Georgia DDS warns customers to only use DDS certified driving schools to ensure approved training

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is urging customers to only use DDS certified schools whether needed for driver training or driver improvement. This certification guarantees that instructors are qualified, and the curriculum is, both, effective and compliant with the law, officials announced.  

To see the complete list of driving schools certified by DDS, please visit https://dds.georgia.gov/regulated-programs.

“It is important that customers select schools that are certified by DDS to ensure students receive consistent, comprehensive, and up-to-date instruction on traffic laws, road safety, and risk reduction.” said DDS Commissioner Angelique B. McClendon.

DDS cautions customers as there are riving schools operating without being certified by DDS.  Customers using uncertified schools should be concerned about the quality of instruction and adherence to state regulations. Certified instructors undergo state-required training and are vetted to ensure they can teach safe and effective driving techniques, including adherence to traffic laws and defensive driving strategies.

DDS only accepts certificates of completion from DDS certified schools.  Choosing an uncertified program leads to customers not receiving proper credit toward their driver education (Joshua’s Law) or driver improvement requirements.  This may delay driver license issuance or reinstatement.

How to identify a certified driving school:

• Check the Georgia Department of Driver Services website (https://dds.georgia.gov/regulated-programs.) for a list of certified regulated schools including those offering online and third-party testing and click on the type of driving school program you are interested in.  This will lead you to a list of “Certified Providers” for each program.
• Ask Questions: “Is your company certified by the Georgia Department of Driver Services?”  and “Are all of your instructors certified by the Georgia Department of Services?” are great questions to ask.  If the response is “no,” then search the DDS website for a certified driving school with certified instructors.

DDS recommends downloading the Georgia Digital License and ID to your phone’s wallet as well as creating an online account to monitor any change to your driver status.