how to apply for defensive driving course

Contact your court and request permission to take a defensive driving course. You may do this by phone , in writing (on the back of your citation), or in person. You have until the appearance date on your citation to request permission.

Full Answer

When should one take a defensive driving course?

Usually, the only reason why you want to take this defensive driving course is that you want to get a ticket dismissed, take off some points on your driving records, or lower your car insurance by a little. Did you know that it can increase your rate by $45 on average and up to $80 or more and month?

What to expect from a defensive driving course?

defensive driving a secure and better option for the drivers to learn this skill for the better and safer experience behind the wheel. This type of training encourages the driver to expect unexpected things and act according to that. This training has helped many drivers to drive safer than before, and become more proactive.

Where can I take a defensive driving course?

You may be able to complete a defensive driving course to:

• Dismiss your traffic ticket with the Colorado court.
• Avoid points being added to your driving record.
• Remove existing points from your driving record.
• Avoid increased car insurance rates.
• Earn a safe driving discount on your car insurance.

How do I enroll in defensive driving training?

Defensive driving school provides defensive driving classes come in different formats, so check with your state’s requirements before choosing the one right for you: Online driver safety course – Take part in defensive driving classes online on any device with an Internet connection at your convenience.

How do I apply for defensive driving in Texas?

Contact your court and request permission to take a defensive driving course. You may do this by phone, in writing (on the back of your citation), or in person. You have until the appearance date on your citation to request permission. At that time, you must plead guilty or no contest to your violation.

How do I take defensive driving online in Texas?

Texas Online Defensive Driving CoursesTEA and TDLR approved. Our courses are approved by the TDLR for ticket dismissal at all Texas courts.Mobile & Tablet Friendly. Complete the course on your mobile or tablet device or even on your computer.6 hours to complete. ... Get your certificate fast.

How do you check if you are eligible for defensive driving Texas?

Texas Defensive DrivingPossess a valid Texas drivers license or permit.Admit guilt to a traffic violation and wish to use defensive driving as an alternative, OR meet your insurance company's eligibility requirements for insurance reduction.Have not taken a course to dismiss a traffic ticket within the past 12 months.More items...

How much is a defensive driving course in Texas?

$25The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires all defensive driving courses to cost at least $25. While most courses cost $25, some are more expensive due to in-person instruction, included meals and additional material.

How long is the Texas online defensive driving course?

6 hoursHow long does defensive driving online take? The State of Texas requires defensive driving online courses to take a minimum of 6 hours to complete. In compliance with the state, our Texas Defensive Driving course is 5 hours of material with 1 hour of total break time, and may be completed at your own pace.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record in Texas?

three yearsIn Texas, a traffic ticket stays on your driver's record for three years after your conviction. Along with a record of the violation, the points associated with the ticket also remain for three years.

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.

Which online defensive driving course is best in Texas?

The 7 Best Online Defensive Driving Courses In Texas For 2022Aceable. Aceable is without a doubt the best online defensive driving course in Texas for 2022. ... iDriveSafely. ... Approved Course. ... Go To Traffic School. ... Improv Traffic School. ... Get Defensive. ... A Sense Of Humor Defensive Driving Course.

How do you get a speeding ticket dismissed in Texas?

Here are five steps to dismissing your Texas traffic ticket:You must have a non-commercial driver's license.You must admit guilt or plead no contest (nolo contendere)The citation must be for driving within 25 miles per hour of the posted limit.Your citation does not involve an infraction in a construction zone.More items...•

What is the easiest defensive driving course online?

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

What is the easiest defensive driving course in Texas?

Quick List Of The 8 Best Texas Defensive Driving Online Courses For 2022iDriveSafely – Most popular.Approved Course – Easiest course.Aceable – Best on mobile-devices.Improv Traffic School – Most entertaining.

Does defensive driving reduce ticket cost Texas?

Potentially Saves Money: Speeding tickets in Texas can cost a person around $150. If you take defensive driving for a speeding ticket, the court fees will cost you around $100 and defensive driving will cost around $25, saving you around $25.

What is a behavioral driven course?

Behavioral-driven course designed to change drivers' attitudes associated with distracted driving and using a cell phone and other electronic devices while driving. A self-assessment evaluates participants driving habits and defines content specific to their risk level.

What is the most important job for a driver?

The most important job of any driver is safety. The National Safety Council, together with SafetyServe, offers the nation's most respected and highly rated online defensive driving course.

How to enroll in defensive driving?

Besides the obvious benefit of making you a better driver, there are several other reasons to enroll. These include: 1 Many auto insurance providers reward enrollment with lower premiums. Contact your car insurance agent and ask if this money-saving option exists with your plan. 2 Traffic tickets. Depending on your state or situation, completing a defensive driving course may prompt your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or presiding court to dismiss the charges. This could possibly prevent your drivers license from getting suspended or revoked. For example, say you have an excessive number of speeding tickets on your driving record, and you just got flagged again, putting you in jeopardy of being declared a habitual offender. Having the ticket removed could possibly save your driving privileges. 3 Some states reward traffic school enrollment with the removal of points. New York, for example, trims up to four points from a driving record. The exact number of points removed depends on state.

What is the danger of driving under the influence of alcohol?

The dynamics of a crash. This pertains to how speed, place of impact and size of vehicle affects the severity of the collision. An extensive look at safety equipment, addressing the importance of seat belts, head rests, air bags, and child safety seats.

How many points are removed from a driving record in New York?

Some states reward traffic school enrollment with the removal of points. New York, for example, trims up to four points from a driving record. The exact number of points removed depends on state. If you enroll for the purpose of tickets or points, be sure the traffic school you enroll in meets state approval. Otherwise, you will not be credited.

Can you get your license suspended for defensive driving?

This could possibly prevent your drivers license from getting suspended or revoked.

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.

When do you need to apply for DSC?

You may apply for DSC/MOTC on or before your scheduled court date and time at any Court location or by mail. You must request DSC or MOTC on or before your arraignment setting or you will lose the right to elect it at a later time. It is too late to elect DSC.MOTC at trial.

How to contact DSC MOTC?

You may dial 713.837.0311 to speak to a One Call Solution Center representative by phone to submit your DSC/MOTC information. You will need access to a computer and email to complete this process. If your court date is within 5 business days, we recommend you appear in court, or contact 3-1-1 for further information.

What is MOTC in criminal law?

Motorcycle Operator Training Course (MOTC) The Code of Criminal Procedure, Art 45.051 (q) states -- You may be able to require that this charge be dismissed by successfully completing a driving safety course or a motorcycle operator training course.

What is defensive driving?

Defensive driving courses teach safe driving techniques for car accident prevention. Essentially, you will learn how to drive respectfully in relation to other motorists.

How to contact Geico about defensive driving?

Other Defensive Driver courses may qualify; if you have questions about a course being eligible, contact an agent at (800) 861-8380.

Does Massachusetts offer defensive driver discount?

Massachusetts does not offer the Defensive Driver discount at this time; however, you may be eligible for other car insurance discounts. Michigan Discounts. Michigan does not offer the Defensive Driver discount at this time; however, you may be eligible for other car insurance discounts.

How can I become a better driver?

If you want to know how to become a better driver, you’ll want to learn to not just focus on the car that is right in front of you. Instead, you should be aware of your general surroundings and look further ahead for potential hazards. You should also get in the habit of using your mirrors to keep an eye out for potentially dangerous situations occurring behind you.

How to avoid distraction while driving?

One of the most important defensive driving strategies is to stay focused and avoid becoming distracted. This means you should not use your cell phone or any other type of electronic device while you are driving. To avoid the temptation to do so, put them away.

What happens when you are driving?

When you are driving, you might notice a driver that seems upset at your driving. Perhaps they honked at you or are otherwise driving recklessly. It is important in situations like this that you don’t engage with a road-raging driver at all. This means you should even avoid making eye contact with them.

How far back should you stay from the car in front of you?

This means that, based on your current speed, there should be at least three seconds of driving time between your vehicle and the vehicle that is in front of yours.

How to keep a safe distance from vehicles beside you?

To keep a safe distance from vehicles beside you, be sure to drive in the center of your lane. It’s also important to understand where the blind spot of other vehicles might be and to avoid driving there.

When to switch lanes when tailgating?

If you notice that a vehicle is tailgating you, you’ll want to switch lanes when it is safe to get away from their vehicle. If you are in a situation where you are unable to switch lanes, you can lightly on your brake so that they can become aware that you are about to slow down so they can pass.

Can you drive in the blind spot of another vehicle?

You never want to drive in the blind spot of another vehicle. If other people are not practicing defensive driving skills, they might be distracted, forgetful, tired, or lazy and not check their blind spot before they make a lane change.

How to get a defensive driving discount

Since defensive driving can make you safer on the road, many insurance companies will offer a discount for taking a defensive driving course. Each insurer's discount and terms are different, and state regulations can come into play, too. Before you sign up for a defensive driving course, you can do the following:

How do driver safety course insurance discounts work?

Defensive driving is often geared towards younger and older drivers who may have higher car insurance premiums, but a defensive driving discount may be offered to people of all ages. Some states require insurers to offer defensive driving discounts, while others do not.