1. Georgia Driving School
Sector: Education / Driver Education and Training
Services: Joshua’s Law 30/6 driver education program, behind-the-wheel training, on-site road tests, DUI/alcohol/drug risk reduction program, defensive driving courses, clinical evaluations, older driver evaluations, Smart Start interlock ignition service.
Founded: 1973
About: Georgia Driving School has been state accredited with the Georgia Department of Driver Services since 1973, making it one of the longest-operating driving schools in Middle Georgia. The school is an authorized provider of the Georgia Driver’s Ed Grant Scholarship program, helping families offset driver education costs. Georgia Driving School offers the Joshua’s Law 30/6 driver education program required for 16 and 17-year-olds to obtain a Georgia driver’s license, available both in-person and 100% online. The school conducts on-site road tests, allowing students to complete their entire licensing process at one location. Additional services include DUI risk reduction programs licensed by Georgia DDS, clinical evaluations by a registered clinical therapist, and Smart Start interlock ignition installation and monitoring. The school was voted “Best of the Best Driving School” by the Macon Telegraph.
Address: 3252 Vineville Avenue, Macon, GA
Contact: (478) 755-8888 | https://georgiadrivingschool.com
Hours: Contact for class schedules
2. Barber’s Driving School
Sector: Education / Driver Improvement and Defensive Driving
Services: Georgia DDS certified 6-hour driver improvement course, defensive driving courses, DUI risk reduction program (20-hour), point reduction courses, live Zoom classes.
Founded: Over 60 years in operation
About: Barber’s Driving School delivers Georgia DDS certified driver improvement and defensive driving programs to Macon, Warner Robins, and all of Middle Georgia. The school has served Georgia drivers for more than 60 years with court-approved programs. Barber’s offers live Zoom sessions allowing drivers throughout the region to complete courses without commuting. The 6-hour driver improvement course is state-mandated at $95 and can be used for point reduction (available every 5 years) or court-ordered requirements. The school also provides 20-hour DUI risk reduction courses. Instructors are known for making educational content engaging and informative. Same-day certification is provided upon course completion.
Address: Macon, GA (Zoom classes available)
Contact: https://www.barbersdrivingschool.com
Hours: Contact for class schedules
3. Truck Driver Institute – Forsyth/Macon
Sector: Education / Commercial Driver Training
Services: Class A CDL training, 3-week CDL program, automatic and manual transmission training, behind-the-wheel instruction, job placement assistance, FMCSA Entry Level Driver Training compliance.
Founded: 50 years in operation
About: Truck Driver Institute (TDI) operates CDL training facilities serving the Macon area with a location in nearby Forsyth. The school offers a comprehensive 3-week CDL training program preparing students for Class A Commercial Driver’s License exams. TDI provides training in both automatic and manual transmission trucks. The school is registered and compliant with FMCSA Entry Level Driver Training requirements. TDI partners with Truckers Against Trafficking, incorporating safety awareness into curriculum. With 50 years of experience, TDI maintains an 82% job placement rate, with staff helping students secure employment before graduation. The school pre-screens students to ensure they meet partner carrier requirements.
Address: 100 Industrial Park Drive, Forsyth, GA 31029 (serving Macon area)
Contact: 1-800-848-7364 | https://www.drivebigtrucks.com
Hours: Contact for program schedules
4. 160 Driving Academy – Macon
Sector: Education / Commercial Driver Training
Services: CDL training, entry level driver theory training (free), behind-the-wheel instruction, job placement assistance, career services.
About: 160 Driving Academy operates a truck driving school in Macon providing CDL training for aspiring commercial truck drivers. The school offers free entry level driver theory training as part of its program. 160 Driving Academy emphasizes comprehensive education combining classroom instruction with hands-on behind-the-wheel training. The school has established relationships with trucking companies and provides job placement assistance to help graduates connect with potential employers in the Macon area and beyond. Experienced instructors guide students through the licensing process. Graduates qualify for positions with various trucking companies upon successful completion of training and CDL testing.
Address: Macon, GA
Contact: https://www.160drivingacademy.com
Hours: Contact for program schedules
5. Commercial Driving Academy
Sector: Education / Commercial Driver Training
Services: Class A CDL training, 4-week/160-hour course, written exam preparation, road test preparation, backing practice, pre-trip inspection training, lifetime job assistance.
About: Commercial Driving Academy is based in Macon, Georgia, offering Class A CDL training that can be completed in four weeks (160 hours). The course prepares students for both the written and driving portions of the CDL exam. Week one focuses primarily on classroom instruction for written test preparation, followed by practical behind-the-wheel training including backing maneuvers and pre-trip inspections. Instructors are noted for being knowledgeable and patient, providing students ample practice time. The school offers lifetime job assistance to graduates, helping them find employment opportunities throughout their trucking careers. Students report feeling well-prepared for CDL testing upon course completion.
Address: Macon, GA
Contact: https://cdl-cda.com
Hours: Contact for program schedules
About Macon, GA
Macon’s location at the intersection of Interstate 75 and Interstate 16 makes it a hub for trucking and logistics, creating demand for commercial driver training. The Georgia Department of Driver Services certifies driving schools throughout the state, ensuring curriculum standards for teen driver education, driver improvement, and DUI risk reduction programs. Joshua’s Law, named after Joshua Brown who died in a car crash at age 16, requires Georgia teens to complete a certified driver education course including 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training before obtaining a Class D license. The Macon area serves as a training ground for both new passenger vehicle drivers and commercial truck drivers entering the logistics industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Joshua’s Law and who needs to complete it?
A1: Joshua’s Law (Senate Bill 226) requires Georgia residents ages 16-17 to complete a certified driver education course to obtain a Class D license. The course includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor. Additionally, teens must complete 40 hours of supervised driving practice with a parent or guardian, including at least 6 hours of nighttime driving. The law is named after Joshua Brown, who was killed in a car crash at age 16.
Q2: How much does driver education cost in Macon?
A2: Driver education costs vary by school and program type. Joshua’s Law courses for teens typically range from $300 to $500. The Georgia Driver’s Ed Grant Scholarship program may help offset costs for qualifying families. The state-mandated 6-hour driver improvement course is set at $95 statewide. DUI risk reduction programs (20 hours) have state-regulated pricing. CDL training programs range from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on the school and program length.
Q3: Can I take my road test at a driving school instead of DDS?
A3: Yes, some Georgia driving schools are certified to conduct road skills tests on behalf of the Department of Driver Services. Georgia Driving School in Macon offers on-site road testing, allowing students to complete their entire licensing process at one location. Check with individual schools about road test availability and any additional fees.
Q4: How do I reduce points on my Georgia driver’s license?
A4: Georgia drivers can reduce up to 7 points from their driving record by completing a certified 6-hour driver improvement (defensive driving) course. This option is available once every 5 years. The course costs $95 statewide. Upon completion, the school provides certification that you submit to DDS for point reduction. The course can be completed in-person or via live virtual instruction through certified schools.
Q5: How long does it take to get a CDL in Macon?
A5: CDL training programs in Macon range from 3 to 4 weeks for intensive programs. The 160-hour programs typically take 4 weeks when attending full-time. Training includes classroom instruction for written exams, behind-the-wheel practice, backing maneuvers, and pre-trip inspection training. After completing training, students must pass the CDL written knowledge tests and skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic controls, and road test) administered by Georgia DDS or an authorized third-party tester.