what is the 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.

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.

How long is the online defensive driving course NY?

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.

How much is a 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....Best cheap defensive driving courses in New York.ProviderCostDriver Training Associates$24.95AARP$27.95Comedy Traffic School$27.95National Safety Council$29.958 more rows•Nov 16, 2021

What is defensive driving simple?

Defensive driving means protecting yourself from more than just other drivers. It's about thinking ahead and anticipating hazards so you can avoid accidents before they happen.

How long do speeding tickets stay on your record in NY?

three yearsA traffic violation remains on a New York driver's record for three years after the conviction.

How many points does a defensive driving course take off in NY?

four pointsUpon completion of our New York DMV-approved defensive driving course, the DMV will reduce your active driving record point total by up to four points. We submit your certificate of completion to the NYS DMV and they take care of reducing the points.

How long is a defensive driving course good for in NY?

3 yearsIt's Time To Renew! Every 3 years you must complete this state-approved defensive driving course to keep your mandatory car insurance discount through New York's Internet Point and Insurance Reduction Program.

Does defensive driving course lower insurance in NY?

According to the New York DMV, the defensive driving course reduces auto insurance premiums by a mandatory 10% that lasts for three years. After the discount expires, you can retake the defensive driving course to secure your discount for another three years.

Can you take a defensive driving course online NY?

You can go through the defensive driving New York online, at your own pace, any day or time you want. You can also leave the NY defensive driving course at any time and continue later from where you left off. New York Safety Program is approved by the New York State DMV to offer NY defensive driving online.

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 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 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 Is Defensive Driving?

Do you remember the last accident or near accident you experienced while driving? If you avoided the accident, do you remember how you avoided it?

Is Defensive Driving School the Same as Drivers Education?

Defensive driving and driver’s education are not the same. Drivers education may include defensive driving skills but its focus is on teaching an individual how to drive, read traffic signs, and be aware of driving laws.

Benefits of a Defensive Driving Course

The main benefit of a defensive driving course is you become a better and safer driver. Other benefits include a reduction of points on your driver’s license after a ticket or accident. Some car insurance companies will reduce your insurance rates by as much as 10% after you take a defensive driving course.

Improve Your Skills With Defensive Driving

Learning and following defensive driving skills is the best way you can avoid accidents and stay safe on the roadway. Not only will defensive driving benefit you but it will keep others on the road safe, too!

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 course?

You can usually start and stop the course at your leisure. You can typically pace the course to match your learning style. You can replay a section if you don't understand what was covered. You can adjust visual and audio settings to your needs.

Do you need a copy of your driving record?

Some states also require a copy of your driving record, so make sure you know all the steps and how to execute them .

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Defensive Driving in a Nutshell

When we talk about defensive driving, there are really only two factors that you can control.

Making Defensive Driving Work for You

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.

Defensive Driving is a Good Idea for Everybody

Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned veteran, there is always something new to be learned by taking a defensive driving course. If you’re taking the course for an insurance discount or to get a traffic ticket dismissed, a defensive driving course can be your ticket to more responsible driving practices.

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.