Defensive Driving

DUI & Defensive Driving Classes in Kennesaw & Canton, Georgia: A Complete Guide to Safe Driving & License Reinstatement

Driving School
September 17, 2025•5 min read

DUI & Defensive Driving Classes in Kennesaw & Canton, Georgia: A Complete Guide to Safe Driving & License Reinstatement

Part 1 – Understanding DUI and Defensive Driving Classes in Georgia

Section 1: What Are DUI (Risk Reduction) Classes? Why They’re Required

Georgia law mandates that drivers convicted of a DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs) must complete a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program—often referred to as “DUI school” or “DUI classes”—before they can reinstate their license. This program is managed by the Department of Driver Services (DDS) and consists of two components:

  1. Assessment Component: A 130-question evaluation designed to assess your risk factors and personalize the educational approach.

  2. Intervention Component: A 20-hour instructional course covering topics such as the effects of impairment, Georgia DUI laws, and strategies to prevent future incidents.

The total cost of this program is state-mandated at $360, which includes $100 for the assessment, $25 for the workbook, and $235 for the instruction.kennesawdrivingschool.com+1

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Section 2: What Are Defensive Driving (Driver Improvement) Classes?

Separate from DUI Risk Reduction, Georgia also requires or encourages Defensive Driving, also known as a Driver Improvement Program, for licensed drivers who want to:

This is a 6-hour classroom-only course, certified by DDS and costs $95, also set by state law.Georgia Department of Driver Services+1kennesawdrivingschool.com+3Georgia Department of Driver Services+3Drive Safe Georgia+3

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These courses are credited once every five years to reduce up to 7 points on your Georgia driving record.AA Academy Of Action+15Drive Safe Georgia+15Georgia Department of Driver Services+15

Section 3: Local Providers in Kennesaw & Canton

If you're located in Cobb County (Kennesaw) or Cherokee County (Canton), here are notable, DDS-certified local class providers:

A full statewide directory of DDS-certified programs is available on the DDS site.online.dds.ga.gov+4Georgia Department of Driver Services+4Drive Smart Georgia+4

Part 2 – How Classes Operate and What You’ll Learn

Section 4: How to Register & Attend DUI/Risk Reduction Classes

To enroll:

  1. Schedule and complete the $100 assessment.

  2. Register and attend the 20-hour course ($235).

  3. Receive your certificate upon successful completion, accepted by Georgia courts and DDS.online.dds.ga.gov+15Georgia Department of Driver Services+15Georgia Department of Driver Services+15

Classes are offered as in-person, live virtual, or hybrid formats, with schedules typically over a weekend or evenings. Dent classes must maintain a minimum of five students to proceed.Georgia Department of Driver Services

Section 5: What Local Defensive Driving Courses Cover

Six-hour Driver Improvement courses include:

Section 6: Why Attend Local Programs in Kennesaw & Canton

Choosing a local school means:

Section 7: What to Expect After Completing the Course

For DUI/Risk Reduction:

  1. Submit your certificate to court and DDS

  2. Pay reinstatement fee ($200–$210)

  3. Meet any additional requirements (e.g., probation, SR-22 insurance)Drive Smart GeorgiaGeorgia Department of Driver Services+1kennesawdrivingschool.com

For Defensive Driving:

Part 3 – Practical Advice, FAQs, and Conclusion

Section 8: Tips for Choosing the Right Class

Section 9: Frequently Asked Questions

QuestionAnswerCan I make up missed class time?It depends—attendance policies are strict. Missed time usually requires retaking the course at full cost.Georgia Department of Driver ServicesAre online programs accepted?Only live, virtual classes are accepted. Self-paced online classes are not valid for DDS purposes.Georgia Department of Driver Services+1What happens if I lose my certificate?You can request a replacement from the school (up to $20) or DDS if the school is closed.Georgia Department of Driver ServicesCan I transfer my Assessment results to another school?Yes, under certain conditions such as cancellation or relocation, with DDS approval.Georgia Department of Driver Services

Section 10: Final Thoughts & Local Call to Action

Whether your goal is license reinstatement, points reduction, safer driving habits, or insurance savings, attending a DUI Risk Reduction or Defensive Driving class in Kennesaw or Canton equips you with the knowledge, certification, and local support to move forward.

Local, DDS-certified schools—like Kennesaw Driving School, Dickerson Driving & DUI School, and Canton DUI & Defensive Driving School—provide:

  • Trusted compliance

  • Convenient locations

  • Clear pricing

  • Efficient certification

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