what does the defensive driving course do

Is Defensive Driving School the Same as Drivers Education?

• Psychological Factors While Driving. You can learn to control the psychological factors your experience while driving. ...
• Human Factors. A defensive driving course will remind you of the effects drugs and alcohol have on a person while driving.
• Crash Prevention Techniques. ...
• Crash Dynamics. ...

Full Answer

How often can you take defensive driving courses?

How long you take to complete the course is entirely up to you! How often can I take a defensive driving course for point reduction or for an insurance discount? You may take this course once every 5 years to remove 2 points from your driving record. You may take it once every 3 years to maintain your insurance discount.

What is defensive driving and should you do it?

Most defensive driving courses will teach you the following skills:

• Use your car's safety features. Wear your seatbelt, lock your doors, and be sure your airbags are in good working condition. ...
• Drive the speed limit. ...
• Cut out distractions. ...
• Pay attention to your surroundings. ...
• Never assume someone else will move out of the way. ...
• Follow the four-second rule. ...

What are the four keys of defensive driving?

• Sudden stops
• Disabled cars
• Cars moving in and out of lanes
• Cars crossing lanes to get to an exit
• Cars passing from any side
• Potholes, debris on the road, or construction Make sure your vehicle drivers are safe, defensive drivers. ...
• Defines defensive driving
• Demonstrates the characteristics of driving defensively, such as the “2-second rule”

More items...

What does a defensive driving course consist of?

What does a defensive driving course consist of? A typical defensive driving course consists of several classroom sessions followed by a practical session in a car with an instructor which must be completed within 60 days of finishing the theory part of the course.

Is defensive driving course good?

The short answer is yes, defensive driving courses are worth the money. Defensive driving courses give drivers a new perspective on viewing the road. They help drivers identify dangerous situations before they unfold. Defensive drivers can determine and mitigate risky behavior from other drivers.

What does a defensive driver look out for?

What is defensive driving? It is a set of driving skills that allows you to defend yourself against possible collisions caused by bad drivers, drunk drivers, and poor weather. If you look ahead and keep your eyes moving, you will spot potential hazards more easily.

What is defensive driving and why is it important?

Defensive driving is all about avoiding unexpected dangers on the road. From bad weather to distracted drivers, there are all sorts of dangers that can lead to a crash. As a defensive driver, you can defend yourself against these threats by being cognizant of the road and knowing how to act quickly to avoid a crash.

What does it mean when you drive defensively?

When you drive defensively, you're aware and ready for whatever happens. You are cautious, yet ready to take action and not put your fate in the hands of other drivers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 90% of all crashes are attributed to driver error.

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 2 second rule when driving?

The 2-second rule is a technique used to estimate a safe following distance between your vehicle and the traffic ahead. It is a general rule of thumb taught in every driving school across the United States. The premise is that by following behind traffic by two seconds, you will have the time and space to brake safely.

What are the 3 basic principles of defensive driving?

The three Keys of defensive driving are as follows: Safety First at all times. The most basic element of it all is: to be Courteous or simply be a nice person. Proper maintenance of your vehicle.

What is an example of a defensive driver?

Pay Attention To Your Surroundings – Check your mirrors, keep your eyes moving constantly, be aware of slowing cars or brake lights ahead, avoid road hazards, and pay attention to weather-related conditions which could impend safe driving.

What is the most important element of defensive driving?

1. Put Safety First by Following to the Rules. The most important aspect of driving defensively, is the practice of safe road habits. You won't grasp this concept until you obey the rules of the road, and minimize the risks you take.

What is considered the enemy of the defensive driver?

Confusion is the enemy of safe driving. Make your lane changes and turns predictable and smooth, and always signal in advance.

How can I get better at defensive driving?

10 Key Defensive Driving Techniques You Need To KnowAlways Be Prepared. ... Stay Focused on Your Driving and the Road. ... Always Keep an Eye on Your Surroundings and Scan Far Ahead. ... Always Try to Predict a Possible Risk. ... Stay Safely Distant From the Vehicles Around You. ... Don't Drive in the Blind Spot of Another Vehicle.More items...•

Where are the drivers blind spots?

These blind spot areas include: directly in front, directly behind and along each side—especially on the right side. If you cannot see the truck driver's reflection in his or her side mirror, you are in the truck driver's blind spot and they cannot see you.

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.

Can you get your license suspended for defensive driving?

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

Why do you need defensive driving?

In some countries, a defensive driving course can help you save money on insurance or allow you to access preferential deals from other suppliers.

How much does it cost to take a driving course?

Expect to spend between $200 and $400 depending on whether you are already taking lessons with the driving instructor that is holding the course, the location of the course and its facilities, and any extras provided. You can sometimes find discounted deals under $200 on coupon sites, and some companies do student discounts. You will usually use your own vehicle; if a vehicle is provided then the course will often be more expensive and you will share it with other course participants.

Do you have to do a defensive driving course?

A defensive driving course isn’t mandatory for regular drivers. Some companies require that their drivers complete one before they get access to a company vehicle in order to reduce their insurance costs. If you lose your licence you may be required to do a defensive driving course.

How to take defensive driving classes?

Defensive driving courses can typically be taken either online or in a classroom. The acceptable format (s) varies by state. You can find defensive driving courses in two ways: Do an online search for approved courses in your state. Call your traffic court or driver licensing agency for requirements and approved courses.

What is defensive driving?

It is also a safe driving technique that all drivers should use. Driving defensively includes: Looking ahead and expecting the unexpected. Controlling your speed.

Can you start and stop a golf course at your leisure?

You can usually start and stop the course at your leisure.

Is defensive driving good for you?

By taking a defensive driving course, not only will you be better prepared behind the wheel; you may also reap some financial benefits. These benefits can vary from state to state, but may include the following:

What Will I Learn In A Defensive Driving Course?

In a defensive driving course, you will be educated on traffic rules, laws, signage. Proper understanding of these topics will reduce potential threats to your safety, as well as the safety of other motorists around you. You may already know much of this information, but rules do change over time. Our familiarity with the road can lead to bad driving habits that we may not be aware of, so a little reminder couldn’t hurt!

Why do people take defensive driving classes?

People take defensive driving courses for several different reasons. Certainly, the most common is to remove a citation or points from a driving record. Others take a driver safety class for an insurance discount or job-related purpose. Whatever the reason, scheduling a course will require rescheduling your life.

What is defensive driving?

What is a defensive driving course? A defensive driving course helps drivers become more aware of how to reduce risks while driving. A typical defensive driving course consists of several classroom sessions followed by a practical session in a car with an instructor which must be completed within 60 days of finishing the theory part of the course.

How do you choose a defensive driving course?

Defensive driving courses are held very frequently throughout the country – you should not have to wait long to take one.

What do you need to bring to a driving course?

Students must bring their driver licence and a pen to the course. The theory material is based on videos of driving scenarios and hazard identification by the students. Video clips show developing hazards in different driving situations and encourage drivers to develop their scanning and situational awareness. The instructor will discuss concepts around safe driving in the interactive classroom session. Drivers will learn how to stay focused, avoid distractions, detect potentially hazardous situations before they become dangerous, and drive more fuel efficiently.

How old do you have to be to take a driving test?

The minimum age is 17 years 6 months to take the full licence test. Drivers 25 and over: 3 months (usually 6 months). Drivers on a full licence may be required to do a defensive driving course by their employer. Drivers who are disqualified from driving may be required by the court to do a defensive driving course.

What are the topics covered in the course of driving?

The types of topics covered include: Understanding human factors in driving. Perceiving hazards before they become a problem. Defensive driving techniques and how to apply them. Managing fatigue and distractions. Understanding braking distances and cornering forces. Understanding vehicle performance and overtaking.

Can you learn off road driving?

You won’t learn off-road driving, pursuit techniques or techniques for chauffeurs. All the things you learn will be useful if you take it to the next level in one of these disciplines, though. By Darren Cottingham. Darren is a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists and the NZ Motoring Writers' Guild.

Why do you need to take defensive driving classes?

Taking a defensive driving course teaches you safe driving techniques for controlling your vehicle in emergency situations, as well as procedures for handling fatigue, emotional stress, and road rage. Of course, there are many more reasons for learning safe driving habits.

What is defensive driving?

Defensive driving courses teach drivers safe techniques to proactively anticipate and effectively react to a variety of hazards including careless actions by other drivers, poor visibility and road conditions due to dangerous weather conditions, and dangers triggered by various physical and emotional states.

How much does a defensive driving course reduce insurance premium?

Many states support safe driver incentives that could reduce your insurance premium by as much as 10% for completing a defensive driving course. Many states support safe driver incentives that could reduce your insurance premium by as much as 10% for completing a defensive driving course.

What happens if you have a defensive driving course?

If you have driving violations, completing a defensive driving course could remove points or dismiss a ticket from your driving record. Too many points or tickets on your record could cost you money in fines, as well as potential lost wages if your license is suspended.

How to stay safe while driving?

The best way to stay safe is to put yourself in position to avoid potential threats. Defensive driving courses teach drivers safe techniques to proactively anticipate and effectively react to a variety of hazards including careless actions by other drivers, poor visibility and road conditions due to dangerous weather conditions, and dangers triggered by various physical and emotional states.

What are the advantages of defensive driving?

While the benefits of a defensive driving course will save you money and help you become a smarter, safer driver, the advantages offered by online courses make the learning experience fast and easy. Convenient. Anytime, anywhere, any device learning means you decide when to fit the courses into your busy schedule. You Control the Pace.

Can you control the pace of DriveSafe?

You Control the Pace. DriveSafe Online courses feature intelligent bookmarking so you can start and stop the course as often as you like.

Why is defensive driving important?

Learning defensive driving strategies can help to keep you safe while you’re on the road. Many Americans are so used to driving that it has become a fairly casual affair. However, that’s all the more reason that you should learn how to become a defensive driver, so other distracted drivers don’t jeopardize your safety or put you at risk.

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.

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.

What to do if you see a truck on the highway?

For example, say that you are driving and you notice a truck on the highway has construction materials in the back that are not tied down well. You should be able to sense that this is a risk and safely distance yourself from the truck. If it seems that the truck could potentially cause harm to other drivers on the road, you’ll want to pull over when you reach the next exit in order to report the hazard to the police.

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.

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.

Is it okay to drive casually?

When you drive frequently, it’s easy to get too casual about it. Since many of your recent driving trips have gone by without incident, it’s easy to assume that everything will be fine this time, too. However, you should never get too relaxed about what it means to be driving a vehicle on the road.