Department of Driver Services Commissioner Rob Mikell announced an important milestone for a program that streamlines the licensing process for troops, veterans and dependents with previous motorcycle safety training.
Over the past year, 1,000 military service personnel (and/or their dependents) have obtained a Georgia motorcycle endorsement to their license – without duplicating the training and testing they completed while serving our country.
“DDS is committed to helping our military personnel experience the benefits of their service,” Commissioner Mikell said. “Successfully completing a safety course, based on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) curriculum and offered by the U.S. Department of Defense or military branch, satisfies the state’s requirements.”
The Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) is administered by the DDS Regulatory Compliance Division and offers rider education opportunities for every level of rider. GMSP has also helped expedite the process for several military members nearing deployment overseas. As the program moves forward, an electronic waiver option is planned to allow a faster and more robust compliance method for our military members and their dependents.
To obtain the testing waiver, military members/dependents must submit a copy of the Military License Waiver Application, their motorcycle safety course completion card (MSF, Basic Rider Course/Basic Rider Course 2), and their current Georgia driver’s license to the GMSP. A copy of the Military License Waiver Application can be downloaded from the DDS website by going to www.dds.ga.gov/docs/forms/MSPMilitaryWaiver.pdf.
Once the GMSP has verified the documentation, a 90-day testing waiver will be mailed to the military member/dependent within five business days, depending on the member’s location. After receiving the waiver, the customer must visit a local DDS Customer Service Center and present the 90-day test waiver within 90 days of the date indicated on the waiver to receive the motorcycle endorsement. Vision test requirements and additional fees may apply.
Visit www.dds.ga.gov for complete driver training, testing and license issuance information.
