Driving safety courses—also known as defensive driving or traffic school—are designed to improve a driver’s knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward driving a motor vehicle. Laws vary from state to state but in many states a driver who has been issued a traffic ticket or citation may have the ticket or citation dismissed upon successful completion of a driving safety course—whether online or in person.

In Georgia, driving safety courses, often referred to as defensive driving courses or traffic school, serve as a tool for drivers to enhance their driving skills and safety awareness. Under Georgia law, drivers who have received a traffic citation may be eligible to have their ticket dismissed or points reduced on their driving record by successfully completing a state-approved defensive driving course. The eligibility for such benefits can depend on the nature of the traffic violation, the driver's history, and the specific policies of the court handling the citation. These courses can be taken voluntarily for a point reduction once every 5 years, and they can also be required by a court order or for reinstatement of a driver's license. The courses are available both online and in-person, providing flexibility for individuals to choose the format that best suits their needs. It's important for drivers to verify with the court or the Department of Driver Services that the course they intend to take is state-approved and will meet the requirements for ticket dismissal or point reduction.