Georgia Defensive Driving Course: Online Guide for 2026
Complete guide to Georgia's defensive driving course — how to take it online, eligibility, costs, and how it reduces points on your record.
Georgia has a defensive driving course that can reduce points on your license and help you avoid the insurance hit from a traffic ticket. Here's how to take it online and what to expect.
How Georgia's defensive driving course works
Georgia allows drivers to take a defensive driving course to reduce points on their record. The course is approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and can be completed entirely online.
Key facts:
- Course length: 6 hours
- Available online: Yes
- Point reduction: Up to 7 points removed
- How often: Once every 5 years
- Insurance discount: Some insurers offer a discount
Georgia's generous point reduction
Georgia allows you to remove up to 7 points from your record with one course — that's more than most states. If you've accumulated multiple tickets, this can make a big difference.
Who is eligible?
To take the Georgia defensive driving course for point reduction:
- You must have a valid Georgia driver's license
- You must have points on your record (or a ticket pending)
- You have not taken the course for point reduction in the past 5 years
- The court allows it for your specific violation (most moving violations qualify)
Georgia's point system
Before we talk about how the course helps, let's understand Georgia's points:
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding (15–18 mph over) | 2 points |
| Speeding (19–23 mph over) | 3 points |
| Speeding (24–33 mph over) | 4 points |
| Speeding (34+ mph over) | 6 points |
| Running a red light | 3 points |
| Running a stop sign | 3 points |
| Improper passing | 4 points |
| Reckless driving | 4 points |
| Aggressive driving | 6 points |
Georgia suspends your license at 15 points in a 24-month period.
Georgia's Super Speeder law
If you're caught going 75+ mph on a two-lane road or 85+ mph on any road in Georgia, you're a "Super Speeder." That means an additional $200 surcharge on top of your fine. Defensive driving can help offset the points, but the surcharge still applies.
How to take the course online
- Check with your court — Make sure defensive driving is approved for your violation
- Sign up for an approved online course
- Complete 6 hours of course material
- Pass the final exam — You need a passing score (usually 70%+)
- Get your certificate — We report your completion to the DDS and your court
- Points reduced — Up to 7 points removed from your record
How much does it cost?
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| NoToTicket course fee | $39.99 |
| Court fees | Varies by county |
| Original fine | Still applies |
| Total (course only) | $39.99 |
The course fee is a small price to pay when you consider the insurance savings. A Georgia driver with points on their record pays an average of $612 more per year in insurance — that's $1,836 over 3 years.
What does the course cover?
Georgia requires these topics:
- Georgia traffic laws and your responsibilities
- Defensive driving techniques and hazard recognition
- Effects of alcohol, drugs, and fatigue on driving
- Sharing the road with trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians
- Managing aggressive driving and road rage
- Crash prevention strategies
Georgia defensive driving FAQ
Does the course dismiss my ticket? In Georgia, the course primarily reduces points. Whether the ticket itself is dismissed depends on the court. Some courts allow nolo contendere (no contest) pleas combined with the course to avoid points entirely.
Can I take it before my court date? Yes, in many cases you can take the course proactively. Check with your court about timing requirements.
What about the "nolo" plea? Georgia allows one "nolo contendere" plea every 5 years for minor traffic violations. Combined with defensive driving, this can prevent points from being added. Ask your court about this option.
Will my insurance go down? Some Georgia insurers offer a discount for completing a defensive driving course. Contact your insurance company to ask.
Combine nolo + defensive driving for maximum benefit
In Georgia, the smartest move is to enter a nolo contendere plea AND complete the defensive driving course. This combination can prevent points entirely and may qualify you for an insurance discount.
Take control of your Georgia driving record
Don't let points pile up and cost you thousands in higher insurance. Take the defensive driving course online and get up to 7 points removed.
Related reading:
- Does Traffic School Remove Points?
- How to Remove Points From Your Driving Record
- Can Defensive Driving Lower Your Insurance?
- How Long Does a Ticket Stay on Your Record?
Ready to reduce your Georgia points?
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