Driver’s Education
Learning to drive is a major milestone in life. It’s important for young or inexperienced drivers to learn safe driving techniques. The program offered by Savannah Technical College meets Joshua’s Law options that include 30 hours of classroom instruction and six additional hours of drive time with an instructor. Most insurance companies also give a reduction (approx. 10%) on insurance premiums upon successful completion.
Savannah Technical College provides a (DDS approved) Driver’s Education program in cooperation with the Georgia Driver’s Education Commission (GDEC). Participants must attend all class dates for the full class periods. If seeking a certificate of completion for 30 hours of classroom and six hours of driving, participants must also complete all six (6) hours of behind-the-wheel driving.
Cost for the course is $350 (You may be eligible for a scholarship and may begin the process by clicking on the picture below)
P.S. Follow the links on the left to learn more about our Dual Enrollment program, which allows high school students to take academic degree level core courses, at zero tuition cost, that will transfer to any Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) or University System of Georgia (USG) institution.
30- Hour Classroom Instruction
This theoretical component consists of instruction in the following topics:
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Managing Risk When Driving
- Understanding Vehicle Space Needs, Natural Laws and Balance
- Starting, Steering, and Stopping the Vehicle
- Traffic Control Devices & Traffic Laws
- Managing Risk: Vision & Perception, Time & Space
- Sharing the Road with Others
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Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive
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The Effects of Distractions, Drowsiness, and Emotions on Driving
- Adverse Driving Conditions and Emergencies
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The Effects of Alcohol and other Drugs on Driving
- Basic Maneuvers in a Low-Risk Environment
Course Textbook: “How to Drive” -The Beginning Driver’s Manual
6-Hour Driving Lessons
The Department of Driver Services requires that parents/guardians invest at least 40-hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice with their teen prior to taking their road test to get their license.
It is our focus to assist your student with the more difficult driving skills since our program only provides 6-hours of behind-the-wheel training. By the time your student reaches their first behind-the-wheel training session with the college, he/she will need to be able to successfully complete the following skills:
- Basic driver preparation
- Steering
- Accelerating and slowing down smoothly
- Turning right at intersections
- Turning left at intersections
What to Expect
Training Lesson 1: The instructor will take the student to begin their in verify the skills listed above are satisfactory and then begin practice with parallel parking, turnabouts, and a very structured driving route to provide exposure ranging from light traffic to moderate traffic.
Training Lesson 2: When student arrive for the second lesson, they can expect longer exposure to moderate traffic and introduction to parkways and highways and to apply what was learned during lesson two.
Training Lesson 3: The final training will include a review of the previous lessons, longer exposure to moderate traffic, and introduction to interstate driving. Note: Students will be practicing entering and exiting off of Interstate 16. Practice with a parent/guardian prior to this lesson is recommended.
The Car
Each vehicle will be wrapped in “Student Driver” graphics to make other drivers aware that training is in progress. The vehicles are equipped with video monitoring capabilities to ensure the safety of all participants.
Simulators
Upon request, students will have the opportunity to complete training on a simulator that will provide advanced traffic safety training to students who are preparing to obtain their driver’s license.
• Initial evaluation
• Face real-life situations thanks to the Free Driving module
• Master the vehicles (steeringwheel, gearbox, pedals, etc.)
• Students’ database to login and pick up from where they left off
STC Liberty Campus
Dates To be Announced
STC Effingham Campus
Dates: June 1st, June 2nd, June 8th, & June 9th, 2020
Payment Deadline: May 27th, 2020
Meeting Days: Monday & Tuesdays only
Time: 8am – 4:30pm
Location: Savannah Technical College | Effingham Campus| 2890 Hwy 21 South, Rincon, GA 31326, Rm 133
Valid Learner’s Permit or Driver’s License Required
Any one with a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license can attend the course.
Scholarship Eligibility:
- Georgia Students between the ages of 15 and 17 years old.
- First priority is given to students who are children or dependents of a Georgia public safety professional or military personnel killed in the line of duty.
- Second priority is given to students who demonstrate a financially based need.
- Third priority is given to all students who do not qualify under the first and second priority.
- Scholarships are awarded evenly by congressional district and are electronically selected at random in each priority level if the number of applicants exceeds the number of scholarships available.
Teen drivers and their parents or guardians may learn more or apply by visiting georgiadrivers.ga.gov.
Cost: $350 (Includes Classroom & Behind-the-wheel)
Scholarship Information: Beginning in January of 2017, the Georgia Driver’s Education Commission began a new scholarship program. Applications are now being accepted.
Location: Varies. Check the “Sessions” Tab!
Payment Options:
We accept all credit/debit cards and money orders only. Credit/debit card payments can be accepted over the phone by calling 912-443-3012 or online. Money orders must be delivered to the Crossroads Campus at time of registration.
To apply for a scholarship, visit: www.georgiadrivers.ga.gov
Scholarship Eligibility:
- Georgia Students between the ages of 15 and 17 years old.
- First priority is given to students who are children or dependents of a Georgia public safety professional or military personnel killed in the line of duty.
- Second priority is given to students who demonstrate a financially based need.
- Third priority is given to all students who do not qualify under the first and second priority.
- Scholarships are awarded evenly by congressional district and are electronically selected at random in each priority level if the number of applicants exceeds the number of scholarships available.
Teen drivers and their parents or guardians may learn more or apply by visiting georgiadrivers.ga.gov.
Is your scholarship deadline approaching?
Send an email to gdec@gohs.ga.gov and let them know you would like to request a one-time 60 day extension. Tip: Forward your scholarship award email so that they have all the info needed to add the extension.
I'm older than 15-17. Can I still take this class?
Yes, you can. This class is open to anyone with a learner’s permit! The scholarship is the only available to 15- 17-year-olds that qualify.
How do I register for the driver's education course?
Great question! Just complete the registration form below that applies to you:
The registration form is down for maintenance and will be linked here soon!
It's raining outside and I have a behind-the-wheel training appointment today. Will it be cancelled?
The only time that we cancel a behind-the-wheel appointment due to weather is when there is a:
- severe thunderstorm watch or warning
- tropical storm watch or warning
- hurricane watch or warning
- tornado watch or warning
You may also choose to cancel an appointment if you or your child does not feel comfortable. However, this is a great opportunity to receive training of how to conduct yourself in less than perfect weather. If you would still like to cancel, send an email to continuinged@savannahtech.edu and to your instructor. Instructor emails can be found below:
- Tressa Gilmore– tgilmore@savannahtech.edu
- Patrice Kerner – pkerner@savannahtech.edu
- Kim-Nee Stewart- knstewart@savannahtech.edu
To stay up-to-date on weather, download WTOC’s free weather app!
How do I pass the Driver's Education Program?
To receive a certificate of completion for the 30-hours of classroom training and 6 hours of behind the wheel training:
- All 30 hours of the class must be completed AND you must receive a grade of 70% or better.
- All 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training must be completed AND satisfactorily.
If any part of a class or behind-the wheel training is missed, you will be subject to fees to cover make-up day sessions if you would still like to complete the course.
I have my Certificate of Completion. Now what?
Give yourself a pat on the back! You can officially start the process to take your Road Test. To see what you need to bring with you, click the link that applies to you below:
Will I receive a certificate of completion once I pass the Driver's Education Program?
Certificates of Completion will be issued once a student completes the full Drivers education program. Please allow up to two weeks to receive this by email. We strongly recommend that Driving Appointments with the DMV are not scheduled until you have your Certificate of Completion in hand. Students must remember to keep the original copy of their certificate for Department of Driver Services and for insurance purposes. There is a $10.00 fee for re-issuing of completion certificates.
To receive a certificate of completion for the 30-hours of classroom training and 6 hours of behind the wheel training:
- All 30 hours of the class must be completed AND you must receive a grade of 70% or better.
- All 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training must be completed AND satisfactorily.
If any part of a class or behind-the-wheel training is missed, you will be subject to fees to cover make-up day sessions if you would still like to complete the course.
How does the Georgia Driver's Education Grant Scholarship Program work?
We’re glad you asked. It all starts when teen drivers and their parents or guardians apply by completing an online application by visiting georgiadrivers.ga.gov.
- Online applications are due by the 5th day of each month.
- Effective July 1, 2019, scholarship award and denial notifications will be sent on the first day of each month rather than the 20th of each month. Students and parents are notified by email if the application has been awarded or denied.
- Students have 30 days from the date of the scholarship award to choose an authorized driver’s education provider and present their scholarship redemption code to enroll in a 30/6 driver’s education course. Students have 180 days from the date of the scholarship award to complete the 30/6 course.More details can be found here.
I can't make it to one of the classes in a session. Can I still take the course?
First, take a look to see if another session may work better with your schedule. If you will have to miss one of the classes, we encourage you to still sign up for the session. To make-up the missed date without charge, you will have to attend the meeting day of another session that matches up to the part of the class you missed. (Example: the 1st meeting day =Part 1, 2nd meeting day = Part 2 and so on).
If you are unable to attend another session’s meeting day, then for a fee- you can enroll in one of our available make-up dates offered every 2 months. The fee is $75 per student. Just send a note to continuinged@savannahtech.edu and we’ll provide available make-up dates.
What is Joshua's Law?
Joshua’s Law is a bill that changes the requirements that teen drivers must meet in order to obtain a Class D driver’s license.
To get a Class D driver’s license at age sixteen (16):
- You must have completed a driver education course approved by the Department of Driver Services and
- You also must have completed a cumulative total of at least forty (40) hours of other supervised driving experience, including at least six (6) hours at night.
If you have not completed an approved driver’s education course, you cannot get your Class D driver’s license until you reach age seventeen (17). Remember, forty (40) hour of driving experience, including six (6) hours of driving at night, is always required for a Class D driver’s license.
Am I required to take a driver education course to obtain my Class D driver's license?
It depends on your age at the time you apply for your Class D Georgia Driver’s License.
- If you are 16 years of age, you will be required to show proof that you successfully completed a driver education course approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). In addition, you must have completed a total of 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 hours of which must be at night.
- If you are age 17 or older, you will not be required to show proof that you completed a driver education course. However, you will still be required to have completed a total of 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 hours of which must be at night.
What is TADRA?
TADRA,the Teenage & Adult Driver Responsibility Act, is a graduated driver’s license program for young drivers ages 15 to 18.
Three- Step Process in TADRA
Step 1: Instructional Permit (Class CP License)
Step 2: Intermediate License (Class D License)
Step 3: Full License ( Class C)
What if I only what Behind-the-Wheel Training? Can I take that with you and for how much?
The option to only receive behind-the-wheel lessons is no longer available. Those interested in receiving driving lessons must enroll in the whole course.
How does lunch work during the course?
Lunch will be from 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. each day. Students are responsible for their own lunch. Select campuses (Crossroads/Liberty) will have vending machines available for students. There are not any stores or restaurants within walking distance of the campus. It is highly encouraged that students bring a lunch. Students may not leave campus.
What are the hours of the program?
This course consists of 30-hours of classroom instruction followed by 6-hours of behind-the-wheel driving with a certified driving instructor. Parents can sign him/her up for the 6-hours of driving through our online appointment scheduler. This link will be provided in the email confirming your enrollment in the course. Participants will also have the opportunity to use driving simulators (by appointment only).
Class is currently held from 9am-5:30pm each date of the scheduled course.
What is the attendance policy?
In order to receive the certificate of completion, students must complete the 30 hours of classroom and the 6 hours of driving. If a session is missed, the student will need to complete the necessary makeup days to meet GDEC requirements before certificate can be issued.
What is the pick-up procedure?
Parents are responsible for picking up students on time at the end of class. Students will only be released to their parent/guardian or those specified on the Student release form.
Can I only take the Classroom Training?
The option to only receive classroom training is no longer available. Those interested in receiving classroom instruction must enroll in the whole course.
My question wasn't answered. How can I reach you?
We’d be glad to help you. Send us an email at continuinged@savannahtech.edu with the subject line “Driver’s Ed Question”. Prefer to chat? Call us at 912-443-3012. If you don’t reach us, leave us a message and we’ll get right back to you.
We encourage you to visit the FAQs page to review some of our commonly asked questions. You can also reach the office by using the chat feature in the lower right corner of your computer screen or mobile device. Additional contact information can be found below!
Driver’s Education Contact: Continuing Education Department
Phone: 912-443-3012
Email: continuinged@savannahtech.edu
To register using a scholarship code click the button below:
If you do not have a scholarship code and will be paying via credit/debit card, please click the button below:
If you are not able to enroll in the November Session but would like to be notified of future schedules, please complete the form below: