when do i do my defensive driving course

If you've had your fair share of speeding tickets or other traffic violations, or if your drivers license is revoked or suspended, your state might require you to take a defensive driving course. On the other hand, you might volunteer to go to traffic school to refresh your skills behind the wheel or to dismiss a pending traffic ticket.

Full Answer

When do I have to go to defensive driving school?

One of the purposes of the defensive driving program is to reduce court caseloads. You must complete a defensive driving school at least 7 days before a hearing is scheduled. What if I can’t attend during the time allowed by the court?

What is a defensive driving course?

They also aim to instill habits that can prevent accidents or help you react more quickly to an oncoming hazard. 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 do I find out when I took a defensive driving course?

You may need to pay a small fee to obtain a copy of your driving record from your local DMV and check to see when it states you took a defensive driving course.

What happens if you don’t take a defensive driving course?

Failure to do so will result in points being added to your record and the information will be sent to insurance providers. Besides helping you get your ticket dismissed and reducing the points on your driving record, taking a defensive driving course has other benefits. Some of the most notable ones include:

How often can you take defensive driving NYC?

once every 3 yearsYou can take the defensive driving course every 18 months; this will reduce up to 4 points on your driving record. You may also take a course once every 3 years (36 months) to maintain your lower insurance rate. I have more than one person on my insurance policy.

What is the correct step to becoming a defensive driver?

Following these defensive driving tips can help reduce your risk behind the wheel:Think safety first. ... Be aware of your surroundings — pay attention. ... Do not depend on other drivers. ... Follow the 3- to 4-second rule. ... Keep your speed down. ... Have an escape route. ... Separate risks. ... Cut out distractions.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 do points stay on your license in NY?

Once 18 months have passed from the violation date, the points for that violation no longer count toward your total. However, the points remain on your driving record as long as the conviction remains on your record and may be used by your insurance company to increase premiums.

How long does the NYS online defensive driving course take?

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.

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.

How much is a 6 hour defensive driving course in NY?

Resources. The 6-Hour New York Point & Insurance Reduction Course is only $19.95.

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.

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 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.

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.

What is defensive driving?

A defensive driving course is usually a sound investment. Depending on your states requirements, you can either complete a an online defensive driving course or one at a local traffic school. In defensive driving school, you will get up-to-speed on the rules of the road and the latest techniques for safe and effective driving.

How can I improve my car insurance?

Your auto insurance provider. Sometimes, attending a defensive driving school can improve your car insurance rates. Consult with your insurance provider for more information. Your employer. If your job involves driving a company vehicle, your boss may be pleased to hear that you brushed up on your driving skills.

Does defensive driving affect your record?

Completion of a defensive driving course can have a positive impact on your records. Before your class concludes, ensure that you obtain a certificate of completion. Then, provide a copy of your certificate to the following interested parties: Your state motor vehicle agency.

Do you have to take defensive driving classes?

If you've had your fair share of speeding tickets or other traffic violations, or if your drivers license is revoked or suspended, your state might require you to take a defensive driving course. On the other hand, you might volunteer to go to traffic school to refresh your skills behind the wheel or to dismiss a pending traffic ticket.

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.

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.

How many points are removed from a driving record in New York?

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. If you enroll for the purpose of tickets or points, be sure the traffic school you enroll in meets state approval. Otherwise, you will not be credited.

Why do I need to enroll in car insurance?

These include: 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. Traffic tickets.

Can you get your license suspended for defensive driving?

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