| Georgia at a glance | |
|---|---|
| DDS point reduction | Up to 7 points, once every 5 years |
| Approved course | 6-hour DDS-certified Driver Improvement (classroom) |
| Online courses | Not accepted by DDS for license purposes |
| Insurance discount | Required for 3 years; amount varies |
| Online course use | Voluntary insurer discounts; check first |
| Online cost | About $20 |
Sources listed below. Rules and prices checked October 2026.
Classroom vs online: which do you need?
This is the most important thing to know in Georgia. If you need points removed or a license matter handled, you must take a DDS-certified classroom course. DDS says it doesn’t accept online Driver Improvement certificates for any license or driving-privilege purpose.
Online courses are cheaper and quicker, and some insurers accept them for a voluntary discount, but there is no statewide guarantee. Ask your insurer which course it accepts before you enroll.
Point reduction
- Up to 7 points off, under O.C.G.A. 40-5-86.
- Once every five years.
- Licensed Georgia residents ask DDS for the reduction after finishing a certified course.
The required insurance discount
Under O.C.G.A. 33-9-42, insurers must give a discount for three years to drivers who complete a qualifying course. The law doesn’t fix an amount, so it varies by insurer. Check the qualifying rules with your insurer before you choose a course.
Only want a voluntary insurer discount? GA online defensive driving. For points or the required discount, use a DDS-certified classroom course. (sponsored link) Always confirm the course is accepted by your court, state agency or insurer before you enrol.
How to do it, step by step
- Decide what you need: points removed, the required discount, or a voluntary insurer discount.
- For points, find a DDS-certified Driver Improvement clinic (classroom, 6 hours).
- For an insurance discount, ask your insurer which courses qualify before booking.
- Complete the course and keep your certificate.
- Send it to DDS for point reduction and to your insurer for the discount.
Is it worth it?
A certified classroom course costs more than an online one but can remove up to 7 points, which may keep your license safe. For the premium alone, compare the course price with what your insurer says the discount is worth; on a $2,000 premium, even 5% is $100 a year for three years.
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Common questions
Can I take Georgia defensive driving online?
Online courses exist, but DDS doesn’t accept online certificates for license purposes. For points, use a DDS-certified classroom course.
How many points does the Georgia course remove?
Up to 7, once every five years.
Is the Georgia insurance discount required?
Yes, for three years after a qualifying course, but the amount varies by insurer.
Who runs Georgia Driver Improvement clinics?
Independent clinics certified by DDS; their instructors aren’t DDS staff.
Is there behind-the-wheel driving in the course?
No, DDS-approved Driver Improvement courses are classroom-only.
Sources
- Georgia DDS: Defensive Driving Program FAQs
- IMPROV: Georgia defensive driving
- Kiplinger: States where insurers must give a defensive driving discount (May 2026)
Prices, discounts and rules change often and vary by state and driver. Figures were checked in October 2026; confirm details with the insurer or your state insurance department.