#DriverSafety | AM 1180 Radio

August 14, 2026

Driver’s Education Course Coming To Chattooga County; Scholarships Available

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Young drivers in Chattooga County will have an opportunity this fall to complete a driver’s education course that meets the requirements of Georgia’s Joshua’s Law.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College will offer Driver’s Education at the Chattooga County Educational Center October 6-9, 2026. Classes will meet Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The course provides the training required under Joshua’s Law, including 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of drive time with a certified instructor for students seeking a Class D driver’s license.

Students who successfully complete the course may also qualify for the Teen Driver’s Education insurance discount offered by many insurance companies.

The cost of the course is $400 per person, but families should know that scholarships are available through the Georgia Driver’s Education Grant Scholarship program. Those interested in financial assistance are encouraged to apply for a scholarship before enrolling.

GNTC is also offering Driver’s Education courses at several of its other Northwest Georgia locations. September classes are planned at the Catoosa County Campus, followed by the Chattooga County course in October. Additional classes are scheduled in Floyd, Catoosa, Whitfield-Murray and Walker counties through the spring of 2027.

For registration information, contact GNTC’s Office of Economic Development at 706-516-5442 or by email at DriversEd@gntc.edu.

The Chattooga County class is scheduled for October 6, 7, 8 and 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Chattooga County Educational Center.

July 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Drivers Encouraged to Add Emergency Contact to Driver’s License Records

Local News, Local News Items #ChattoogaInfo, #DriverLicense, #DriverSafety, #EmergencyContact, #firstresponders, #GeorgiaDDS, #GeorgiaDepartmentOfDriverServices, #GeorgiaDrivers, #LocalNews, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #TrafficSafety, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, georgia 0

The Georgia Department of Driver Services is encouraging motorists to take a few minutes to add emergency contact information to their driver’s license or state ID records—a free update that could prove invaluable during an emergency.

May 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia State Patrol Warns Drivers About Text Message Scam

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The Georgia State Patrol is warning drivers about a scam involving fake text messages claiming to be from law enforcement.

According to GSP, scammers are sending messages saying recipients have outstanding violations or fines connected to their vehicle. The messages may threaten enforcement action or arrest and urge people to click a link to make a payment.

State officials say GSP troopers will not send text messages demanding money, threatening arrest, or asking drivers to click a link to resolve official violations.

Anyone who receives one of these messages should not click the link, reply, provide personal information, or send payment.

Drivers who are concerned about a possible citation or fine should contact the Georgia Department of Public Safety or their local court directly using verified contact information.

Officials say these scams are designed to create fear and urgency, and drivers should slow down, verify first, and contact the proper agency directly if they have questions.