Business Details
39 Years
experience
Your Premier Atlanta Driving School Since 1987
A-1 Driving Schools has been a family-owned and operated institution in Atlanta, Georgia since 1987. With 19 strategically located training centers across Metro Atlanta and Athens, we specialize in comprehensive driver education programs tailored to meet the needs of both new and experienced drivers. Our offerings include Georgia DDS-certified Joshua's Law courses, defensive driving instruction, DUI/Risk Reduction programs, and ASAM Level 1 treatment services approved by the Georgia Department of Human Resources. As the sole provider of driver education for Fulton County Schools, we serve 15,000 students annually while maintaining a commitment to safety through modern vehicles equipped with dual controls and state-certified instructors.Our innovative approach combines classroom instruction with practical behind-the-wheel training, including convenient at-home pickup/drop-off services and on-site road testing to streamline the licensing process. Through our Georgia Driver's Education Scholarship Program, we've made driver training accessible to thousands of teens by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for eligible participants.
Services
Driver's Education
Defensive Driving
DUI/Risk Reduction
Road Testing
Driving Lessons
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1987 with 35+ years of local expertise
- 19 convenient locations serving Metro Atlanta and Athens
- State-certified instructors with dual-control vehicle training
- Free at-home pickup/drop-off for all driving lessons
- Exclusive Fulton County Board of Education contract holder
Associations and certifications
- Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
- Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR)
Services
Driver's Education
Our Georgia DDS-certified Joshua's Law program combines 30 hours of classroom instruction with 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Students receive personalized one-on-one lessons using modern vehicles with dual controls. The curriculum covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, and real-world driving scenarios including freeway navigation and controlled turns.
Defensive Driving
This 6-hour state-certified course helps drivers reduce points on their license, dismiss traffic tickets, or qualify for insurance discounts. The program reinforces Georgia highway laws and defensive driving techniques through instructor-led sessions at 19 convenient locations. Completion provides a certificate accepted by the Department of Driver Services.
DUI/Risk Reduction
Georgia DHR-approved program featuring a 30-45 minute assessment followed by a 20-hour classroom course. Designed for DUI offenses, drug possession, or underage alcohol violations, the curriculum includes behavioral evaluation and risk reduction strategies. Participants receive official documentation required for license reinstatement.
Road Testing
On-site DMV alternative testing available for drivers under 18 and adults. The process includes vehicle familiarization with Toyota Corolla dual-control cars and official certification upon passing. Students who fail receive one free retest before needing to visit the Department of Driver Services.
Driving Lessons
Customizable behind-the-wheel training from 2 to 30 hours with certified instructors. Lessons cover parking techniques, intersection navigation, lane changes, and freeway driving. Packages include free pickup/drop-off and combine with defensive driving courses or road testing for comprehensive training solutions.
Questions
What is Joshua's Law and how does it affect Georgia drivers?
Joshua's Law requires Georgia 17-year-olds to complete 30 classroom hours and 40 supervised driving hours (including 6 at night) before obtaining a license.
Do driving lessons qualify for insurance discounts?
Yes, our state-licensed courses with 30 classroom hours and 6 behind-the-wheel hours qualify for 10-15% insurance premium reductions from participating providers.
Can out-of-state residents take driver education here?
Yes, Georgia residents who recently moved must complete our approved driver education course before obtaining a Georgia license, regardless of prior experience.
What makes A-1 the only Fulton County provider?
We hold the exclusive Fulton County Board of Education contract, providing discounted driver education to 15,000 students annually at local high schools.
How does the road testing process work?
Students under 18 need completed driver education before testing. Adults require a valid permit. Both take tests in our Toyota Corollas with certified evaluators at 19 locations.
Reviews (7)
Anna Nelson
May 01, 2022
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I took the defensive driving class online on Saturday and the instructor was funny but made sure we got the information we needed. It made me pay attention and retain a lot from this class! I will say that depending on your instructor and other classmates, your class could be totally different. I love that I got to take this online.
K. C.
Apr 13, 2022
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This location is not open. Please stop posting false advertisements like you're open for business. I've been calling this location for days and the phone just rings, no answer. So I decided to drive to this location because all services weren't rendered. I looked inside to a shell business.
Sabeyah
Apr 09, 2022
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I took a class on Saturday and it was really good the instructor was really nice and helpful and give us many breaks and even tho it was 6 hours it seemed faster.
Stephen Chappell
Feb 12, 2022
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There are times when you have to do things you don't want to, such as defensive driving school. But when you do, A1 driving school is the place to do it. I registered for a class and there was some issue in so doing. Now, many companies would simply blame the website, maybe transfer you to tech support. But, when I called, I got hold of Della. And thank heavens I did. She listened to my issue, owned it and helped me solve the problem.
I was able to complete my course the same week. I know a lot of these governmental contractors can be frustrating, but A1 driving school is one you can count on. If you live in Georgia and you need a defensive driving course, these are the folks you NEED to call. And if you do, call Della at the Kennesaw location, she'll get you set up right. Good luck, y'all!
I was able to complete my course the same week. I know a lot of these governmental contractors can be frustrating, but A1 driving school is one you can count on. If you live in Georgia and you need a defensive driving course, these are the folks you NEED to call. And if you do, call Della at the Kennesaw location, she'll get you set up right. Good luck, y'all!
Reagan Rodriguez
Nov 24, 2021
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I could not have asked for a better driving instructor than Verline Mister. She was so wonderful in so many ways. I was very anxious to start driving, but she was very understanding, and I became much more comfortable driving while listening to music and talking while driving. And when it came to parking (which was very difficult for me) she had a specific way of learning to help me remember the steps needed to park correctly.
And it was not like learning it for the sake of the test and then forgetting it afterward. Her techniques are ingrained in how I drive, and it has taught me how to be a better driver. I highly recommend signing up for her lessons because I passed my test, and it's all thanks to her.
And it was not like learning it for the sake of the test and then forgetting it afterward. Her techniques are ingrained in how I drive, and it has taught me how to be a better driver. I highly recommend signing up for her lessons because I passed my test, and it's all thanks to her.
Chelseamcneil
Nov 13, 2021
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Got charged for an online class that we were never given access to. It was almost impossible to get in touch with them, between my fiance and I we called roughly 20 times (over the course of this month) and was only able to talk to someone once. When I DID get in touch with someone I was talking to a supervisor who had the worst attitude. Was interrupted, and was told "that doesn't make any sense." Transferred me to the johns creek location even though our receipt said Marietta.
No one in the office had a clue what was going on. I have not received such poor customer service in such a long time. We will not be spending our money here again. There are other places that actually pick up the phone and aren't rude! Suggest their manager train their employees better.
No one in the office had a clue what was going on. I have not received such poor customer service in such a long time. We will not be spending our money here again. There are other places that actually pick up the phone and aren't rude! Suggest their manager train their employees better.
Andrew MacElroy
Nov 10, 2021
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Took the A1 Defensive Driving course virtually on a Saturday. Instructor was funny and engaging. There were a variety of people there for different reasons and he made it a comfortable space. There were some issues that came up during the class but I feel that in a normal (in-person) classroom setting these would not have been a problem. Overall I would recommend this course. In regards to some of the negative comments below, I think it might depend on the instructor you have and also how respectful the class is. The website did also make it clear that this would be a virtual meeting.