in the state, making them great options no matter what your reason is for taking a defensive driving course.
Nathan’s Driving School
Nathan’s Driving School can be reached at (770) 454-9100. This school has been teaching students safer driving practices for over almost 40 years and is an active participating member of the National Safety Council. In addition to offering in-person defensive driving courses, Nathan’s Driving School also offers virtual driver’s education programs.
A-1 Driving School
A-1 Driving School, which can be reached at (770) 962-9555, offers a variety of state-approved courses all throughout Georgia. Thanks to its excellent teaching faculty and staff, this school has gone on to be voted the number one driving school in Atlanta.
All in 1 Driving School
All in 1 Driving School’s primary phone number is (770) 559-3465. This school offers a long list of programs, including state-approved defensive driving courses as well as behind the wheel driver’s education programs with packages ranging from 2 to 20 hours of driving time.
My Improv Defensive Driving School
My Improv’s Defensive Driving School offers an all-in-one education package for drivers looking to resolve court-ordered enrollment, insurance discounts, and employer-required fleet training courses. Best of all, the school offers a lifetime money-back guarantee. This school can be reached at (800) 660-8908.
A-Abacus DUI & Defensive Driving School
Atanta’s DUI and Defensive Driving School can be reached at (404) 767-8100. Just like the name suggests, this school offers courses designed to help resolve court orders for violations like DUIs, which can often require you to attend defensive driving school to reinstate your suspended license.
