ATLANTA — Department of Driver Services Commissioner Rob Mikell urges customers to be careful of third-party Web sites when trying to access the Georgia Driver’s Manual or obtain other driver licensing services and information. Third-party Internet sites such as www.DMV.org and www.Drivers-Licenses.org are not connected with or sanctioned by the DDS.

“Customers have contacted DDS after they realized that they were on a private DMV site that has charged them for information that is free on our Web site,” Mikell said. “DDS does not charge for any training manual or informational material.”

Similar unofficial sites are available for almost every other state. The sites are offering tips on how to pass an exam or other materials for as much as $20. Customers should also be careful about providing personal information when using external sites. The DDS does not collect any personal information from customers seeking to download a driver’s manual.

DDS online services that do require payment are only collected through each customer’s online personal account, and personal driver’s license information is only needed when that password-protected account is created.

Customers who have reached the private Web sites by error should contact the site for instructions on how to return any information for a refund. Customers may file a formal complaint with the Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection by visiting their Web site at www.consumer.ga.gov or may call their Intake Department at (404) 651-8600.

The official DDS Web site is www.dds.ga.gov  and can also be accessed through the state’s portal www.georgia.gov.