Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 375 - RULES OF DEPARTMENT OF DRIVER SERVICES
Chapter 375-5 - DRIVER TRAINING AND DRIVER IMPROVEMENT
Subject 375-5-6 - DUI ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE RISK REDUCTION PROGRAM
Rule 375-5-6-.05 - Qualifications of Program Directors

(a) Clear criminal record. Each Applicant for Program Director shall be subject to a fingerprint-based check of his or her criminal history, as designated by the Department. No person with a conviction of a felony or any other crime involving violence or a crime of moral turpitude or a pattern of misdemeanors that evidences a disregard for the law, shall be certified by the Department as a Program Director, unless he or she has received a pardon and can produce evidence of same. For the purposes of this chapter, a plea of nolo contendere and "first offender" sentences imposed pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60, et seq., shall be considered a conviction. For the purposes of this chapter, a conviction for which a person has been free from custody and free from supervision for at least ten (10) years shall not be considered, unless the conviction is for an offense which is a dangerous sexual offense, as defined in O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12, or the criminal offense was committed against a victim who was a minor at the time of the offense, which offense shall result in the applicant's permanent disqualification from eligibility.

(b) Safe driving record. Each Applicant for Program Director shall possess a valid driver's license from the state of his or her legal residence, unless he or she has a medical condition that makes him or her ineligible for a driver's license. Each Applicant for Program Director shall be subject to a check of his or her driving history. No Person whose driver's license or privilege to drive has been suspended or revoked as the result of any conviction or combination of convictions during the five (5) year period of immediately preceding application for Certification shall be certified by the Department as a Program Director.

(c) Academic and work experience. Applicants for Program Director must be qualified by having the following academic and/or work experience requirements:

(d) Completion of Program Director training course. Applicants for Program Director shall successfully complete a training course conducted by the Department. The Department may set a fee to cover the cost of the course, which shall be paid by the Applicant or the Program for which he or she is applying to be a Program Director.

(e) Completion of Risk Reduction Program. Applicants for Program Director shall observe the 20-hour Intervention Component of the Risk Reduction Program and provide proof thereof to the Department.

(f) Freedom from substance abuse and illicit drug use. Each Applicant for Program Director shall certify to the Department that he or she refrains from, and will continue to refrain from, abusing alcoholic beverages or controlled substances and from using illicit drugs.

(g) Age. Each Applicant for Program Director shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

(a) Continued clear criminal record. Each Program Director shall maintain a criminal record free of felony or misdemeanor convictions or pleas. In addition, each Director certified by the Department shall notify the Department if he or she pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is convicted of, any felony or misdemeanor within five (5) business days immediately following such event. Further, each Program Director certified by the Department shall, within 5 business days immediately thereafter, report to the Department any arrests, which, if convicted thereof, would have excluded him or her from becoming initially certified as a Program Director pursuant to 375-5-6-.05(1)(a). The Department may suspend, revoke, or cancel any Program Director Certification upon receipt of notice of a conviction or arrest.

(b) Continued safe driving record. Each Program Director shall continue to maintain a safe driving record during his or her period of Certification by the Department. Each Program Director shall continue to possess a valid driver's license from the state of his or her legal residence, unless he or she has a medical condition that makes him or her ineligible for a driver's license. Each Program Director shall notify the Department, within five (5) business days immediately thereafter, if his or her driver's license or privilege to drive is cancelled, suspended, or revoked in any jurisdiction, including the State of Georgia, for any reason. The Department may suspend, revoke, or cancel any Program Director's Certification upon receipt of such notice.

(c) Continuing education. Each Program Director shall successfully complete sixteen (16) hours of continuing education courses relevant to Program administration every four (4) years. A minimum of eight (8) hours shall be in Department-designated courses related to Program administration or Program components. Each Program Director shall complete a minimum of eight (8) hours of the required sixteen (16) hours of continuing education training biannually, and provide proof thereof to the Department on a biannual basis. The Department may cancel a Program Director's certification for failure to complete a minimum of eight (8) hours of continuing education training and to provide proof thereof to the Department biannually.