what to do after taking defensive driving course

If you attended a defensive driving course voluntarily, you still should submit your certificate to the DMV. Your schooling might improve your driving record. Your auto insurance provider. Sometimes, attending a defensive driving school can improve your car insurance rates.

Full Answer

Should you take a defensive driving course?

Remember, you can’t control what happens around you, but you can prepare yourself to safely overcome hazardous situations you encounter while 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.

How do I get my defensive driving certificate?

GET YOUR DEFENSIVE DRIVING CERTIFICATE. Upon completion of your defensive driving class — whether live or online — Comedy Guys will email a certificate to prove you've done what the court required. We email the certificate to you.

Does a defensive driving course remove points from your record?

It completely depends on your state and your court. Generally, the answer is no. A defensive driving course will TYPICALLY offset points from your public driving record, in the form of a reduction or a credit (again, this is highly state- and court-dependent), rather than remove the violation from your record completely.

How long are your live defensive driving classes?

Our live defensive driving classes are taught in one six-hour session in a restaurant, and your meal is included in the price of the class. Our calendar of classes is the busiest in the state of Texas.

How long do you have to complete defensive driving in Texas?

6 hoursThe 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 do I submit my defensive driving certificate to NJ DMV?

Submit your completion certificate to the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission (MVC). I Drive Safely will send you a certificate of completion via the delivery method you have chosen, which you may then mail or bring to your local MVC office. Check your driving record.

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.

How do you complete defensive driving in Texas?

How to Take a Texas Defensive Driving CourseContact your court and request permission to take a defensive driving course. ... Mail or bring to court all of the required documents and forms. ... Enroll in and complete your TDLR-approved defensive driving course.More items...

How much does a defensive driving course lower your insurance NJ?

between 5% and 10%Any auto insurance provider in New Jersey is required to offer a discount to any policy holder that completes a defensive driving course. The discount, which is usually between 5% and 10% lasts for three years and can be renewed for continuous savings.

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

Two pointsHow many points does defensive driving take off in NJ? Two points can be removed from your license by taking a state-approved defensive driving course in NJ.

How much is a 20 over speeding ticket Texas?

DallasVIOLATIONBASE FINETOTALSPEEDING (1 ‐ 10 miles over the limit)$97$201.10SPEEDING (11 - 15 miles over the limit)$122$226.10SPEEDING (16 - 20 miles over the limit)$147$251.10SPEEDING (over 20 mph)$200$304.104 more rows

Can I just pay my ticket and not go to court Texas?

If you do not want to appear in court, you have the option of paying your fine by mail or by paying in person at the Justice Court as directed on your citation or summons.

How do I get a speeding ticket off my record in Texas?

How to Dismiss a Traffic Ticket in TexasFirst make sure you are eligible to have the ticket dismissed. ... Register for the Texas Online Defensive Driving Course. ... Order your Certified Texas Driving Record, which all Texas courts will require in addition to your Certificate of Completion.More items...

Does defensive driving remove ticket from record Texas?

Most minor traffic citations will be dismissed if you take defensive driving. However, more severe violations are not eligible for traffic ticket dismissal in this way.

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.

Can I take defensive driving for a speeding ticket in Texas?

Most minor citations can be dismissed with a defensive driving course. 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.

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.

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).

How many sittings do you need to take court courses?

If you take it in person in a classroom-type setting, you may be required to complete the course in one sitting, depending on how long it runs. Online courses can typically be completed in installments at your own pace.

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.

Can you offset points on your driving record?

It completely depends on your state and your court. Generally, the answer is no. A defensive driving course will TYPICALLY offset points from your public driving record, in the form of a reduction or a credit (again, this is highly state- and court-dependent), rather than remove the violation from your record completely.

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!

Online Defensive Driving Course Expectations

Online defensive driving courses typically cover important driving-related topics including:

No In-Person Classes

When you have a busy schedule, it can be difficult to attend in-person classes. Not only do you have to spend time on the course itself, but you also have to get to and from these classes. In the end, in-class sessions can be time consuming.

Use of Technology

The fact that the courses are online should mean that the doors are wide open for the use of technology. But sadly, that’s not the case.

Sign up for an Online Defensive Driving Course Today

When you take a DriveSafe Online defensive driving course, you can expect to see the best content at an affordable price.

What is mitigation in court?

Mitigation is where you admit to the ticket and explain the circumstance under which you were committing the violation. Sometimes explaining the circumstances can lead the judge to have leniency with you. Potential outcomes in mitigation can include: Extended time to pay the fine. A lower ticket amount.

How many people get stopped for speeding?

One in ten drivers in the United States get stopped for speeding annually, and of those, usually about 70% actually get tickets. A speeding ticket can cause a lot of problems for you when it comes to your insurance rates, not to mention the cost of the ticket itself.

What to do if you get a speeding ticket?

Seek Mitigation. The final choice that you have when it comes to dealing with a speeding ticket is to seek mitigation. This is a good option if you have not had any tickets or violations in many years, or if it’s your first ticket.

How to minimize damage from speeding ticket?

There are a few things you can do to minimize the damage that a speeding ticket can cause. Most people choose one of three routes: Pay the ticket. Fight the ticket. Seek mitigation. Below, we will explain the process involved in each choice so you can make an educated decision on the best route for you.

What is defensive driving course?

A defensive driving course can be a huge help to many drivers – it can help dismiss a ticket, fulfill a court order, and even reduce points on your driving record. Our defensive driving courses come in different formats, so check your state's requirements and choose the one right for you.

Can you pay more for a speeding ticket?

First of all, there’s the cost of the ticket itself. It can vary, depending on where you were and how far over the speed limit you were going when you were cited. Some states have higher fines for speeding than others, which means that you could end up paying more than you expected for a ticket in one of those states.

Do points go up on your license?

Also, you will get points on your license according to the kind of ticket you received, as well as how much over the speed limit you were traveling. Those points will almost always cause your insurance rates to go up. This will also vary from state to state.

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.

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 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.

Does North Dakota require insurance for defensive driving?

In some states, including North Dakota and Pennsylvania, state authorities require insurance companies to provide discounts to drivers who successfully complete a defensive driving course. This can be a considerable savings for many drivers, especially parents with teen drivers included on their insurance policy.

What happens if you get enough points on your license in Florida?

Accumulation of sufficient points will lead to a license suspension.

What does revocation mean for a driver's license?

A revocation is the permanent removal of your license and right to drive. This doesn’t mean that you’ll never drive again, but getting your license back will entail much more time, money, and effort on your part. Once all of the conditions have been met, you’ll have to start the licensing process all over again.

What happens if you get points in Arkansas?

According to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, points will be added to a driver’s record following a traffic violation. Accumulation of sufficient points will lead to a license suspension.

How long can you be suspended for driving under 21?

A driver under 21 years of age with a provisional license who accumulates 70 or more points in three years, may be suspended or denied for one month to a year , depending upon the severity of the record.

How many points does a driver get for a violation in California?

California uses a program called The Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) in which a driver will receive points against their record for violations (including out-of-state violations) ranging from 0-3 points per offense .

What is the point value for moving violations in Indiana?

The point value relates to the seriousness of the offense in posing a risk to traffic safety. Point values for offenses range from zero to ten, depending on the violation.

How long does it take for points to fall off in Alabama?

In Alabama, points “fall off” two years after they are earned. Alabama does not currently have a point reduction program. Points earned from a ticket will not count toward the total if permission is granted to take a traffic school course.

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.

How long does it take to get a defensive driving ticket dismissed?

You can dismiss one ticket within a 12-month period. You become eligible to take defensive driving on the anniversary of your completed defensive driving course (not when you got the ticket).

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

Drivers under the age of 25 should know that they have to take a defensive driving course every time they get a ticket, even if it hasn't been a year and there's no chance of getting the ticket dismissed.

What is deferred adjudication?

That's the deadline by which you must contact the court to acknowledge that you go the ticket and discuss your options. The court may allow you to choose deferred dispensation, which is also called “deferred adjudication”. This means probation for a period of time…and paying the court fee and the full fine.

How much is the discount on driving safety?

Discounts vary from insurance company to company, but the standard discount is 10% for up to 3 years.

How much does it cost to move a violation?

Moving violations can cost a driver anywhere from $150 to $300 depending on the infraction. Even with defensive driving, you'll probably still have to pay the court fee — usually about $125 — but that will still be less than paying the full cost of the ticket. Lower your auto insurance costs.

How long do you have to take a certificate?

In most cases, you'll have 90 days to take the course and deliver the certificate. But don't wait until the last minute, because things may happen that you hadn't planned for. Internet connections go down and computers crash, so the online course may not be done when you'd planned. Classes get cancelled.

Can you keep a photocopy of your defensive driving certificate?

Once the court has your paperwork, it should record that your ticket has been dismissed and set about having it erased from your driving record. But we suggest you keep a photocopy of your defensive driving certificate in your car.