Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) has been awarded a grant in the amount of $19,940 from the Georgia Driver’s Education Commission (GDEC) to support driver education programs in the middle Georgia area. The grant makes it possible for local high school students to take advantage of driver education courses, free of charge.

“The ability to move a car skillfully is not the same as the ability to drive safely” said Andrew Parham with Central Georgia Technical College’s driver’s education program. “CGTC is pleased to offer a driver’s education course that will help students in our region master vehicle performance skills while developing appropriate responses to minimize risk.”

The grant, which runs from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, will help finance driver’s education locally by providing classes with 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind the wheel experience with a trained instructor.

“Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers and we are committed to providing students with the education and experience needed to avoid tragedy” said GDEC chairman Harris Blackwood. “This grant will help Central Georgia Technical College equip young drivers in the community to be safer behind the wheel.”

This program is offered by CGTC in partnership with the Georgia Driver’s Education Commission (GDEC). Driver’s Education Training will be provided by the College in its 11-county service area to 24 high schools. The GDEC Grant will cover the cost for the training of 286 students participating in an approved 36-hour Driver Education Training Program that meets all requirements mandated under Joshua’s Law. Classes will be held at the Warner Robins, Macon, and Milledgeville campuses.

Students are eligible to participate in the course when they turn 15 years of age and attain a DDS driving permit. Eligibility ends on the student’s 19th birthday or six months after the student completes the 12th grade, whichever occurs later.