How to Choose the Right Driving School in Georgia: What Parents and Students Should Know
How to Choose the Right Driving School in Georgia: What Parents and Students Should Know
Learning how to drive is a major milestone, but choosing the wrong driving school can lead to frustration, wasted time, and even unsafe habits. Whether you're a teen preparing for your first road test, a parent helping your child meet Joshua’s Law requirements, or an adult learner starting fresh, selecting the right driving school in Georgia is a decision that impacts your confidence, your safety, and your success.
At Kennesaw Driving School, we know firsthand how much of a difference the right training makes. This comprehensive guide is designed to help Georgia families understand exactly what to look for when selecting a driving school. We’ll cover:
Georgia’s legal requirements for driving instruction
Key features of a reputable driving school
Questions to ask before enrolling
What separates great schools from mediocre ones
How to compare prices, programs, and services
And how Kennesaw Driving School stands out in all the right ways
Section 1: Georgia’s Legal Requirements for Driving Schools
Before choosing a school, it’s essential to understand what the state of Georgia requires—especially for teens.
📘 Joshua’s Law Requirements (Teens Under 18)
To obtain a Class D license in Georgia, drivers under 18 must complete:
30 hours of classroom instruction (can be online or in-person)
6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor
40 hours of supervised driving (with a parent or guardian, including 6 at night)
Hold a learner’s permit for at least 1 year and 1 day
Only state-approved driving schools can provide the 6-hour driving portion required by law.
💡 Tip: Always verify that the school you choose is approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).
Section 2: Why Choosing the Right Driving School Matters
Driving isn’t just about passing a test—it’s about staying safe for a lifetime. Poor instruction can lead to:
Dangerous habits (rolling stops, poor merging)
Low confidence and high anxiety
Repeated road test failures
Increased crash risk
A great driving school will: ✔ Teach safe driving habits from day one
✔ Build the student’s confidence gradually
✔ Offer structured, progressive lessons
✔ Ensure full preparation for Georgia’s road test
Section 3: What to Look for in a Quality Driving School
Here are the must-have features every reputable Georgia driving school should offer:
✅ 1. State Certification
Must be approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
Required to issue Certificates of Completion for Joshua’s Law
✅ 2. Licensed, Experienced Instructors
Instructors should be state-licensed and background-checked
Look for schools with experienced, patient teachers who know how to work with teens and nervous drivers
✅ 3. Modern, Safe Vehicles
Training cars should have:
Dual brake controls (for instructor safety)
Clean interiors
Current registration and insurance
Well-maintained mechanical systems
✅ 4. Flexible Scheduling
Schools should offer:
Weekend and evening lessons
Pick-up/drop-off options
Options for adults and teens with busy schedules
✅ 5. Structured Curriculum
Look for:
Clear lesson plans
Emphasis on defensive driving
Road test preparation built into the program
Practice in real-world situations (not just parking lots)
✅ 6. Positive Local Reviews
Google, Yelp, and Facebook reviews give real insight
Look for consistent praise for instructors, professionalism, and support
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t just look for 5-star ratings—read the reviews to see how the school handles nervous drivers, scheduling, and customer service.
Section 4: Questions to Ask Before Enrolling
Here’s a checklist of questions to ask any Georgia driving school before signing up:
Are you certified by the Georgia DDS?
Do you offer programs that satisfy Joshua’s Law?
How long have your instructors been teaching?
What’s included in the program cost?
Do you offer road test preparation?
Can I use your car for the road test?
How many students are in a class or session?
What’s your cancellation or reschedule policy?
Do you provide progress reports or feedback?
What areas do you serve?
Section 5: Red Flags to Avoid
Unfortunately, not all driving schools meet professional standards. Watch out for:
❌ Poor Communication
Unanswered calls or emails
Vague program details
❌ No State Approval
If they can't show DDS certification, they can’t legally provide behind-the-wheel training for Joshua’s Law
❌ Old or Unsafe Vehicles
No dual brakes, worn tires, or outdated safety features
❌ Untrained Instructors
No credentials or lack of experience with young or anxious drivers
❌ Overloaded Schedules
Long waits to schedule lessons or no flexibility
If any of these apply, keep looking.
Section 6: Comparing Driving School Prices and Packages
Pricing varies, but here’s a general idea of what to expect in Georgia:
ServiceAverage Price6-Hour Behind-the-Wheel (Joshua’s Law)$350 – $50030-Hour Online/Classroom Instruction$40 – $100Road Test Prep (1-2 hours)$60 – $100Defensive Driving Course (Insurance/Point Reduction)$75 – $95Road Test Car Rental$80 – $150
Beware of deals that seem too good to be true—they often cut corners on quality, safety, or instructor training.
Section 7: How Kennesaw Driving School Checks Every Box
At Kennesaw Driving School, we’ve built our reputation on professionalism, results, and safety. Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ State-Approved Joshua’s Law Programs
30-hour classroom/online curriculum
6-hour behind-the-wheel training with certified instructors
Road test eligibility support
✅ Patient, Experienced Instructors
Hand-picked team trained to work with:
Nervous first-timers
Teen drivers
Adult learners
Emphasis on confidence-building and safe habits
✅ Modern, Safe Vehicles
Dual-brake, clean, and inspected regularly
✅ Flexible Schedules
Evening and weekend slots
Local pickup options for Kennesaw and Canton students
✅ Real-World Driving Routes
Practice on roads near DDS testing centers
Includes highway merging, downtown traffic, school zones, and parking challenges
✅ Road Test Prep & Vehicle Rental
Mock tests available
Instructor feedback after each session
Option to use our car for your DDS road test
✅ Transparent Pricing & Exceptional Value
No hidden fees
Packages available for multiple lessons
Insurance discounts available for course completion
Section 8: The Parent's Guide to Choosing a Driving School
For parents, picking the right school means peace of mind. Here’s how we support families:
✅ Progress reports after each lesson
✅ Communication on strengths, weaknesses, and readiness for the test
✅ Emphasis on defensive driving—not just passing the test
✅ Optional parent ride-along sessions for extra support
✅ State-compliant documentation and certificate management
Section 9: Testimonials from Local Families
“Kennesaw Driving School helped my daughter go from nervous to confident in just a few weeks. She passed her test on the first try!”
— Mary J., Canton, GA
“The instructors were professional and patient. They gave me feedback I never got from my parents. I actually feel ready for the road.”
— Zach T., Kennesaw, GA
“We tried another school first and it was a disaster. Kennesaw Driving School was organized, communicative, and worth every penny.”
— Robyn L., Acworth, GA
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Driving School Is an Investment in Safety
Learning to drive is about more than passing a test—it’s about building lifelong safety habits. The right school will do more than check a box for state requirements—it will empower you or your child to become a confident, responsible, and skilled driver.
At Kennesaw Driving School, we’re proud to be one of Georgia’s top-rated schools for both teens and adults. We focus on real-world training, defensive driving techniques, and student-centered coaching that builds lasting skills and confidence.
🚗 Ready to start driving the right way?
Contact Kennesaw Driving School today to enroll or speak with a team member about which package is best for you.
