what does the 8 hour defensive driving course include in sc

by Theron Rempel 3 min read

A South Carolina defensive driving class typically lasts eight hours and requires participants to attend in person for the entirety of the session. The class format includes videos, animated graphics and illustrations that help instructors in reviewing hazard perception, vehicle maintenance and more.

Full Answer

How do I take a defensive driving course in SC?

The official defensive driving course in SC must be done in person at an approved location. The course requires eight hours of classroom training and can only be taken after points have been added to your driving record in order to then reduce them. This is the only authorized course that is accepted by the DMV for reducing your total of points.

What is the 8-hour defensive driving course (ddc-8)?

The National Safety Council’s 8-Hour Defensive Driving Course (DDC-8) is accredited by the SCDMV as the point reduction program. The virtual training program is approved by the SCDMV and will be led by an NSC instructor online.

How many points can a ddc-8 course reduce in South Carolina?

Completion of the National Safety Council’s Defensive Driving 8-hour (DDC-8) course can be used for up to a four point reduction in a driver’s Motor Vehicle Record. This applies to individuals with a valid South Carolina Drivers License.

Why take a defensive driving course with DriveSafe?

Other defensive driving courses can feel like a month of Sundays. With us there are no giant walls of tiny text to read. No hunting for buttons. We make course material clear and easy. Every DriveSafe Online course gives you beautifully produced videos that include both in-car and drone footage. These immersive features bring the courses to life.

What is a defensive driving course SC?

Completion of the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving 8-Hour Course can be used for up to a four point reduction on a driver's Motor Vehicle Record. (This information only applies to individuals with a valid South Carolina Drivers License.)

How many points does defensive driving take off in SC?

four pointsHow to Reduce Points on Your Driving Record. If you have points on your SC license, you may get up to four points removed by taking a defensive driving course. To qualify for point reduction, the class must meet the standards set by the DMV.

How many times can you take defensive driving course in SC?

South Carolina drivers who want or need to reduce accumulated points on their driver record can do so by enrolling in a state-approved defensive driving course. Four for each eight-hour course completed, points can be diminished, and drivers can reduce issues once every three years.

What is defensive driving course?

With defensive driving classes, individuals learn to improve their driving skills by reducing their driving risks. Driving risks are reduced by anticipating situations and making safe well-informed decisions. Defense driving courses involves a lot training on tactical decision making to avoid road accidents.

Will 4 points affect my insurance in SC?

I have found, in general, that most people's insurance goes up once they have 4 points or more. A typical speeding ticket in SC is 4 points, but sometimes if you go to court you may have the opportunity to get the ticket reduced to 2 points.

How long does an accident stay on your record in South Carolina?

three yearsThe short answer is that the accident or ticket will stay on your record for three years, but the exact punishments you receive for your traffic violation depend on several factors, including: Your insurance company. How long you have been with your provider.

How long does it take for points to come off your license in SC?

In South Carolina, points stay on your driving record for up to two years before being erased. After one year, points on your record are reduced by half. You can take additional driving courses in order to reduce the points on your driving license faster.

How do you get a speeding ticket dismissed in South Carolina?

How Can You Get A Speeding Ticket Dismissed? South Carolina allows for drivers in some circumstances to have a ticket dismissed by taking a driver education course. Such a course will involve receiving permission from the court. Generally, it is most effective to get a ticket dismissed by fighting it.

How long do points stay on your driving record?

Most points stay on your licence for four years from the date of the offence, although they are only active for the first three. For more serious offences, such as causing death by dangerous driving or drink driving, the points will stay on your licence for 11 years.

What are the 5 rules of defensive driving?

Top 5 Rules Of Defensive DrivingLook up ahead. It sounds obvious to make sure you're looking ahead rather than what's directly in front of you. ... Be aware of blind spots. ... Slow down at all intersections. ... Maintain a safe following distance. ... Minimize all distractions.

What is the 12 second rule?

There is one rule that the Department of Motor Vehicles recommends all motorists do to avoid collisions with such objects. It advises that drivers should scan the road at least 12 seconds ahead to avoid potential trouble spots and to identify possible road hazards.

What are the 3 basic principles of defensive driving?

Find out more.3 Basic Techniques. ... Two-second rule. ... Pass to stay alive. ... Keep cool and alert in traffic. ... A solid, defensive driving training program is essential for your vehicle drivers.More items...•

How often can you take defensive driving courses in South Carolina?

You can enroll in and complete a South Carolina defensive driving course once every 3 years to deduct points from your driving record. For more information, please contact the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

What is defensive driving course?

Defensive driving courses, which are also known as traffic school courses, are designed to make you a better driver. Upon completing the course, you'll have had a good refresher on South Carolina traffic laws and have gained new knowledge about defensive driving and accident avoidance techniques.

How to deduct points from driving record?

Deduct points from your driving record. Dismiss a traffic ticket or satisfy a court requirement. Earn a car insurance discount. Typically, you'll be able to choose between classroom and online defensive driving courses. Online traffic school allows you to learn about the same topics, but you'll be able to move through the lessons ...

What happens if you violate traffic laws in South Carolina?

When you violate traffic laws, the South Carolina DMV will add points to your driving record. If you accumulate too many driving record points, your driver's license may be suspended.

What happens if you get a ticket in South Carolina?

If you've received a traffic ticket, have accumulated too many driving record points, or have high car insurance premiums, you may be able to complete a defensive driving course that has been approved by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

What to do if you don't take traffic school?

Contact your car insurance provider for more information. If you are not eligible to take traffic school to earn a discount and find your car insurance rates have become too expensive, you should consider shopping around for a new provider.

Do you need a final exam to take defensive driving?

Depending on your reason for taking a defensive driving course, you may need to complete a final exam before receiving a completion certificate. You may need to submit your completion documents to your court, your insurance company, or the South Carolina DMV .

How many points are given for a violation in defensive driving?

If the violation date is before the Defensive Driving Course completion date, credit of up to four points will be given. All violations occurring after the completion date of the course will not be accepted. Point reduction is good once every three (3) years.

What is DDC 8?

The National Safety Council’s 8-Hour Defensive Driving Course (DDC-8) is accredited by the SCDMV as the point reduction program. The virtual training program is approved by the SCDMV and will be led by an NSC instructor online. Successful completion of this course will reduce four (4) points off of your driver's license or CDL license.

What is defensive driving in South Carolina?

Defensive Driving Courses in South Carolina. In South Carolina, traffic law violators are charged on a points system. Every traffic violation is assigned a certain number of points, and if you’re convicted of a traffic violation, you will have points added to your driver record. After one year, points are reduced by half, ...

How long is the defensive driving program?

Drivers who participate in the Traffic Education Program to dismiss a traffic ticket will enroll in a four-hour defensive driving program. In contrast, drivers removing points from their driving record will complete an eight-hour defensive driving program.

What is defensive driving?

Defensive driving is often used for points reduction and avoiding a traffic violation on your driving record, but defensive driving can be used for voluntary learning. The courses teach valuable lessons that can be life-saving, and often, insurance carriers will offer discounts to drivers who have completed a defensive driving course.

How often can you reduce points in South Carolina?

South Carolina drivers who want or need to reduce accumulated points on their driver record can do so by enrolling in a state-approved defensive driving course. Four for each eight-hour course completed, points can be diminished, and drivers can reduce issues once every three years.

How many hours of community service is required for a defensive driver?

Payment must be made to the program, and fines may apply as well. Drivers will be required to complete a four-hour defensive driving education course and four hours of community service for a nonprofit agency.

What are defensive driving techniques?

defensive driving techniques. the impact of drugs and alcohol on driving. proper use of safety equipment including anti-lock brakes, seat belts, airbags, and car seats. avoiding road rage and aggressive driving. safe driving techniques. collision avoidance. avoiding distractions while driving.

What happens if you get 12 points on your license?

Once your points total reaches 12, your driver’s license will be suspended. Additionally, some traffic law violations will require a mandatory license suspension regardless of the point system.

How much does defensive driving education reduce insurance premiums?

Defensive driver education can reduce your insurance premium up to 10%. Are you ready to save money?

What is DriveSafe online?

DriveSafe Online courses merge unique graphics and animations, interactive scenarios with narrated stories and video demonstrations—including in-car and drone footage—to deliver safe driving information like no other online defensive driving course available today.

Why do insurance companies offer online driver improvement programs?

Lower insurance premiums…that has a nice ring to it. Online driver improvement programs appeal to many insurance companies. Why? Informed drivers are safer drivers. Safer drivers save themselves and their insurance providers money. Ask your agent if finishing a DriveSafe Online insurance reduction course will earn you a discounted premium rate. Requirements vary per company, so ask which course is right for you.

What happens if you fail to observe traffic laws in South Carolina?

If you fail to observe traffic laws in South Carolina, you may accumulate points against your driving record. A driver who collects 12 points or more can face a suspension of their driving privileges. Different violations yield different consequences.

What is a real ID in SC?

REAL ID in South Carolina. The REAL ID Act means that states must observe minimum security standards when issuing driver’s licenses and ID cards. SC has made these multi-purpose IDs available for no additional charge. You only need a REAL ID for: Boarding a domestic flight. Accessing a federal building.

Can you use a drivesafe online in South Carolina?

Sometimes traffic school or a defensive driving course is court ordered. South Carolina courts may allow you to use a DriveSafe Online completion certificate i to dismiss your ticket and to keep points off your record .

Is DriveSafe online safe?

They are also a perfect review for experienced drivers. Defensive driving is the best way to keep the roads safe for everyone.

How long is I Drive Safely?

I Drive Safely’s South Carolina online defensive driving course may only be 4 hours long, but it covers a wide variety of info you need to become a safer, more responsible driver. The material is assigned to 8 single-subject units, and covers topics such as:

Do insurance companies give discounts for defensive driving?

Many insurance companies will reward drivers who have taken a driver improvement course with discounts on their premiums. Ask your agent whether they offer discounts for defensive driving; if so, you’ll be able to get those savings by spending just a few short hours taking our course at home.

Can you get your defensive driving certificate the same day?

We understand that you’ll want your information processed and available to you as soon as possible upon completing our online defensive driving course. If you complete the course, and we’ll process your information and email your completion certificate the very same day.

Can you take a defensive driving course if your court isn't on the list?

If your court isn’t on that list, all hope is not lost yet - you may still be able to take our course to dismiss points from your record. Contact your local court to request permission before you start our fast, fun,and easy online defensive driving course.

What is defensive driving in SC?

South Carolina defensive driving courses are offered throughout the state to assist drivers with improving their knowledge of lawful driving practices. Drivers who have accumulated points on their SC driving records may take point reduction classes at local certified driving schools. For more information regarding South Carolina defensive driving, click here.

How many hours of driving school do you need to get a driver's license in South Carolina?

Additionally, students must complete a driving log detailing their supervised driving practice. Driver’s license applicants must get at least 40 hours of driving experience.

When does defensive driving close?

Please note that registration for all Defensive Driving courses closes at 1 p.m. on Friday, one week prior to the course start date. In addition, once the course has reached maximum capacity (35), registration will close. Courses are first come first serve, and we recommend enrolling as early as possible.

How many points can you get for DDC 8?

Completion of the National Safety Council’s Defensive Driving 8-hour (DDC-8) course can be used for up to a four point reduction in a driver’s Motor Vehicle Record. This applies to individuals with a valid South Carolina Drivers License. Points may only be reduced once in a three-year period.

Does Greenville Technical College offer defensive driving?

Greenville Technical College offers a Defensive Driving Course as a public service to residents of South Carolina. It's presented in cooperation with the National Safety Council and the South Carolina Department of Highways and Public Transportation. It is the student's responsibility to know their status with the DMV.

What is a driver's behavior class?

A driver’s behavior is a reflection of their attitude. Students are directed into understanding how their driving results from choices they make and that the responsibility of safe driving is their own. Appropriate violations for this course include:

How long is the Red School program?

This is the Spanish version of the program. However, instead of a literal translation of the 8-hour red school course from English to Spanish, this program is customized to specifically address Hispanic driving problems:

How long is the defensive driving course in South Carolina?

The South Carolina defensive driving course meets the state-mandated 4-hour length requirement – you could start and finish your course all in the same day! The course is broken up into 8 chapters, which you may work through at whatever pace you choose, so how long it takes is completely up to you.

How long does it take to complete a course in South Carolina?

Deadlines are typically determined by the South Carolina courts. While we allow you 180 days to complete your course before your account is suspended, the court may require you to finish your course much sooner than that. Make sure to determine their deadline before beginning the course.