Officers Al Barber –Chairman,CEO
Don Hudson –ViceChairman
Buster Barber –President
Mark Momtahan –VicePresident
Brad Barber –CFO
Matthew Momtahan –Secretary
BoardMembers Al Barber –Barber’sDrivingSchool
Don Hudson –VicePresidentandChiefCounsel–RoadmasterDriversSchool
Jeffery Burkhardt –Ancora–SrDirectorofOperations–CommercialDriverTraining
Brad Barber –RetiredCampusPresident,GeorgiaDrivingAcademy
Buster Barber –Barber’sDrivingSchool
Mark Momtahan –WestMetroDrivingSchool
Mike Marcos –COOofA1DrivingSchools
Kathy Watts –PresidentofNewLondonSchoolofDriving
Gary Strube –CampusPresident,GeorgiaDrivingAcademy
Ed Tanksley –KatlawTruckDrivingSchool
AcrosstheStateofGeorgia,thousandsofprofessionalsshowupeverydaywithasharedmission:tomake ourroadssafer,ourdriversbetterprepared,andourcommunitiesstronger.Whetheryouserverisk reductionstudents,defensivedrivingclients,first-timedrivers,orcommercialandtruckdrivingstudents, yourworkplaysavitalroleinpublicsafety andyourindustrydeservesstrong,informed representation.
Thatresponsibilityisattheheartofthe Georgia Driving School Association.
Overthepastnineyears,yourAssociationhasbeenworkingdiligently oftenbehindthescenesand oftenatthepolicytable foryouandfortheindustryasawhole.Thispublicationreflectsthat commitment.Enclosed,youwillfindour 2026 Regulatory Agenda and 2026 Legislative Agenda,both developedtomodernizeourindustry,reduceunnecessaryburdens,andensurethatdrivereducationand safetyprogramsinGeorgiaremaineffective,fair,andsustainable.
WearealsoproudtoannouncethatGDSAisnowoffering the DriveABILITY Defensive Driving Course to our members free of charge.Thisbenefitalonecansaveyourschool hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars each year comparedtowhatmanyproviderscurrentlypay.Thesesavings arereal,measurable,anddesignedtohelpyourbusinessremaincompetitivewhilemaintainingthe highestinstructionalstandards.
Beyondcostsavings,GDSAcontinuestoinvestintoolsthathelpyougrow.Weareactivelydeveloping new products, online platforms, and electronic solutions allofwhichwillbeprovided at no cost to members.Ourfocusissimple:tohelpyouexpandyourbusiness,improveservicedelivery,and adapttoanincreasinglydigitalenvironmentwithoutaddingfinancialstrain.
Wearecommittedto modernizing and strengthening the Georgia Alcohol and Drug Risk Reduction Program.Ratherthanincrementaladjustments,our 2026 Legislative Agenda outlinesa comprehensiveapproachtoreform focusedoneffectiveness,accountability,andpublicsafety.We encourageyoutoreviewthissectioncloselytounderstandhowthesereformssupportbothproviders andthecitizensweserve.
Equallyimportant,GDSAcontinuestoworkcloselywiththe Georgia Department of Driver Services,our regulatoryagency,toaddress outdated processes and administrative inefficiencies thatslowdown businessoperations.Manyoftheseeffortsaredetailedinour 2026 Regulatory Agenda,includedinthis publication.
Whenweworktogether, we are stronger.Progresshappensthroughparticipation,collaboration,anda unifiedindustryvoice.Wewantyourinput,yourengagementandyouatthetable.
IfyouarenotyetamemberoftheGeorgiaDrivingSchoolAssociation,thisisyourinvitation.Joinusaswe worktoprotectourindustry,advancepublicsafety,andensurethatthosewhoeducateGeorgia’sdrivers areheard,respected,andsupported.
Welookforwardtoworkingwithyouin2026andbeyond.
Al Barber Chairman & CEO
GeorgiaDrivingSchoolAssociation
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Join the Movement Driving Excellence in Georgia The Georgia Driving School Association is Changing the Game — Are You In?
Driving schools across Georgia, take note! There’s never been a better time to elevate your program, simplify certification, and save money all while joining a growing community committed to excellence in driver education.
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INTRODUCTION TO OUR REGULATORY AGENDA Georgia Driving School Association Atthecoreofthisagendaisourcommitmentto buildingastronger,moreeffectiveworking relationshipwithDDS.Regulationisnecessary,butit mustalsobeworkable.Whenpoliciesareclear, processesareefficient,andcommunicationis consistent,theresultisbettercompliance,stronger schools,andimprovedservicetoGeorgia’scitizens.
Drivertrainingschoolsoperateundercomplex regulatoryrequirementsthatdirectlyaffectstaffing, scheduling,customerservice,andcompliancecosts. Whenprocessesareinefficientoroutdated,theydo notmerelycreateinconvenience theydelay servicestothepublic,increasecosts,andstrain recruitingandretentioneffortsacrosstheindustry. GDSA’sroleistoidentifythesefrictionpointsand workcollaborativelywithDDStoimprovethem.
Thispastyeardemonstratedwhatconstructive engagementcanachieve.Asreflectedbythegreen checkmarksthroughoutthisagenda,GDSAworked closelywithDDStoaccomplishmeaningful,practical improvements.Onenotablesuccesswasreducing therequirednotificationperiodforGeorgiaroad testsinvolvingtrainingandtestingvehicles from sevendaysto24hours.Thischangesignificantly improvedschools’abilitytoservecustomers efficiently,respondtoschedulingneeds,andreduce unnecessarydelayswithoutcompromisingsafetyor oversight.
Inaddition,GDSAcollaboratedwithDDSto streamlineinstructorapplicationsandother administrativeprocessesbyexpandingand improvingonlinesystems.Thesechangesreduced paperwork,shortenedprocessingtimes,andcreated efficienciesthatbenefitboththeDepartmentand licensedschools.
Whilemeaningfulprogresshasbeenmade,ourlistof proposedimprovementsremainslong.GDSA continuestomethodicallypresentrecommendations toDDSregulatorsandengageinconstructive dialogueonhowcertainrules,regulations,policies, andproceduresmaybereshapedtobenefitnotonly licensedschools,butalsotheDepartmentofDriver Servicesteamandoveralloperationalefficiency.
Severalproposalshavebeenpresentedand
discussed.Forexample,intheareaofinstructor licensingandtraining,oneconceptpresented involveseliminatingredundanttestingrequirements forschoolswithestablishedcompliancehistories. Anotheroptionpresentedwouldallowinstructor applicants,oncetheircompletedapplicationis receivedbyDDS,toproceeddirectlytothewritten examinationatalicensingcenter.Uponpassing,the instructorlicensecouldbeissuedimmediately similartotheprocessusedfordriverlicensing.A furtheralternativepresentedwouldpermit approvedschoolstoproctorthewrittenexamination onbehalfofDDS,consistentwithexistingthird-party testingprotocolsalreadyusedforinstructor certificationintheroad-testprogram.
Atthistime,nofinalresolutionshavebeenreached ontheseitemsorothersthathavebeenpresented anddiscussed.GDSAdeliveredacomprehensivelist ofproposedprocessimprovementstothe Commissionerinmid-summeroflastyear,andboth organizationsareworkingthroughtheseitemsas efficientlyaspossible.Todate,theonlycompleted initiativesarethosehighlightedearlier:the reductionoftheroad-testnotificationperiodto24 hoursandtheimplementationoftheonline instructorapplicationsystem.
Werecognizethatpolicydevelopmenttakestime. DDSmustbalancepublicaccountability,safety oversight,andcustomerservicewiththeoperational realitiesfacedbylicensedschools.Weappreciatethe Department’scontinuedeffortstoputGeorgia’s citizensfirstbyimprovingservicedelivery, expeditingprocesseswherepossible,andaddressing proceduralbottlenecksthataffectinstructor recruitment,onboarding,andretention.
Lookingahead,GDSAremainsfocusedonaddressing theprocessesthatcontinuetodelayoperations, increasecosts,andcomplicatehumanresource efforts particularlyinrecruiting,onboarding,and retainingqualifiedinstructors.Thesechallenges directlyaffecttheavailabilityandqualityofdriver educationservicesacrossGeorgia.
TheRegulatoryAgendathatfollowsoutlinesour prioritiesclearlyandresponsibly.Eachitemreflects ourbeliefthatregulationworksbestwhenitis informed,fair,andcollaborative.GDSAwillcontinue toadvocateforpoliciesandproceduresthatprotect publicsafetywhileallowingschoolstooperate efficiently,ethically,andsustainably.
ThefollowinginitiativesfocusonimprovingDepartmentofDriverServices(DDS)policiesandprocesses. ThesedonotrequirestatutorychangebutrelyoncollaborationwithDDStomodernizeoperationsand improveservicedeliveryforGeorgia’scitizens.
2025 Accomplishments ✅ ReducedtheAutomobilethird-partytestingnotificationrequirementforClassCandDlicensesfrom7 daysto24hours,significantlyimprovingcustomerservicewithoutcompromisingsafety.
✅ AbilitytosubmitCDLandAutomobileinstructorapplicationsonline,allowingelectronicsubmissionto streamlineoperationsandreducedelays.
2026 Proposals 1. Third-Party Testing (TPT)
a. Changethe5-daywaitingperiodforClassAandBwrittenexaminationsto48hours,aligningwithfederal standardsandallowingmoreflexiblescheduling.
b. ExtendtestinghoursforClassCandDlicensesfrom7AMto8PMtoaccommodateworkingadultsand students.
c. Reduceroadtestschedulingtimefrom45minutesto30minutestoallowmoretestsperday.
d. Increasemaximumroadtestsperexaminerperdayfrom10toupto16basedon30-minuteappointments.
2. Modernize Instructor Licensing Processes
a. Expeditelicensingprocessestosupportworkforcedevelopment.
b. EliminatetheDDS-mandatedinstructorknowledgetestorofferonlinetestingwithimmediateresults.
c. DDStrainingtobeavailableinself-pacedmodules.
d. Streamlineapplicationsteps:electronicsubmissionofallrequireddocuments,immediatenotificationfor fingerprinting,andatypical48-hourturnaroundonbackgroundchecks.
This approach enables instructor licensing issuance within seven to ten days, supporting growth without compromising safety oversight.
3. Permit Testing Process Improvements for CDL Schools
a. ReducewaitingperiodforCDLpermitretestingtooneday(currentlytwodays)toalignGeorgiawith nationalbestpractices.
b. Allownext-dayreteststoavoiddelaysandmaintaintimelyCDLacquisition.
4. Curriculum Approval Standards and Process Modernization
a. CollaboratewithDDStoestablishclear,standardizedcurriculumapprovalcriteriaforallregulatedprogram areas:AlcoholandDrugRiskReduction,DriverImprovement,DriverEducation,andMedicalDriver Evaluation.
b. Developstreamlinedapprovalprocessesthatmaintainprogramqualitywhilereducing administrativedelaysforcurriculumprovidersseekingDDScertification.
INTRODUCTION TO OUR LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Georgia Driving School Association TheGeorgiaDrivingSchoolAssociation(GDSA) presentsthisLegislativeAgendawithoneclear purpose:tomodernizeGeorgia’sDriver ImprovementandDUIRiskReductionsystemsin awaythatstrengthenspublicsafety,improves educationaleffectiveness,andkeepsrequired programsfinanciallyattainableforthecitizenswe serve.
Acentralprioritythisyearistheeliminationof thepre-classassessmentintheDUIRisk ReductionProgram.Independentresearch conductedforGDSAbyDr.OrionMowbrayofthe UniversityofGeorgiaconfirmsthatGeorgia’sfront -endassessmentisduplicative,addsunnecessary cost,anddoesnotimproveinstructionalor interventionoutcomes.Thestudyfurtherfinds thatmoststatesintegratescreeningintoclinical evaluationratherthanrequiringaseparatefrontendassessment.Thefullresearchreportis availableatGeorgiaDrivingSchoolAssociation.org.
Thesecondmajorpriorityisreformingtheprice oftheDUIRiskReductionworkbook.Foryears, Georgiastudentshavepaidmillionsofdollarstoa singlevendor,PreventionResearchInstitute (PRI),foraworkbookpricedfaraboveitscostof production.Thispricingstructureisinconsistent withacceptedregulatorycost-accounting guidelinesandisthepredictableresultofa monopolymarket.Ourproposaltoreducethe workbookpriceto$15alignspricingwithactual productioncostswhilepreservingcurriculum integrity.
Atthesametime,GDSArecognizesthat modernizationmustbalanceaffordabilitywith programsustainability.Aseparateproposal introducedlastyearsoughttoincreasetotalDUI tuitionto$500whilemaintainingthe$25 workbookfee.Whilewell-intended,sucha dramaticincreaseisnotpractical.Itwouldprice manyparticipantsoutofcompliance,increase unlicenseddriving,andencouragenew competitionintoanalreadydilutedandshrinking
market destabilizingexistingschoolswithout improvingsafetyoutcomes.
TheGDSAapproachisdifferent.Weproposea modesttuitionadjustmentfrom$360to$395, pairedwithareductioninunnecessaryexpenses. Byworkingonbothsidesoftheequation slightlyincreasinginstructionalinvestmentwhile eliminatingexcessivefees wedeliverastronger educationalproduct,improvedintervention outcomes,andaprogramthatremainsfinancially attainableforGeorgiafamilies.
ThisLegislativeAgendaalsoaddresses modernizationofprogramdeliverythrough codifyinginstructor-ledonlinetrainingforDUI RiskReductionandDriverImprovementcourses. Mostlicensedschoolshavealreadyinvestedin thismodernizationandreportincreasedstudent participation.Forexample,someschoolsare reportingthatupto17%oftheirRiskReduction studentsarecomingfromout-of-state participants.Asmorestatesadoptonline instructor-lededucation,out-of-stateproviders willincreasinglycompeteforGeorgiastudents. CodifyingonlineinstructionnowensuresGeorgia schoolsremaincompetitiveinarapidlyevolving nationalmarket.
Finally,closingthelong-standingplea-bargain loopholethatcurrentlyallowsDUI-arrested driverstoregaindrivingprivilegeswithout completingtheRiskReductionProgramwill increaseparticipationbyanestimated16,000 additionalstudentsperyear approximatelya 40%expansionofthecurrentmarket.This restorestheoriginalintentofGeorgia’sDUI statutesbyensuringeducationandintervention beforeimpaireddriversreturntotheroad.
Thisagendareflectsreal-worldexperiencefrom theschoolsthatdelivertheseserviceseveryday. Ourproposalsreducewaste,modernizedelivery, closestatutorygaps,andstrengthenprogram effectiveness whilesupportingtheoperational sustainabilityoflicensedschoolsandadvancing publicsafetyforallGeorgians.
ThefollowinginitiativesrequirestatutorychangestoGeorgialawortargetedadjustmentstotheDepartmentofDriver Services’fee-settingauthority.Eachproposalisdesignedtoreduceunnecessarystudentcosts,modernizeprogram delivery,improvetransparency,strengthenmarketfairness,andmaintainpublicsafetyandprogramintegrity while ensuringthelong-termsustainabilityofGeorgia’sregulateddrivingschools.
1. Eliminate the Pre-Class Assessment Rationale
WhenGeorgiafirstintroducedthepre-classassessment,itspurposewastosteerstudentsintodifferentprogramlengths. Legislativereformlatercreatedasingle20-hourRiskReductionProgram,makingthelegislatureitselfthesteering mechanismandeliminatingtheassessment’soriginalpurpose.Despitethis,theassessmentremained largelytopreserve vendorrevenue eventhoughresearchshowsitdoesnotimproveeducationaloutcomes.
Today,assessmenttoolsaremoreappropriatelyusedlaterintheprogramforself-reflectionorbylicensedclinical evaluatorswhentreatmentplacementisnecessary.Amandatorypre-classassessmentnolongerservesaneducationalor public-safetyfunction.
This proposal:
•Removesthemandatorypre-classassessment
•Eliminatesthe$8.00per-studentassessmentfee
•Eliminatesthe$30.00per-studentrebatefeetotheState
•SimplifiesadministrationforschoolsandDDS
•Reducesstudentcostswithoutdiminishingprogrameffectiveness
Intent
Toeliminateanoutdatedandunnecessaryexpensewhilepreservingappropriateclinicalevaluationauthority.
2. Authorize Instructor-Led Online Training Rationale
Since2020,Georgiaschoolshavesuccessfullydeliveredinstructor-ledonlinetrainingundertemporaryauthorization. ExperiencehasproventhatliveZoomorWebExinstructionpreservesreal-timeinteraction,instructoroversight,and accountability whiledramaticallyimprovingaccessforrural,working,andmobility-restrictedparticipants.
Concernsaboutinappropriatestudentbehaviorexistinbothphysicalandvirtualclassrooms.Onlinedeliveryprovidessafer andmorecontrolledinterventiontools,allowinginstructorstoisolateorremovedisruptiveparticipantsinstantlywithout physicalconfrontation animportantsafetyconsiderationformanyinstructors.
Behaviormanagement notphysicallocation determinesinstructionalintegrity.
This proposal:
•Permitsinstructor-ledZoom/WebExdeliveryforDUIRiskReduction
•Permitsinstructor-ledZoom/WebExdeliveryforDriverImprovement
•Expandsstatewideaccess
•Maintainsreal-timeinstructoraccountability
Intent
Tomodernizeprogramdeliveryusingproventechnologywhilepreservingsafety,engagement,andinstructionaloversight.
3. Modernize the Driver Improvement (Defensive Driving) Program Rationale
TheDriverImprovementProgramhasnotseentuitionmodernizationinmanyyearsdespiterisingoperatingcostsand advancementsininstructionaldelivery.Onlineinstructor-ledtraininghasdemonstratedstrongeffectivenessand accountabilitywhileexpandingstatewideaccess.
Amodesttuitionadjustmentallowsschoolstosustainhigh-qualityinstructionwithoutshiftingcoststostudentsthrough hiddenfees.
This proposal:
•IncreasesDriverImprovementtuitionfrom$95.00to$125.00
•Codifiesinstructor-ledonlinedelivery
•Preservesinstructoraccountability
•Expandsstatewideaccess
Intent
Tomodernizeprogrampricinganddeliveryinalignmentwithcurrentinstructionalrealitiesandstatewideaccessneeds.
4. Modernize DUI Risk Reduction Tuition Rationale
Previousproposalstoraisetuitionto$500failedduetoaffordabilityconcerns.TheGDSAapproachbalancesmodest tuitionmodernizationwitheliminationofunnecessaryexternalcosts improvingschoolsustainabilitywithoutreducing enrollment.
Byremovingthepre-classassessmentexpenseandreducingtheworkbookfee,totaltuitioncanbemodernizedwhile remainingaccessible.
This proposal:
•Setstheinstructionalandinterventioncomponentat$380.00
•Setstheworkbookfeeat$15.00
•Establishestotaltuitionat$395.00perstudent
Intent
Tomodernizetuitionwhilestrengtheningfinancialstabilityofregulatedschoolswithoutcreatingaffordabilitybarriers.
5. Reduce the PRI Workbook Price Rationale
Formorethanthreedecades,thePrimeforLifecurriculumprovider(PRI)hasoperatedasamonopolysupplieroftheonly approvedDUIRiskReductionworkbook.Broadoverhead,training,licensing,andadministrativecostshavebeen embeddedinworkbookpricing shiftinginstitutionalexpensesontostudentswithnobargainingpowerandno alternativesupplier.
Applyingfederalcost-accountingstandardsshowsthereasonableandnecessaryworkbookpriceissubstantiallylower thanthecurrent$25fee.Untilmarketcompetitionisintroduced,regulatorypriceoversightisnecessarytoprotectGeorgia citizensfrommonopolisticcost-shifting.
This proposal:
•CapstheDUIRiskReductionworkbookpriceat$15.00
•BasespricingonOMB,GAAP,andFairnessofAccountingPractices
•Addressesmonopolypricingpower
•PreservesDDSauthoritytosetfairandreasonablepricing
Intent
Toprotectstudentsfrommonopolisticprice-settingwhileensuringfaircompensationforlegitimatematerialcosts.
6. Close DUI Plea-Bargain Loopholes Rationale
Georgiarecordsapproximately200,000DUIarrestsannually,yetonlyabout41,000–42,000individualscompletetheRisk ReductionProgrameachyear.Afteraccountingfordismissedcasesandnot-guiltyverdicts,asubstantialgapremains.
ManyoffendersavoidprogramparticipationthroughpleabargainingDUIchargesdowntolesseroffensessuchasreckless driving,allowinglicensereinstatementwithoutcompletingtheRiskReductionProgram.Thisinconsistentapplication underminespublic-safetyobjectivesandprogramintegrity.
ClosingthisloopholeensuresthatindividualsarrestedforDUIwhoseektoregaindrivingprivilegescompletetherequired educationprogram,whilepreservingexemptionsfordismissedoracquittedcases.
This proposal:
•RequiresRiskReductioncompletionforDUI-arrestedindividualsseekinglicensereinstatement
•Appliestorestrictedlicenses,ALSpermits,andfullreinstatement
•Exemptsdismissedandnot-guiltycases
•Ensuresuniformstatewideapplication
Intent
TorestoreconsistentaccountabilityfollowingDUIarrestswhilestrengtheningroadwaysafetyandfairprogram enforcement.
Total Aggregate Financial Impact Our Research Partners Dr. Orion Mowbray Professor, School of Social Work (Courtesy Appointment)
Executive Director, Ralston Institute for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Professor, College of Family and Consumer Sciences
Dr.OrionMowbrayisaProfessorattheUniversityofGeorgiaCollegeof FamilyandConsumerScienceandExecutiveDirectoroftheDavidRalston InstituteforBehavioralHealthandDevelopmentalDisabilities.Hiswork focusesontranslatingresearchintopracticalpolicy,practice,and regulatoryguidance.Hehaspublishedextensivelyandhasledmultiple statewideresearch,training,andsystemimprovementinitiativesfocusedonimprovingoutcomesfor Georgians.Dr.Mowbraybringsmorethan15yearsofexperienceinbehavioralhealthresearchand policyanalysis,withspecificexpertiseinsubstanceuse,mentalhealth,assessmentpractices,and systems-levelbarrierstoeffectiveprogramming.
Prof. Sarah L. Gerwig Director of Experiential Education and Professor of Law
SarahGerwigisaDirectorofExperientialEducationandProfessorat MercerUniversitySchoolofLaw,whereshepreviouslyservedasthe AssociateDeanforAcademicAffairs.Shortlyafterjoiningthelawfacultyin 2006,shefoundedthenationally-recognizedHabeasProject,which providesprobonorepresentationinpost-convictioncasesacrossGeorgia. ShedirectsMercer’suniqueIntroductiontoClientCounselingprogram, andhertextbook,WhatBringsYouHereToday?AnIntroductiontoClient Counseling,waspublishedinSummer2021.ProfessorGerwigwriteson topicsrelatedtocriminallaw,humanrights,lawandliterature,andlegal education,andwasaMcDonaldDistinguishedFellowwithEmoryUniversity’sCenterforthe InterdisciplinaryStudyofLawandReligionfrom2019-2023.Beyondherteachingandscholarship,she hasbeenengagedwithanumberofpublicserviceorganizations,includingtheGeorgiaResourceCenter, theGeorgiaInnocenceProject,andtheAltamahaRiverkeeper.Shewasthefoundingco-chairofthe CollegeHillCorridorCommissionandservedontheMacon-BibbCountyPlanning&ZoningCommission from2007-2015,includingseveralyearsasitschair.
BeforejoiningtheMercerfaculty,ProfessorGerwigwastheSeniorAppellateSupervisingAttorneyin thecentralofficeofGeorgia’sstatewidepublicdefendersystem.ShereceivedherBA,summacumlaude, fromMercerUniversity;herJDfromEmoryLawSchool;andherMasterofTheologicalStudiesfrom EmoryUniversity’sCandlerSchoolofTheology,whereshestudiedwithArchbishopDesmondTutu.Her otherhonorsincludeJudgeClydeReeseBoardofVisitorsAwardforExcellenceinTeaching(2023);the CandlerSchoolofTheologyDistinguishedAlumniAward(2017);theShanaraGilbertEmergingClinician AwardfromtheAALSClinicalLegalEducationSection(2013);theRobertJ.BenhamAwardCommunity ServiceAward(2011);andin2016wasnamedasoneofGeorgiaTrend’s40Under40.
GDSA Research Findings Evidence-BasedPolicyDevelopmentforGeorgiaDriverEducation
RESEARCH PORTFOLIO OVERVIEW TheGeorgiaDrivingSchoolAssociationhascommissionedcomprehensiveresearchtosupportevidence-based regulatorymodernization.Ourresearchportfolioincludescompletedpeer-reviewedassessments,forthcominglegal analysis,andongoingcost-benefitevaluationsinpartnershipwithleadingacademicandprofessionalinstitutions.
Status
Research Initiative
Complete Pre-Class Assessment Efficacy
Complete Online Instructor-Led Delivery
Complete Regulatory Loophole Analysis
Research Partner
Dr. Orion Mowbray, UGA
Dr. Orion Mowbray, UGA
GDSA Staff Report
Deliverables due 02/15/2026 "Reasonable and Necessary" Legal Analysis Prof. Sarah L. Gerwig, Mercer Law
In Discussion PRI Workbook Cost Allocation Analysis Georgia Tech & PwC
Research Brief 1: Pre-Class Assessment Efficacy Researcher: Dr.OrionMowbray,PhD,Professor,UniversityofGeorgia;ExecutiveDirector, DavidRalstonInstituteforBehavioralHealthandDevelopmentalDisabilities
Date Completed: January2026
Scope: Comprehensiveliteraturereviewevaluatingtheefficacyandmethodologicalvalidityof pre-classassessmentsindrivereducationcontexts
Key Findings: Noempiricalevidencesupportsmandatorypre-classassessmentsimprovingdrivereducationoutcomes
Pre-test/post-testdesignsindrivereducationliteratureareusedforprogramevaluation,notindividual readinessscreening
Assessmentswithhighfailurerates(40-50%)likelymeasureacademicskillratherthandrivingknowledge
Regulatoryrequirementcreatesaccessbarrierswithoutdemonstratedsafetybenefit
Policy Implications: Theresearchconcludesthatthemandatorypre-classassessmentprocessinGeorgialacksempirical justificationandshouldbeeliminatedfromregulatoryrequirements.Thepracticeimposesunnecessarycosts anddelaysoncitizenswithoutcontributingtoimproveddriversafetyoutcomes.Georgia’sregulatory frameworkshouldprioritizeevidence-basedinterventionsthatdemonstrablyenhancedrivereducation effectiveness.
Research Brief 2: Online Instructor-Led Delivery of DUI Risk Reduction Researcher: Dr.OrionMowbray,PhD,Professor,UniversityofGeorgia
Date Completed: January2026
Scope: Meta-analysisandsystematicreviewofevidencecomparingonlineinstructor-ledversusin -persondeliveryofalcoholandDUIriskreductionprograms
Key Findings:
Randomizedcontrolledtrialsshow no significant differences inalcoholconsumption,attendance,or participantsatisfactionbetweenonlineinstructor-ledandface-to-facedelivery
Synchronousonlineinstructionpreservestherapeuticallianceandinstructionalengagement
Instructionalqualityandfacilitatorcompetencearemoreinfluentialthandeliverymodality
Criticaldistinction:instructor-ledonlinedifferssignificantlyfromself-pacedonlineprograms,which lackempiricalsupportformandatedpopulations
Policy
Implications: Thecumulativeevidencesupportsregulatoryapprovalofonline,instructor-ledDUIriskreduction programsasequivalenttoin-persondeliverywhenkeyconditionsaremet:synchronousinstruction, trainedfacilitators,andmechanismsensuringattendanceandaccountability.Thismodernizationincreases accessibilityandscalabilitywithoutcompromisingprogramintegrityorpublicsafetyobjectives.
Research Brief 3: Regulatory Loophole Analysis Author: GDSAStaffReport
Date Completed: 2025
Scope: ComprehensiveanalysisofDUIplea-bargainloopholesandcomparativestudyof12 statesthathaveclosedsimilarloopholesthroughmandatorycompletionrequirements
Key Findings:
Approximately16,000DUI-arrestedindividualsannuallyregaindrivingprivilegesinGeorgiawithout completingtheRiskReductionProgramthroughpleabargains,restrictedlicenses,andALSpermits
Twelvestateshaveclosedthisloophole: FL, NY, NC, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, HI, IL, MD, NV
All12statesrequireprogramcompletion(notmerelyenrollment)beforeissuinganylimiteddriving privilegepost-DUIarrest
Nationalbestpractice:earlyinterventionpost-arrestratherthanwaitingforfinaladjudication,withno plea-bargainexemptions
CurrentGeorgiapolicycreatespublicsafetyrisksandinconsistentapplicationbasedonprosecutorial discretion
Policy Implications:
ClosingGeorgia’splea-bargainloopholealignsthestatewithnationalstandardsestablishedby12leading jurisdictionswhilestrengtheningroadwaysafety.ThereformensuresthatDUI-arrestedindividualsseeking licensereinstatementcompletestatutorily-mandatededucation,whilemaintainingappropriateexemptions fordismissedandnot-guiltycases.Thiscreatesuniformstatewideapplication,eliminatesprosecutorial discretionloopholes,andprovidesevidence-basedinterventionto16,000additionalindividualsannually.
Forthcoming Research & Active Partnerships Legal Analysis: “Reasonable and Necessary” Regulatory Standard Research Partner: ProfessorSarahL.Gerwig,MercerUniversitySchoolofLaw
Expected Completion: Q12026
Scope: Legalanalysisexaminingthestatutoryinterpretationof“reasonableandnecessary”asit appliestoGeorgiaDDSregulatoryauthorityunderO.C.G.A.§40-5-5
This forthcoming legal research will provide authoritative guidance on the boundaries of regulatory authority, examining whether current requirements exceed statutory authorization and identifying opportunities for evidence-based regulatory reform consistent with legislative intent.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: PRI Workbook Pricing and Allocation Research Partners in Discussion:
•GeorgiaInstituteofTechnologyfaculty
•PricewaterhouseCoopers(PwC)
Status: Partnershipnegotiationsinprogress
Scope: IndependentaccountinganalysisofPreventionResearchInstitute(PRI)workbookcost structure,pricingmethodology,andappropriatecostallocationprinciplesformandatededucational materials
GDSA seeks independent professional accounting expertise to evaluate whether current regulatory pricing restrictions align with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and sound cost allocation methodology. This analysis will inform policy discussions regarding fair pricing standards for mandated program materials.
GDSA COMMITMENT TO EVIDENCE-BASED POLICY TheGeorgiaDrivingSchoolAssociationiscommittedtosupportingregulatory modernizationthroughrigorous,independentresearchconductedbyleading academicandprofessionalinstitutions.Ourresearchportfoliodemonstrates dedicationtoevidence-basedpolicydevelopmentthatservesGeorgiacitizens, enhancespublicsafety,andpromotesefficient,effectivedrivereducationsystems.
GDSAiscommittedtoensuringeverydrivingschoolinGeorgia bothmemberand non-memberschools understandstheseproposedlegislativechangesandhasanopportunitytoaskquestions,provideinput,andbepartoftheprocess.
Overthecomingweeks,wewillhostliveZoominformationsessionstowalkthroughthe proposedlegislation,explainthefinancialandoperationalimpacts,andanswerany questionsyoumayhave.Thesesessionsaredesignedtoensuretransparency,clarity, andopendialogueacrosstheentiredriver-trainingcommunity.
IfyouwouldliketoreceivethescheduleofZoommeetingdatesandtimes,pleaseemail: alfredrbarber@gmail.com
Include:
• Your name
• School name
• School address
• Email address where you would like the Zoom invitation sent
Youwillthenreceivethefullmeetingscheduleandconnectiondetails.
Wewanttoheardirectlyfrommemberandnon-memberschoolsabouttherealchallengesyoufaceinoperatingyourbusiness.Whetherit’sregulatorydelays,staffingissues,schedulingproblems,technologyneeds,orfinancialpressures yourexperience guidesouradvocacy.
Ourgoalisnotonlytomodernizestatepolicy,butalsotohelpeverydrivingschoolin Georgiabecomemoreprofitable,moreefficient,andmoresuccessful.Whenschools speakwithaunifiedvoice,decision-makerslisten.Yourideas,concerns,andsolutions arewelcomedandvalued.
Yourvoicematters.Yourideasareappreciated.Yourparticipationshapesthefutureof drivereducationinGeorgia.
