how to do a defensive driving course

Traditionally, defensive driving courses are offered in classrooms. Attendees travel to the location of the class, and sit for the required duration (sometimes as long as 8 hours!) and then complete an exam to receive a certificate of completion. But almost all states now allow drivers to take a defensive driving course online.

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Why you should take a defensive driving class?

How it Works DefensiveDriving.com strives to make this as easy as possible to dismiss your traffic ticket, so it really it is as simple as these three steps: Select Your State 1) Select Your State 2) Register and Complete the Course 3) Receive your Certificate of Completion

Why should everyone take a defensive driving course?

Step #1: Sign Up For The Right Online Defensive Driving Course. The fastest online defensive driving course and the one you should sign up for is this defensive driving course. I’ll get into more detail about why I recommend that course over the rest a bit later, but for starters, you need to understand that just because a defensive driving course is “state certified” or “court …

Why should I take a Texas defensive driving course?

While these do vary from state to state, the basic requirements for taking a defensive driving course include the following: Possession of a valid, noncommercial state driver's license. Not having completed a prior course within your state's allowable window (see below). An eligible moving violation, if applicable and allowed by your state.

What are the four keys of defensive driving?

In a typical defensive driving course, students learn crucial crash prevention techniques that include: Scanning the roadway and adapting to surroundings Employing the two-second rule for following distances Knowing your vehicle's stopping distance Being aware of reaction distance Environment hazards Vehicle emergencies Sharing the road

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 much is a defensive driving course in Texas?

$25How much does it cost to take defensive driving course in Texas? The state of Texas requires defensive driving courses to cost a minimum of $25.

How much is defensive driving course 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 long is the NY defensive driving course online?

320 minutesNew York Defensive Driving Courses take 320 minutes to complete, as mandated by the state of New York. Since this course is 100% online you do not need to complete it all at once - you may log out and in as often as you need during the 30 day period you have to complete the course.

Who qualifies for defensive driving in Texas?

Defensive Driving Eligibility RequirementsSpeeding 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.

Which online defensive driving course is best?

#1 Defensive Driving Course ProviderIDriveSafely is one of the oldest defensive driving brands in the business. ... IDriveSafely.com has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). ... Take an IDriveSafely Course.Take a DriversEd.com Course.Take a MyImprov Course.Take ApprovedCourse Defensive Driving.More items...•Dec 21, 2021

What is the easiest defensive driving course online NY?

Improv Traffic School is not only entertaining, it is the fastest course allowed by the state of New York. As with any legit online defensive driving school in New York, they made it extremely easy to get through. Just go through the info, pass some super easy quizzes, and you're done.

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.

How long is NY defensive driving course?

320 minutesThe classroom course is 320 minutes long. It is presented in one or more sessions. The course must include essential information about traffic safety. It must cover these and other topics: driver attitude and behavior, defensive driving techniques, and the Vehicle & Traffic Law.

How do I take the defensive driving course in NY?

How Does the Defensive Driving Course NY Work?Step 1: Register for a New York DMV-Approved Course. Make sure that the course provider you choose is approved by the DMV to offer the program in the state. ... Step 2: Complete the Online Defensive Driving Course. ... Step 3: Submit Proof of Your Completion.

How many times can I take defensive driving in NY?

once every 3 yearsDrivers can take a defensive driving course once every 3 years (36 months) for point and insurance reduction. Each time someone completes the course, it qualifies them for a discount on their car insurance premium.

How many blocks is 15 seconds?

15 seconds is equivalent to one city block. When you look about 15 seconds ahead, you can make sure your car won't bump into anything. In order to scan, look around, front and back side to side, and check for any minor problems that are occurring or can occur.

How long is a defensive driving course?

You can generally expect to spend anywhere from 6-8 hours in your course, with some being shorter (3 or 4 hours) and some being much longer (10 or 12 hours).

Why do you need defensive driving?

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.

Can you take defensive driving if you have a CDL?

For most states the answer is no. There are some states that will allow you to take a defensive driving course if you hold a CDL but you were not operating a commercial motor vehicle at the time of your violation. It is best to check with your licensing agency or the agency in which you received a violation.

Traffic Crashes

Losses from traffic crashes have both social and personal impacts. Approximately 41,000 die annually as a result of traffic collisions, with an additional 3,236,000 injuries. About 38% of all fatal car crashes are alcohol related with another 30% attributed to speeding.

Psychological Factors

On the roadways, drivers have to deal with several factors that can affect their driving. Though some of them are beyond the control of the driver, psychological factors can be controlled by the driver if he knows what to look for and how to handle it.

The Dynamics of a Crash

Vehicle crashes are almost always a preventable result of a series of events. The combination of speed, place of impact and size of object being impacted can determine the severity of the crash. In every accident, however, the act of one vehicle hitting another vehicle or other object is not the only collision that can occur.

Safety Equipment

Approximately half of all deaths that are result of an automobile crash could have been avoided if the victim were wearing a safety belt properly. Of course safety belts are only the most commonly thought of vehicle safety equipment.

Crash Prevention Techniques

The key to any good defensive driving strategy is knowing how to avoid traffic crashes and recognize potential hazards before it's too late. That's why defensive driving courses tend to present a lot of information on crash prevention techniques.

State Traffic Laws

The final portion of many state defensive driving curriculum requirements is state-specific traffic laws. While for many students this portion serves as a mere refresher course, state traffic laws are not always known by all students.

Defensive Driving Courses

SafeMotorist.com Driving Safety Articles:#N#This article was written by SafeMotorist.com defensive driving staff writers and reviewed for accuracy by defensive driving instructors. All articles are based on current traffic laws and defensive driving practices.

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.

What to do if you see a hazard?

If you do see a hazard, you can take safe , preventative action to keep your current driving environment safe and avoid a collision. This might mean safely changing lanes, slowing down, or some other action. 2. Stay Focused on Your Driving and the Road.

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.

Is it dangerous to drive when you are sleepy?

This also means that you should pull over and rest if you are feeling tired. Driving when you are feeling sleepy can be just as dangerous as driving when you have had too much to drink.

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.

Should you be relaxed when driving?

However, you should never get too relaxed about what it means to be driving a vehicle on the road. You should always keep both of your hands on the steering well, sit up straight rather than slouch, keep your focus on road conditions and other vehicles, and state generally aware.

Why is defensive driving important?

A good defensive driver avoids crashes and improves safety for everyone on the road. A defensive driver is different from an aggressive driver. Instead of aggravating tensions on the road and increasing the risk of an accident, a defensive driver makes the road safer. Today, we’re explaining some of our favorite defensive driving tips ...

Why is it important to drive defensively?

Driving defensively can save your life and make the road safer for everyone. Follow the tips above to become a defensive driver today.

What happens when you assume other drivers are bad drivers?

When you assume other drivers are bad drivers, you instantly become a more defensive driver. Some driving schools even take this tip further, recommending that drivers assume other drivers are actively trying to hit you. However you frame it, you should assume other drivers aren’t very good. Assume other drivers will make mistakes.

How to save money on car insurance?

The best way to save money on car insurance is to avoid an accident. The best way to avoid an accident is to be a defensive driver. Many people claim to be defensive drivers. However, some people are better defensive drivers than others. A good defensive driver avoids crashes and improves safety for everyone on the road.

Why is it important to stay alert when driving?

Staying focused and alert is about more than just staying awake and putting away your cell phone; it ’s also about eliminating distractions in the vehicle.

What happens if you drive in another driver's blind spot?

When you drive in another driver’s blind spot, you make it difficult for the other driver to see you. If the other driver does not check their blind spot, then the other driver will not see you before changing lanes or making a turn.

How to avoid driving drunk?

Staying focused and alert when driving is one of the best defensive strategies to follow. Avoid using your phone. Avoid driving when tired. Pull over to rest if you feel sleepy. Many are surprised that driving after a long night shift is nearly as bad as (often worse than) driving drunk.

What is Allied Driving School?

They are dedicated to teaching students how to be safe, defensive, and economical drivers, saving money and saving lives at the same time. Classes are available seven days a week with convenient hours, and instructors make learning both enjoyable and educational. Courses are taught by full-time, highly qualified instructors who offer a friendly, professional learning environment. They are committed to giving students the skills they need to drive safely.

Is Elischer's Driving School bonded?

A professional driving school serving San Jose and surrounding areas since 1968, Elischer’s Driving School is fully bonded and insured. This school is concerned with teaching students to operate vehicles not just safely, but economically. They remind drivers that a driver’s license is important, but is not proof of your driving skill: you should take driving instruction to become a safe, competent driver. Driver improvement programs are available by appointment, and courses are available to fit your working hours. Handicapped training and vehicle adaptation are available as well.

What is defensive driving school?

Defensive driving courses, also known as traffic school, provide you with information about safe driving and may help to lower your chances of receiving a traffic ticket in the future. On this page, you'll find information about defensive driving courses in Alabama, when to take a course, and what to do when you complete one.

What is defensive driving course in Alabama?

Defensive driving courses, also known as traffic school, provide you with information about safe driving and may help to lower your chances ...

How long does it take to take defensive driving classes in Alabama?

An Alabama traffic school may take you about 8 hours to complete and will cover topics including: Safe driving habits. Alabama traffic laws and violations.

Can you get suspended for driving with too many points?

The points will remain on your driving record. If you receive too many traffic tickets and earn too many driving record points, your driver's license could be suspended. You can check your driving record to see if you are at risk of a suspended license.

Can you get a discount on auto insurance in Alabama?

You may be able to complete a defensive driving course to earn a discount on your auto insurance. While Alabama defensive driving/traffic school discounts are often aimed towards young and elderly drivers, drivers of all ages may be eligible for a discount. Contact your car insurance provider for more information.

What is defensive driving class?

A defensive driving class is typically reserved for older drivers who want to improve their driving skills and knowledge. In general, it is not meant for younger drivers. The course is optional, meaning drivers are not required to take one. However, many residents choose to enroll in a program because of the associated benefits.

How old do you have to be to take defensive driving classes?

The state approves both defensive driving classes and mature defensive driver classes. To qualify for a mature defensive driver class, you must be 55 years of age or older and a resident of the state.

How much does a defensive driving course cost in New Jersey?

If you receive an auto insurance discount, the driving course may even pay for itself. Some online courses offer rates as low as $19.95, while others offer rates as high as $47.

Why do people go to traffic school?

Removing points from your driving record. Obtaining a car insurance discount.

Can you take a driver improvement class online?

A driver improvement course may be completed in-person or online. Therefore, it is important to decide how you want to complete a course before you select one. An in-person class may be appealing to you if you do not have access to a computer or if you want more guidance with the course.

What is NJ DMV traffic school?

A NJ DMV approved traffic school is very different from driver’s education. Driver’s education is intended for young drivers who are learning important driving skills for the first time. Traffic school, however, is intended for older drivers who need to improve or refresh their driving skills.

How long does a traffic school last?

An online traffic school course, such as iDriveSafely, offers customer support services seven days a week and guarantee a 5 percent car insurance discount, which typically lasts for three years. State law requires participants to complete the course within 30 days of registration. Otherwise, the course becomes invalid.