ABATE Meeting with Jim Kelly, Department of Driver Services (DDS), June 15, 2011


Jim Kelly is the Manager/State Coordinator of the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program within the Department of Driver Services (DDS). Jim and his boss, Eddie, are both riders. They met with Dan Forrest, Linda Allen, and Sue Duggan to discuss motorcycle issues in the state of Georgia. Several things were discussed such as a mobile motorcycle testing pilot program, upcoming legislative issues, safety and awareness issues, and revamping the DDS website.

The DDS is concerned about drivers operating on perennial permits. ABATE is also concerned about the number of motorists operating on temporary permits. The DDS is addressing this issue by way of a mobile Motorcycle License Testing (MLT) program. The MLT program gives Georgia motorcycle learner permit holders the opportunity to obtain their Georgia Class M (motorcycle) license. If the rider successfully passes the skill test, they receive a 90-day license test waiver to bring to their nearest DDS Customer Service Center to acquire their motorcycle license. Last Saturday, June 18th, the mobile unit was in Rockmart, Georgia. Check the website regularly for more information. They post information about week before they engage the mobile unit. http://www.dds.ga.gov/index.aspx

ABATE supports the DDS driver training classes. All new drivers should take the basic course and we recommend experienced riders sign up for the advanced courses. The DDS has built new license service centers in Greensboro, Savannah, and other sites that accommodate a 400 x 400 ft. pad to license not only motorcycles, but other vehicles as well. They suspect over 3,000 new riders would come through training as a result of a mandatory new rider training class legislative bill. Currently, the DDS breaks even with the money they receive for driving classes. The basic class costs $250. This cost could come down as low as $160 per class with more riders taking the course. The DDS regulates all the driving classes within the state of Georgia and they are training more coaches. Check the website soon for job postings if you are interested in becoming a Rider Coach.

Linda discussed upcoming legislative bills such as the right of way violators and the red light bill. The DDS does not have an opinion on either of these bills, but they do believe perennial permits are a legislative issue.
Motorcycle safety and awareness is major part of the DDS and in the past they have used the MSF Intersection kits for training at various sites such as Chamber of Commerce meetings, churches, and NET, as well as delivered non rider printed materials to car shows, home shows, etc. They are at a standstill due to budget cuts, but are aware we need education throughout the state.
The DDS website is currently under review and will become updated as time passes. Jim explained the website needs improvement and will become more user friendly with more information in the future. They will be placing motorcycle awareness information within their website including within their teen drivers link.

There have been 45 motorcycle fatalities so far this year, which is 23% more than this time last year. Jim stated the DDS and ABATE may not always see eye to eye, but they are willing to keep the communication lines open and we appreciate their support.