Defensive Driving Class in Atlanta, GA | DDS-Certified

1 ACT Driving Schools has delivered DDS-certified driver training in Metro Atlanta since 2011, operating 7 licensed locations including Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, Marietta (East Cobb and West Cobb), Doraville, and Johns Creek - with more than 1,300 verified Google reviews and a 4.9-star average. Georgia's Defensive Driving and Driver Improvement Program is a 6-hour live instructor-led course regulated by the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Whether you attend from home or from one of our offices, the class is delivered live via Zoom by a DDS-certified instructor - neither format is recorded or self-paced. DI licence numbers: Sandy Springs #2148, Lawrenceville #2362, East Cobb #2315, Alpharetta #2352, Johns Creek #2368, West Cobb #2372.

What You Can Use This Course For

Georgia's DDS-certified Defensive Driving Course is accepted for six distinct purposes, whether you attend in-person at our office or via Zoom from home.

Note: If you purchased Defensive Driving as part of a driving lessons package, that version covers insurance discount only. For ticket dismissal, point reduction, license reinstatement, or court requirements, you need the standalone $95 course.

Reason	Who It Applies To	What to Do After Completion
Traffic ticket dismissal	Drivers with a recent traffic violation who want to avoid a conviction on their record	Submit your certificate to the court handling your case before the deadline. Confirm eligibility with the court first.
Point reduction (up to 7 pts)	Any Georgia licensed driver with points on their record. Eligible once every 5 years.	Submit your certificate to Georgia DDS - in person, by mail, or through their online portal.
License reinstatement	Drivers whose license has been suspended where Defensive Driving is a listed reinstatement requirement	Submit your certificate to Georgia DDS as part of the full reinstatement process.
Court-ordered requirement	Drivers ordered by a judge or court to complete a Driver Improvement course	Provide your certificate to the court or probation officer. Confirm the exact requirement wording beforehand.
Auto insurance discount (10%+ for 3 yrs)	Any Georgia driver looking to reduce their auto insurance premium	Send your certificate to your insurance provider and request the discount.
Traffic fine reduction (20%)	Drivers seeking a reduction in the fine amount for a traffic violation	Confirm with your court before enrolling that this option is available for your specific citation.

How Many Points Is My Violation Worth?

Georgia uses a point system to track driving violations. Points stay on your record for 2 years. Reach 15 points in 24 months and your license is suspended. Points are added for traffic violations and, in some cases, for at-fault accidents or collisions. Completing a DDS-certified Defensive Driving course removes up to 7 of those points once every 5 years.

Violation	Points Added	Can DD Remove These?
Speeding 15-18 mph over the limit	2 points	Yes - up to 7 pts total removed
Speeding 19-23 mph over the limit	3 points	Yes
Speeding 24-33 mph over the limit	4 points	Yes
Speeding 34+ mph over the limit	6 points	Yes (partial - 7 pt max)
Reckless driving	4 points	Yes
Following too closely (tailgating)	3 points	Yes
Improper passing	4 points	Yes
Failure to yield right of way	3 points	Yes
Improper lane change	3 points	Yes
Failure to obey traffic signal or sign	3 points	Yes
Distracted driving	1 point	Yes
Aggressive driving	6 points	Yes (partial - 7 pt max)

Points from an accident or at-fault collision may also be added to your record, depending on circumstances. If you are unsure of your current point total, check your driving history at dds.georgia.gov or contact Georgia DDS.

Worried about your point total?

Our $95 DDS-certified Defensive Driving course removes up to 7 points from your Georgia driving record. Attend in-person at any of our 7 Metro Atlanta locations, or join from home via live Zoom.

What You'll Get Out of This Course

Ticket dismissal (in most cases)

In Georgia, many courts will dismiss a ticket issued for a traffic violation if you complete a Georgia DDS-certified 6-hour Defensive driving course.

Remove up to 7 points from your license

You may remove up to 7 points from your record if you complete the 6-hour Defensive Driving Program once every 5 years

Get your fine reduced

By completing the Defensive Driving Course, you may receive a 20% reduction in your traffic fine.

Reinstate your suspended license

If your license has been suspended, a Defensive driving course may help you to meet the requirement to get it reinstated

Satisfy court requirements

A defensive driving course is DDS-certified and accepted by the courts across Georgia.

Save 10% or more on your car insurance for up to 3 years

Many insurance providers offer a discount of 10% or more if you complete the Defensive driving course

Join a Class Near You – On Your Schedule

Weekly Sessions Available:

Mon–Sun (1-Day Class)
9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Wed & Thurs (2-Day Class)
06:00 pm - 09:00 pm (Both evenings)

Your official DDS certificate from the Georgia Department of Driver Services will be emailed by 5:30 PM the next day by 1 ACT Driving Schools.

Our 7 In-Person Defensive Driving Class Locations

Location	Address	DI Licence #
Sandy Springs	4651 Roswell Rd Bldg. I-803, Sandy Springs, GA 30342	#2148
Alpharetta	1740 Grassland Pkwy STE 204, Alpharetta, GA 30004	#2352
Lawrenceville	377 W Pike St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046	#2362
Marietta - East Cobb	2300 Shallowford Rd Suite 9, Marietta, GA 30066	#2315
Marietta - West Cobb	365 Villa Rica Way SW Suite 116, Marietta, GA 30064	#2372
Doraville	3042 Oakcliff Rd Ste #210, Doraville, GA 30340
Johns Creek	9810-B Medlock Bridge Rd Suite 103, Johns Creek, GA 30097	#2368

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm | Sat-Sun 8am-6pm. Call 770-274-4223 or text 404-590-4570.

Important: Pre-recorded courses are not accepted by Georgia DDS.

Pre-recorded or self-paced defensive driving lessons do not qualify for point reduction, court orders, or license reinstatement. Only live instructor-led classes - attended in-person at our office or via Zoom from home - are accepted. Both formats we offer are fully DDS-certified.

Frequently Asked Question

Are Defensive Driving Course Certificates recognized in all states, or do they vary by location?

Defensive Driving Course certificates earned in Georgia are usually recognized in other states, especially if the course is DDS-certified. However, because each state has its own driving laws and requirements, it is always a good idea to check with the DMV or licensing agency in the state where you need the certificate. They can confirm whether the Defensive Driving Course certificate is valid for your specific purpose.

Who Should Take a Defensive Driving Class?

A Defensive Driving Class is a great option for a wide range of drivers in Georgia.

You should consider taking the course if you:
• Received a traffic ticket and want to avoid points or reduce fines
• Need to meet court requirements for a driving-related offense
• Want to remove points from your driving record (up to 7 every 5 years)
• Are trying to reinstate your suspended license
• Want to lower your auto insurance premiums (typically 10% or more for 3 years)
• Haven’t taken a class in years and want to refresh your driving knowledge

How to Choose the Right Defensive Driving Class?

Choosing the right Defensive Driving Class in Georgia is important, especially if you are taking it for legal, insurance, or DDS-related reasons.

Must be DDS Certified
Only courses approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will count for point reduction, court orders, or license reinstatement.

Check the reason
Are you trying to reduce points, meet a court requirement, or get an insurance discount? Choose a provider that supports your specific goal.

Decide between in-person or live online (Zoom)
Both formats are accepted if they are conducted by a DDS-certified provider. Choose the format that best fits your schedule and comfort level.

Select the right class time
Look for weekly schedules that offer day, evening, or weekend options so you can complete the required 6-hour course conveniently.

What is a Defensive Driving Course (DDC)?

A Defensive Driving Course (DDC) is a Georgia DDS-approved program designed to help drivers enhance their skills, reduce the risk of accidents, and become safer on the road.

In Georgia—including cities like Atlanta—completing a DDC from a defensive driving school can help you:
• Dismiss a traffic ticket
• Reduce your insurance premiums (often by 10% or more for 3 years)
• Meet court or employer requirements
• Remove points from your driving record (up to 7 points once every 5 years)
• Reinstate a suspended license

The course covers important topics like accident prevention, Georgia traffic laws, hazard awareness, and safe driving habits.

Why should I consider taking a Defensive Driving Course?

Taking a Defensive Driving Course from a defensive driving school in Georgia can help you in several important ways. Whether you're dealing with a recent traffic ticket or want to be a safer driver, the benefits include:

• Improving your driving skills and learning how to avoid accidents
• Reducing points on your driving record (up to 7 points every 5 years)
• Qualifying for an auto insurance discount (usually 10% or more for 3 years)
• Meeting court requirements for certain traffic violations
• Reinstating a suspended driver's license, if needed

It's a smart choice for staying safe, saving money, and protecting your driving privileges in Georgia.

Is a Defensive Driving Course the same as a Traffic School or Driver Improvement Course?

Yes— Terms like "Defensive Driving Course (Georgia)," "Traffic School," and "Driver Improvement Course" generally refer to the same type of program.

These are state-approved, 6-hour courses that help drivers improve their skills, meet court or DDS requirements, reduce points on their record, or even save money on insurance.

Will completing a Defensive Driving Course remove points from my driving record?

Yes. If you complete a Georgia DDS-certified Defensive Driving Course, you can have up to 7 points removed from your driving record once every 5 years.

This can help you:
• Avoid license suspension
• Keep your insurance premiums from going up
• Maintain a clean driving history

To get the points removed, you'll need to submit your completion certificate to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)—either in person or by mail.

How much does a Defensive Driving Course typically cost, and are there any additional fees?

In Georgia, the cost of a DDS-certified Defensive driving course is set by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) at $95. This price is the same whether you're taking the course for point reduction, court requirements, or insurance discounts.

There are no hidden fees for the course.

Can I take a Defensive Driving Course virtually, or is it only offered in a classroom setting?

Yes, you can complete a Defensive Driving Course either in-person or virtually through a live Zoom session, if the provider is DDS certified defensive driving course instructor.

Both Georgia defensive driving course formats cover the same content and issue the same official certificate. You can choose the option that best fits your schedule and comfort level. Pre-recorded online defensive driving lessons do not qualify for point reduction, court, or license reinstatement purposes.

Can I retake a defensive Driving Course to refresh my skills or for additional benefits?

Yes, in Georgia, you can retake a Defensive Driving Course as often as needed, depending on your reason for doing so:
• Every 3 years to qualify for insurance discounts
• Once every 5 years to get up to 7 points removed from your driving record
• Any time, if required by a court order or for license reinstatement

Even if you're not required to take it, you can choose to join a defensive driving school and retake the course to refresh your knowledge and improve your driving habits.

Can I dispute a traffic ticket or violation by taking a Defensive Driving Course?

In some cases, yes. Georgia courts may allow you to take a Defensive Driving Course to dismiss a traffic ticket or reduce the penalties, but it's entirely up to the judge or court handling your case.

If you're dealing with a citation, it's best to check with the court first to see if this option is available.

The Importance of a Defensive Driving Course?

A Defensive Driving Course is more than just a requirement—defensive driving lessons will make you a smart driver.

Here's why it matters, especially in Georgia:
• Helps prevent accidents by teaching safer driving habits
• Keeps your license in good standing by reducing points
• May satisfy court orders or help with license reinstatement
• Lowers your insurance premiums for up to 3 years
• Refreshes your knowledge of Georgia traffic laws and real-world road safety

Whether you're facing a traffic issue or want to be a smart driver, taking this course is a valuable step in the right direction.

How Long is a Georgia Defensive Driving Course?

In Georgia, a Defensive Driving Course (also called Driver Improvement) is a 6-hour program—one continuous session either in-person or live via Zoom. It's designed this way to meet the state standards set by the Georgia DDS.

To earn your certificate, you must attend the full 6-hour course without a gap, arrive on time, and pass the final evaluation. There's no partial credit—you can't break it into smaller chunks or skip any part.

Is the DUI Risk Reduction Program the same as a Defensive Driving Course?

No. These are two different courses approved by the Georgia DDS for different purposes:

• Defensive Driving Course is a 6-hour class often used for ticket dismissal, point reduction, license reinstatement, and insurance discounts.

• DUI Risk Reduction Program is a 20-hour program required specifically for DUI or drug-related offenses.

What do I need to bring to the in-person class?

Bring your own device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) with a working camera, microphone, and Zoom Workplace installed. You’ll join the live class from your device at our office. Also bring your registration confirmation email. Arrive 10-15 minutes early.

Does an instructor teach in the room with me?

No - the instructor delivers the class live via Zoom. When you attend in-person, you come to our office, connect to the live Zoom session on your device, and participate from there. The class is live and interactive - not recorded or self-paced - but the instructor is remote.

Can I take the class this week?

In most cases, yes. We run sessions Monday through Sunday at all 7 Metro Atlanta locations. Check the registration calendar for available in-person slots near you, or call 770-274-4223 for assistance.

What happens if I arrive late?

You must complete the full 6-hour course to receive your DDS certificate - there is no partial credit. If you arrive late, contact us at 770-274-4223 as soon as possible. You may need to reschedule to a later session.

Will this class work for my specific court order?

In most cases, yes - our course is DDS-certified and accepted by courts across Georgia. However, court requirements vary by judge and case. Confirm with your court or attorney before enrolling if you have a specific order to satisfy.

What to Bring to Your In-Person Class

Your own device - smartphone, tablet, or laptop with a working camera and microphone (mandatory to join the live Zoom session)
Zoom Workplace installed on your device before arrival - free at zoom.us
Your registration confirmation email - on your phone or printed
Arrive 10-15 minutes early - the 6-hour session begins on time and must be completed in full

Parking is available at all 7 locations. Call 770-274-4223 for location-specific parking directions.

How Your In-Person Class Works

Here is exactly what to expect from the moment you register to the day your certificate arrives.

Step	What Happens
1 - Register	Select your preferred location and class date, complete payment on our website. Your login credentials and confirmation are sent to your email. Choose a class time that fits your schedule - weekday, weekend, and evening sessions available across all 7 locations.
2 - Before Class Day	Download Zoom Workplace on your device before arriving. Complete the student information form, contract, and pre-class assessment - these must be done before class day or you will need to reschedule.
3 - Arrive at the Location	Come to your chosen 1 ACT office 10-15 minutes before class. Bring your own device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) with Zoom Workplace installed. Check in at the front desk with your registration confirmation.
4 - Attend the 6-Hour Session	Join the live Zoom session from your device at our location. Your DDS-certified instructor leads the full 6-hour program live. Camera on and full attendance required throughout.
5 - Final Assessment	Near the end of the session, complete a short knowledge check quiz. You must pass to receive your certificate.
6 - Receive Your Certificate	Your completion details are submitted to the Georgia DDS portal. Your official DDS certificate is emailed the next business day by 5:30 PM. It is also available to download from your student portal.