Driver Improvement Program FAQs

The Department of Driver Services (DDS) regulates Driver Improvement Clinics. It is also referred to as Defensive Driving Clinics (DDC).

  • 1. How do I become certified as a driver improvement instructor and/or a driver improvement clinic?

    All clinics must provide standard instructions from one of the DDS-approved curriculums. Currently, five curriculums have been approved for use in Georgia DDC clinics. Instructors must complete a comprehensive training class from one of the five curriculums. These instructors can then be licensed by DDS.

    You may visit the Driver Improvement Regulated Program page for information and applications. Please include all required documents on the application checklist. Then, you must submit it to the Regulatory Compliance Division.  All clinic owners/corporate officers and instructor applicants are required to submit electronic fingerprints through the Georgia Applicant Processing System.

     

     

  • 2. I was fingerprinted when I initially became certified. Why do I need to be fingerprinted again for recertification?

    Fingerprints that are used for non-criminal justice purposes are only retained by the Georgia and Federal Bureaus of Investigation for a matter of days and then purged, hence the need to be re-fingerprinted. Also, the decision to recertify an individual or entity must be based on current criminal history results.

  • 3. I am currently certified as a driver improvement instructor and/or a driver improvement clinic. When and how do I recertify?

    Certifications are valid for a period of four years, unless otherwise noted. You may download the Download this pdf file. DI Instructor Recertification Application and the Download this pdf file. DI Clinic Recertification Application from our website. Please include all required documents on the application checklist when you submit it to the Regulatory Compliance Division. 

  • 4. Who are the approved curriculum providers for driver improvement clinics?

    There are currently six approved Driver Improvement curriculum providers. They include:

    • American Safety Council (ASC)
    • Driving Educators of Georgia (DEOG)
    • Georgia Association for Risk Reduction & Defensive Driver Education (GARDE)
    • National Safety Council (NSC)
    • American Automobile Association (AAA)
    • The Roadway Safety Network (TRSN)
  • 5. Will I receive a reminder about the expiration of my certification?

    As of April 1, 2014, all Renewal Reminder Notices to programs and instructors are only sent via email. As a result, it is imperative that DDS is notified immediately of any changes of email addresses. Please be mindful that DDS sends renewal reminder notices as a courtesy. Programs and instructors should be cognizant of their expiration dates and begin the renewal process within 30 to 60 days prior to that date.