how long is driver safety course in texas

by Mariam Zboncak 9 min read

6 hours

How long is a defensive driving course in Texas?

The State of Texas requires the defensive driving course to be 6 hours in length; however, this includes several breaks so the amount of time spent taking the course is closer to 5 hours. Does a defensive driving or driver safety course remove a ticket from your record in Texas?

Is there an online driving safety course in Texas?

WELCOME TO TEXAS DRIVING SAFETY! Are you looking for a quick, easy online driving safety course? If you need your Texas traffic ticket dismissed or an insurance premium discount, our Texas online driving safety school provides the driver safety training you need.

Does a driving safety instructor have to be in Texas?

Does this instructor have to be in Texas, or can the instructor be anywhere in the nation if they are licensed to teach in Texas? The instructor can be physically located anywhere in the United States but must be licensed as a driving safety instructor in Texas and endorsed to teach that specific driving safety course.

What is a driving safety course?

A Driving Safety class is generally required to dismiss a traffic citation or for insurance discounts. The driving safety course is sometimes referred to as a Defensive Driving Class. 2. Will I receive my certificate at the end of the class?

Can I take a driving safety course online in Texas?

Our TDLR-approved Texas Online Defensive Driving course satisfies all court requirements and takes just six hours. Many students finish in one day, but because it's online, you can take it on your schedule, at your pace.

How long do you have to take defensive driving after a ticket in Texas?

90 daysHow long do you have to take defensive driving after a ticket in Texas? For ticket dismissal and to keep the citation off your driving record, drivers have 90 days from the date of plea to complete a stated approved defensive driving course.

What is the shortest online defensive driving course in Texas?

#3: Aceable This is the fastest course allowed by Texas state law. Unfortunately, Texas requires the use of “course timers” for the online driving courses. That means, if a course is supposed to take 6 hours, it'll take you exactly that.

How many hours of driving do you need to get your license in Texas?

Learn Teen Licensing Process Texas law requires teens to complete a 32 hour theory course, 7 hours of driving & 7 hours of observation. An additional 30 hours of driving must be logged before you can get your license.

Can I just pay my ticket and not go to court Texas?

If you do not want to appear in court, you have the option of paying your fine by mail or by paying in person at the Justice Court as directed on your citation or summons.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record?

three to five yearsHow long does a speeding ticket affect your driving record? A speeding ticket usually stays on your record for three to five years. Most states have a penalty system that assigns demerits to drivers for traffic violations. Every state differs in the amount of points assigned for each violation.

How many times can you take defensive driving in Texas?

How often can you take defensive driving in Texas? You can take a defensive driving course in Texas once every year for ticket dismissal. Insurance discounts for defensive driving courses expire every three years.

What is the easiest online defensive driving course?

#1: iDriveSafely iDriveSafely is my top recommended easiest online traffic school for 2022. They've been around since before online traffic school even existed.

Can I take defensive driving for a speeding ticket in Texas?

Most minor citations can be dismissed with a defensive driving course. A Texas defensive driving course may NOT be taken to dismiss any of the following violations: Speeding at or more than 25 MPH over the posted speed limit. No car insurance.

Can you fail parallel parking and still pass in Texas?

Even if you get points taken off for not successfully parallel parking your car, as long as you don't hit a car or the curb too forcefully, you should still pass your test.

Can I get my license without taking the road test in Texas?

Do I have to apply for a driver license before I can schedule a driving exam? Yes. You must apply for a driver license before scheduling a driving exam.

Is it legal to practice driving in a parking lot without a permit in Texas?

Answer provided by Although parking lots are considered public places, they're still owned by a business. You may want to consider if the business owner wants you to practice driving on their property. Driving without a license or permit is illegal in most places, unless you're on a private road.

What age do you have to take the Texas driver's test?

Teens. Individuals under 18 years of age are required to complete a driver education course and present the Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964) at the driver license office. When applying for a license, the driving test is required. The knowledge test will be waived if it was completed during the driver education course.

What are the different types of driver education?

There are three types of driver education for teens: A traditional driver education course offered by a driver training school. Regulation of Driver Education Schools, Driver Safety Schools, Course Providers and Instructors, and the Parent Taught Driver Education (PTDE) program was transferred to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation ...

What are the Texas driver education and safety rules?

The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation adopted amendments to the Driver Education and Safety Program rules (16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 84, Subchapter D , §84.50; Subchapter M, §§84.500 and 84.502; and Subchapter N, §84.600). The adopted rules implement House Bill 105 and House Bill 2048, 86th Legislature, Regular Session (2019). Collectively, these bills created a requirement that (1) all driver education and driving safety courses include information relating to methods of safely operating a motor vehicle near an oversize or overweight vehicle; (2) repealed Chapter 708, Transportation Code, concerning the Driver Responsibility Program; and (3) amended Chapter 1001, Education Code, by specifying the driving and safety offenses which would prevent someone from conducting a Parent Taught Driver Education Course.

When will Texas open driving schools?

October 13, 2020. On October 13, 2020, the Governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas issued updated minimum standard health protocols for Texas driving schools, allowing them to increase operations from 50% to 75% of their total listed occupancy for classroom instruction.

What is TDLR in Texas?

The Driver Education and Safety program at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is comprised of the licensing and regulation of businesses known as Driver Education Schools, Parent Taught Driver Education programs, Driving Safety Course Providers, Driving Safety Schools and Instructors.

What is TDLR distance education?

To proactively address the concerns regarding COVID-19, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has enacted temporary emergency distance education provisions to allow current licensed schools to offer distance education limited to the theory hours of instruction to not exceed more than 50 percent of the course. TDLR’s temporary emergency provision is in line with the Department of Education to provide flexibilities for schools to help students complete their course work.

What is a driver education program?

The Driver Education and Safety program at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is comprised of the licensing and regulation of businesses known as Driver Education Schools, Parent Taught Driver Education programs, Driving Safety Course Providers, Driving Safety Schools and Instructors. Driver Education provides the basic skills and training required by law to provide the knowledge and hands-on experience to prepare people for their written and practical tests to operate a vehicle in Texas. Driving Safety Courses (sometimes known as 'defensive driving') are geared to improve a driver's knowledge, perception and attitude about driving. The Driving Safety Course Providers are required by law to offer curriculum that meets the standards required by law in Chapter 1001, Texas Education Code. TDLR's objective is to ensure that the schools, course providers, and instructors are qualified to develop and offer the courses and that the courses meet the required standards.

What is the purpose of temporary distance education?

The purpose of the temporary emergency distance education provision is to provide flexibility for schools to help students complete their course work. This temporary emergency distance education provision does not apply to the in-car lesson requirements in Driver Education.

When will the Texas program guides be published?

The program guides proposed to be adopted by reference were published in the April 30, 2021, issue of the Texas Register (46 TexReg 2919). The Department will accept comments on the proposal until May 31, 2021.

How often can you take defensive driving course?

Make sure that you receive approval from the Court when you go to pay for the ticket as you may not take the course for ticket dismissal more than once a year. Close.

How long does Texas insurance give you a 10% discount?

Additionally, some insurance companies will give you up to a 10% discount on your insurance premiums for up to 3 years in accordance with Texas statutes.

Does defensive driving remove a ticket from your record in Texas?

Does a defensive driving or driver safety course remove a ticket from your record in Texas? Yes and No. While the issuance of a ticket is on your record, completing the course dismisses the ticket and the associated points from your record.

Is defensive driving easy?

No, our defensive driving course is designed to be very easy and simple, even for people who haven't taken online courses before. And if you have any questions, our outstanding customer service team is standing by 24/7 at 1-877-299-4511.

How often can you take defensive driving courses in Texas?

You can take a defensive driving course in Texas once every year for ticket dismissal. Insurance discounts for defensive driving courses expire every three years.

What happens if you take defensive driving in Texas?

If I take defensive driving, will my ticket be dismissed? When you take a defensive driving course in Texas, it keeps points from being added to your driver's license, which prevents your insurance company from increasing your rates due to the incident. You still must pay for the ticket, but it will not degrade your Texas driving record.

Can you take defensive driving for insurance?

Can I take defensive driving for insurance discount and for ticket dismissal? Yes. If you take a defensive driving course to dismiss a traffic ticket in Texas, you can use that same course to receive an insurance discount (if your insurance company offers such a discount).

How long does it take to get a certificate of completion for a driver's license?

The certificate of completion must be dated within 90 days prior to taking the driving skills test. Have a valid restricted driver license. All individuals tested through the TPST program must complete the ITD requirements prior to taking their driving skills test.

How many hours of ITD for teens?

Driver Education. The ITD programs do not replace the distracted driving module given in the 32 hours of Teen driver education classroom phase or the 6 hours of Adult driver education classroom phase. The ITD program was added to emphasize the ever increasing dangers of distracted driving.

What age do you have to be to take the ITTD?

This course is for: Drivers 15-17 years of age who have completed a teen driver education course or a Parent Taught Driver Education Course, or. Drivers 18-24 years of age who have completed a teen driver education course. More information on taking the ITTD program. Impact Texas Young Drivers (ITYD)

How old do you have to be to take the ITYD?

Drivers 18-24 years of age who have completed the adult driver education course, or. Drivers 25 years of age or older, including those who may have completed a driver education course (Driver education is not required if you are 25 years of age or older; however, it is highly recommended). More information on taking the ITYD program.

Is driver education required in Texas?

Driver education is not required for individuals age 25 and older but is highly recommended. Statutory Authority. You may find more information about laws that apply to ITD Programs in the Texas Administrative Code, 37 TAC §15.62.

How many hours do you have to take a driver's education course in Texas?

You must have completed at least the first six hours of the "classroom" or theory portion of a driver education course. If you have not yet started the classroom portion of driver education, you can take our online Texas Teen Driver Education course to meet this requirement. You must have your learner license.

How old do you have to be to take driver education in Texas?

There are a few eligibility requirements you must meet in order to take the Texas Parent Taught Driver Education course: You must be at least 14 years old before starting the course. You must complete the entire course before your 18th birthday.

What is a mature driver improvement course?

Our Texas Mature Driver Improvement course is designed for drivers 55 and over to qualify for an auto insurance discount. It's a great way to keep your insurance premium low and brush up on defensive driving basics and Texas driving laws. You can print your Certificate of Completion online instantly after you finish the course!

What is AMI driver education?

Teen (AMI) Driver Education offers an alternative way for teens to complete their driver education course . This TDLR-approved option does not require parental supervision of the 32-hour online course, and teens can opt to fulfill their behind-the-wheel instruction requirements with a commercial driving school or with a parent through an approved Parent-Taught Behind-the-Wheel course. However, Texas Teen Driver Edcation is similar to Parent Taught in that students qualify for a learner license after 6 hours of instruction, and the Knowledge Test can be completed online!

Is seat belt safety course approved by the TDLR?

Our Seat Belt Safety course is approved by the TDLR and will help you satisfy a court order so that you can dismiss a seat belt-related ticket. It can also be completed as a course for continuing education. Our helpful Customer Care team is available 7 days a week to answer any questions you may have!

Can you take defensive driving in Texas?

Generally, you are eligible to complete Texas Defensive Driving if: You have a valid driver license (that is not a Commercial Driver License). You were ticketed for a moving violation (e.g., speeding, running a red light). You have not taken Texas traffic school for a ticket you got in the last 12 months.

Is TDLR approved for auto insurance?

Looking to save some money on your car insurance? This Insurance Discount course is TDLR-approved and qualifies you for an auto insurance discount. It's convenient, fun, and helps keep money in your bank account. It's perfect for all drivers under the age of 55!

How long does defensive driving school last?

Make sure you read the fine print for whatever defensive driving course you sign up for, but in general, online defensive driving school will expire 90 days after you first start the coursework. Once 90 days is up, you will be locked out of the course and you will need to pay for another one.

How much does a defensive driving course cost in Texas?

The state of Texas regulates pricing for online defensive driving schools by setting a minimum price they are allowed to charge. That price is $25. The vast majority of Texas state-approved online defensive driving schools sell their course at the state-minimium, but you may find a few that charge more than $25.

What is an approved defensive driving course?

Approved Course. Approved Course is a Houston-based online defensive driving course in Texas. This is by far one of the easiest online defensive driving courses you can sign up for in Texas for 2021. I’m not sure exactly what it is about Approved Course that makes it so easy, but this course is simple to pass.

How far ahead of time do you have to take defensive driving?

All you need to do is either complete your defensive driving course at least 2 weeks ahead of your due date or call the court clerk’s office in the district you received your traffic ticket to get an extension. In most cases, all you have to do is ask and they give you one with no problems.

What is a go to traffic school?

Go To Traffic School is a defensive driving course in Texas that has been around since literally the 1990’s. They first started by offering home-based defensive driving programs that were sent through the mail using VHS tapes and booklets. As time progressed, they began to change their business model, and in the early 2000’s they began offering their home-based defensive driving course online in Texas.

Is defensive driving online in Texas?

Get Defensive is yet again, an online defensive driving class in Texas that has been approved for over two decades. This course guarantees to be the cheapest, and after going through it personally, I can say with certainty that it is extremely easy. For some reason, the quizzes in this course seem even easier than the other ones (which is saying a lot. Unlike some of the other courses on this list, this defensive driving school is focused solely on the state of Texas.

Is iDriveSafely a good online defensive driving course?

You can either take the traditional text-based course, or you can opt for the video-based course. If you want a legitimate Texas online defensive driving course that has proven themselves over a 20-year history, then iDriveSafely is a safe bet. In fact, they guarantee you’ll be satisfied or you get your money back.

How to take defensive driving course in Texas?

You can take a Texas defensive driving course if you meet the following conditions: 1 You have not taken a defensive driving course within the past 12 months. 2 Do not have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) 3 Are not currently taking a defensive driving course for a different violation.

What are the violations of defensive driving in Texas?

A Texas defensive driving course may NOT be taken to dismiss any of the following violations: Speeding at or more than 25 MPH over the posted speed limit. No car insurance. Leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run) Passing a school bus. Construction zone violations.

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News and Updates

  • Driver Education and Driver Safety Courses Must Include Information About Passing Certain Veh…
    May 13, 2022 House Bill 3319,87th Legislative Session, requires that Driver Education and Driving Safety (DES) curricula include “Information Relating to Passing Certain Vehicles.” Effective Sept. 1, 2022, each driver education course or driving safety course must meet the requirements of Secti…
  • Driver Education and Driver Safety Courses Must Include Information Relating to Street Racing
    May 13, 2022 House Bill 3212, 87th Legislative Session, requires that Driver Education and Driving Safety (DES) curricula include “Information Relating to Street Racing.” Effective September 1, 2021, each driver education course and driving safety course must meet the requirements of Se…
See more on tdlr.texas.gov

Advisory Committee Meetings

  • March 15, 2022
    The Driver Training and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee metMarch 15, 2022 via videoconference. The meeting was archived and is avalable on TDLR’s YouTube channel. The agenda and staff reportsare available online.
See more on tdlr.texas.gov

Additional Information

  • The Driver Education and Safety program at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is comprised of the licensing and regulation of businesses known as Driver Education Schools, Parent Taught Driver Education programs, Driving Safety Course Providers, Driving Safety Schools and Instructors. Driver Education provides the basic skills and training required by law t…
See more on tdlr.texas.gov