how can i find where i did my defensive driving course?

by Elliott Bernhard 4 min read

Your state's DMV should be able to give you information on any traffic school listed on your driving record and also give you information on how often your state allows one to take a traffic course to keep a violation and points off the driving record or to remove previous points.Sep 7, 2012

How do I get a form for my online defensive driving course?

If you attended an online defensive driving course, there is usually a link on the school's website (often located on the Frequently Asked Questions page), which will lead you to a form.

What is a defensive driving course and do I need one?

In short, a defensive driving course refreshes your driving knowledge and teaches you to drive defensively, giving you a better foundation to make safe, quick decisions while behind the wheel. Why might I need/want to take a defensive driving course?

Can't Find your Certificate of completion for a defensive driving course?

But what if you've taken a mandated defensive driving course and can no longer find your certificate of completion? If you attended a brick-and-mortar traffic school, whether run by the state or an approved private agency, call or email the registrar's office and ask for a copy of the completion certificate. These will often cost a nominal fee.

Does a defensive driving course remove points from your record?

It completely depends on your state and your court. Generally, the answer is no. A defensive driving course will TYPICALLY offset points from your public driving record, in the form of a reduction or a credit (again, this is highly state- and court-dependent), rather than remove the violation from your record completely.

Can I print my defensive driving certificate Texas?

A: Yes, you can now download and print your defensive driving Certificate of Completion in Texas as of November 1st 2018. Up until this point, drivers in Texas only had the option to be sent a physical Certificate of Completion to provide the court for their traffic ticket dismissal.

How do I get a copy of my defensive driving certificate in NY?

How can I get a copy of my New York driving record? This can be requested from the New York DMV. Simply complete form MV-15 ("Request for Driver and / or Vehicle Record Information"), which can be obtained at any New York State motor vehicle office. This form can also be downloaded from the DMV internet office.

How do I submit my defensive driving certificate to NJ DMV?

Submit your completion certificate to the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission (MVC). I Drive Safely will send you a certificate of completion via the delivery method you have chosen, which you may then mail or bring to your local MVC office. Check your driving record.

How often can you take a defensive driving course in NY?

once every 36 monthsYou may take the course once every 36 months to keep your insurance reduction benefits.

How long is a defensive driving course good for in NY?

3 yearsIt's Time To Renew! Every 3 years you must complete this state-approved defensive driving course to keep your mandatory car insurance discount through New York's Internet Point and Insurance Reduction Program.

How long do points stay on your license in NY?

18 monthsHow Long Do Points Stay on Your NY Driving Record? The points from a moving violation will remain on your driving record for 18 months, however the violations themselves will continue to show up on your record for up to 4 years. For example, if you had a moving violation conviction on October 15, 2019.

How many times can you take a defensive driving course in NJ?

You can take the New Jersey defensive driving course once every three years to receive a discount on your auto insurance rate.

How many points does a defensive driving course take off in NJ?

Two pointsTwo points will be removed if you complete a NJ defensive driving course. This can be done once every five years.

How much does a defensive driving course lower your insurance NJ?

between 5% and 10%Any auto insurance provider in New Jersey is required to offer a discount to any policy holder that completes a defensive driving course. The discount, which is usually between 5% and 10% lasts for three years and can be renewed for continuous savings.

How many points does defensive driving take off in NY?

four pointsUpon completion of our New York DMV-approved defensive driving course, the DMV will reduce your active driving record point total by up to four points. We submit your certificate of completion to the NYS DMV and they take care of reducing the points.

How much does a defensive driving course cost in NY?

The best cheap defensive driving course is offered by New York Safety Program for $23.95. The cost of the listed providers below range from $23.95 to $49.95. There are eight providers that offer defensive driving courses for under $30....Best cheap defensive driving courses in New York.ProviderCostEmpire Safety Council$44.95I Drive Safely$48.9510 more rows•Nov 16, 2021

How do I check points on my license NY?

You can check how many points are on your license in New York by going to the Department of Motor Vehicles website. Checking your license points in New York will cost you $7 online or $10 by mail, since you will need to pay for a copy of your driving record. New York uses driver's license points to track violations.

What is defensive driving?

Defensive driving courses, which are also referred to as traffic school, driver improvement, and point reduction, are often approved and licensed by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), Department of Public Safety (DPS), Secretary of State (SOS), ...

How long is defensive driving school?

Your specific defensive driving school curriculum and requirements will vary by state, but your course will generally last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours.

What is the eligibility for a traffic school?

Your eligibility to complete a traffic school program will often be determined by your state's DMV agency, traffic court, or insurance company, and will be based upon your specific circumstances, your personal driving history and whether you've recently completed at defensive driving course .

Why do you need to enroll in defensive driver improvement?

Regardless of your reason for enrolling in a defensive driver improvement program, you'll gain valuable safe driving knowledge that may help to prevent you from receiving traffic citations and causing accidents in the future.

What is traffic school?

Along with safe and defensive driving techniques, traffic school will usually cover topics including: Traffic laws and violations in your state. Alcohol/drug abuse and consequences. Developing better driving attitudes and behaviors. Sharing the road with other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Do you have to confirm you are eligible for a course before enrolling?

Before enrolling in a course, you should confirm that you are eligible .

How to get a copy of a traffic school certificate?

If you attended a brick-and-mortar traffic school, whether run by the state or an approved private agency, call or email the registrar's office and ask for a copy of the completion certificate. These will often cost a nominal fee. The agency will either provide you with a paper copy of the certificate at the office or send you one in the mail.

Is it worth replacing a defensive driving certification?

It's worth the few minutes of extra time to replace a lost defensive driving completion certification. It's the proof that you've satisfied the law and have taken responsibility for your traffic tickets.

What is defensive driving?

A defensive driving course is usually a sound investment. Depending on your states requirements, you can either complete a an online defensive driving course or one at a local traffic school. In defensive driving school, you will get up-to-speed on the rules of the road and the latest techniques for safe and effective driving.

Why do you volunteer to go to traffic school?

On the other hand, you might volunteer to go to traffic school to refresh your skills behind the wheel or to dismiss a pending traffic ticket.

Does defensive driving school improve your driving record?

If you attended a defensive driving course voluntarily, you still should submit your certificate to the DMV. Your schooling might improve your driving record. Your auto insurance provider. Sometimes, attending a defensive driving school can improve your car insurance rates.

Does defensive driving affect your record?

Completion of a defensive driving course can have a positive impact on your records. Before your class concludes, ensure that you obtain a certificate of completion. Then, provide a copy of your certificate to the following interested parties: Your state motor vehicle agency.

What is a defensive driving course?

Defensive driving courses—also known in some states as traffic school —are courses that enhance your skills behind the wheel. They are state-specific and address your state's traffic requirements and regulations, as well as areas of concern on the road. They also aim to instill habits that can prevent accidents or help you react more quickly to an oncoming hazard.

Why might I need/want to take a defensive driving course?

While the allowable reasons are state-dependent , these courses can be taken for the following:

How much does a defensive driving course cost?

The price of your course will depend on the state you take it in and the provider you choose.

What are the requirements for taking defensive driving?

While these do vary from state to state, the basic requirements for taking a defensive driving course include the following:

Does taking a defensive driving course remove a ticket from my driving record?

It completely depends on your state and your court. Generally, the answer is no.

Can I take defensive driving to remove a ticket for driving under the influence?

No. Drivers who receive tickets for driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence cannot take a defensive driving course to points from their driving record. In some states, drivers who have received a DWI or DUI may be required to take a course specifically designed for these offenses. These are not considered defensive driving courses. Visit your state's motor vehicle department website for more information on DWI or DUI infractions.

Will defensive driving remove a parking ticket?

No. You can't take defensive driving courses for non-moving violations.

How long does it take to get a defensive driving license?

This course can be taken once every 3 years to maintain insurance reduction benefits.

How long does it take to get a defensive driving certificate in New York?

When you successfully pass your defensive driving course, your course provider will mail you a completion certificate: Within 45 days, if you take a classroom course. In 14 business days, if complete an online course. Once you present your New York traffic school completion certificate to your insurance company, ...

How many points can you get off your NYS driver's license?

Your safe driving knowledge will be refreshed. You can remove up to 4 points from your NYS DMV driving record. Note that these points will likely still show on your record; however, the DMV will not count them toward any license suspension or revocation. You will receive a 10% insurance rate reduction for 3 years.

How many points can you get off your driving record in New York?

By successfully completing a PIRP, you can remove up to 4 points from your New York driving record.

Can you get a refund for defensive driving?

Check with your course provider for more information. If you do not successfully pass the course within the required time, you may fail the course and will not be eligible to get a refund.

Does a defensive driving course prevent a revocation of a license?

The completion of a defensive driving course/accident prevention course will not: Prevent a mandatory revocation or suspension of your New York driver's license. Relieve your responsibility to pay a driver responsibility assessment. When you successfully pass your defensive driving course, your course provider will mail you a completion certificate:

List of best cheap online defensive driving schools in California

You can take a defensive driving course at any of the traffic schools on the following list.

Can a defensive driving course remove points from my record?

If you only have a single point on your record, then attending traffic school in California could potentially remove it.

California traffic school eligibility

Traffic school isn’t quite like college, where you have to apply with a personal essay and pay tens of thousands of dollars. Nearly anyone can enroll.

Auto insurance discounts for senior drivers

Over 55 years old? You can take a traffic school course to unlock a discount on your car insurance. Yes, you do have more experience than all the other drivers on the road—but you’ve also been out of driver’s school the longest. That’s why senior drivers get a discount for taking a defensive driving course and refreshing their skills.

Mature-driver improvement course providers in California

There are affordable online and in-person options in California, including the AARP’s Safe Driver course.

FAQs

Defensive driving courses usually vary by state, but in California, the standard defensive driving course is 2.5 hours long plus assessment time.

Final tips

The schools mentioned in this article are DMV-approved, affordable, and they will e-file your certificate of completion to make sure you get results fast.

How much does a driver improvement course cost?

What is the cost of a Driver Improvement Course? For license reinstatement, points reduction, or court purposes, clinics must charge $95. For Driver Improvement classes taken for any other reason (i.e. insurance premium reduction, educational purposes), clinics may charge a fee up to $95.

What is the difference between driver education and driver improvement?

What is the difference between Driver’s Education and Driver Improvement? Driver’s Education is a separate program required for 16-year-olds to obtain their Class D license. Driver Improvement is a program geared toward safety education for licensed drivers of any age. 5.

How long is Driver Improvement?

Driver Improvement is a 6 hour course designed to teach drivers about safe driving attitudes and behaviors.

Does DDS accept online driver education?

At this time, DDS does not recognize online Driver Improvement courses for driver’s license related issues. Certificates of Completion from online Driver Improvement courses are not accepted by the DDS for any purposes related to an individual’s driver’s license or driving privileges.

Is a driver improvement clinic an employee of the DDS?

Driver Improvement clinics are independently owned and operated and employ their own instructors and they are not employees of the DDS. The DDS certifies clinics and instructors and ensures compliance in accordance with the requirements set forth by DDS rules and regulations and the Georgia Driver Improvement Act. 16.

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