when i need defensive course

A defensive driving course is meant for individuals that have received a ticket and would like it dismissed or to avoid the points accumulating on their driving record, received a court order to take a course, received a letter from the DMV requiring that they take a course, or have an insurance company that offers a discount on their premium for taking a course.

Full Answer

What is a defensive driving course and do I need one?

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. Why might I need/want to take a defensive driving course?

What are the benefits of a NY defensive driving course?

Before you do, you'll want to be sure that you meet all of the NY defensive driving requirements. When you complete our course, the state will grant you a 4 point driving record reduction and an auto insurance reduction of up to 10%.

Should I take a defensive driving course or just pay the ticket?

Should I Take a Defensive Driving Course or Just Pay the Ticket? When they get a traffic ticket, many people opt to pay the fine so that it goes away quickly. Unfortunately, however, paying the fine may seem like the quickest resolution, but it is important to know that doing so will ensure that ticket goes on your record.

Can I take a defensive driving course for a non-moving violation?

You can't take defensive driving courses for non-moving violations. How will I know if I'm eligible to take a defensive driving course? Usually, your appropriate state department will send you a notice in the mail letting you know you qualify for a defensive driving course, but you can also call your court or DMV and ask.

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.

Why is it important to drive defensively?

The importance of defensive driving cannot be overstated. As a defensive driver, you're much less likely to be involved in a crash. In turn, you're much safer and aware of what to do in the event of another driver's actions.

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.

Who qualifies for defensive driving in Texas?

Easy-to-Meet RequirementsPossess a valid Texas drivers license or permit.Admit guilt to a traffic violation and wish to use defensive driving as an alternative, OR meet your insurance company's eligibility requirements for insurance reduction.Have not taken a course to dismiss a traffic ticket within the past 12 months.More items...

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 a safe speed to drive your car?

Speed is one of the most overlooked aspects when it comes to highway driving. Maintaining high speeds on highways is easy, as roads are wider and traffic is generally light. If there are signs that show a speed limit of 80kph, use them as a guide and stick close to it.

What are the 4 S's of safe driving?

It's called The LLLC Defensive Driving Principles™, but we just call it “Triple-L-C.” Using the Four Driving Principles of Safety, Look Ahead, Look Around, Leave Room, and Communicate, gives you the time and information you need to avoid an accident and be an all-around better driver.

What is the most important skill of defensive driving?

Scan your surroundings regularly Remaining aware of what's happening around you is the best way to be able to anticipate what other drivers might do and take timely action to stay safe. This is the fundamental principle of defensive driving.

When can you not take defensive driving Texas?

Violations Where You Can't Take Defensive Driving in Texas Passing a school bus or not stopping for one. Not having car insurance when you drive. Construction zone violations. Speeding that exceeds 25 mph above the limit.

How long do you have to take defensive driving after a ticket in Texas?

90 daysHow long do you have to take defensive driving after a ticket in Texas? For ticket dismissal and to keep the citation off your driving record, drivers have 90 days from the date of plea to complete a stated approved defensive driving course.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record?

three to five yearsHow long does a speeding ticket affect your driving record? A speeding ticket usually stays on your record for three to five years. Most states have a penalty system that assigns demerits to drivers for traffic violations. Every state differs in the amount of points assigned for each violation.

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 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.

How often can you go to traffic school?

However, other states do allow this but only once every so many months or years.

Can you take classes to remove demerit points?

Besides schools specific to taking keeping off a violation and/or points that you were recently cited for, as mentioned above, some states allow for you to take classes to remove demerit points previously put onto your record.

Why do people take defensive driving courses?

Reason number two why people take a defensive driving course is to reduce auto insurance premiums. Some insurance companies will offer a reduction in your insurance premiums for voluntarily completing a course. Your insurance agent will be able to tell you if you qualify.

How long is a defensive driving class?

Attendees travel to the location of the class, and sit for the required duration (sometimes as long as 8 hours!) and then complete an exam to receive a certificate of completion.

What is a driving safety course?

Accident prevention course. Driver improvement course. Traffic school. It’s important to understand, though, that most of these terms refer to the same thing: a course of study designed to help an already licensed driver improve her or his skills.

How long is a course approved by the state of Idaho?

For example, a course approved by the state of Idaho is required to be 6 hours long, but a course approved by the state of Tennessee is only required to be 4 hours long. As part of your research, it’s important to understand if a course is required to be of a certain length in your state.

Why do I need to take a driver's course?

Before making a purchase of any course, make sure that it meets your goals or needs. Most drivers take a course for one of three reasons: The first reason is driver improvement. Accident prevention matters . It matters to the long-term health and safety of us and our families.

Can you take defensive driving online?

But almost all states now allow drivers to take a defensive driving course online. While some people still prefer the social arrangement of gathering in a common location, the convenience of an online class can’t be understated. First, an online defensive driving course doesn’t require you to be in a single location.

When Is Traffic School a Good Option?

It is important to mention that each state is unique in how they handle traffic tickets. Some states handle tickets through the courts where the judge can provide various options and determines if a ticket goes on your driving record.

Take Defensive Driving for Speeding Ticket

If you choose to take defensive driving for speeding offenses or other infranction, Ticket School can help you.. That’s because we offer online defensive driving courses that you can take in the comfort of your home.

Benefits of Taking a Defensive Driving Course

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:

Should I Go to Ticket School?

You’ve decided to enroll in a defensive driving course. That’s an excellent choice, but should you enroll in Ticket School? Yes.

How long should I wait to take defensive driving in New York?

The answer is, “You should wait until the points actually show up on your NY driving record.”. Depending on the court, it could take 2-6 ...

How long can you take a citation course?

Yes, as long as it has been 18 months from the date of the first citation and the second citation and from the time you completed the course – then you can take the class to remove another 4 points from your record. You can take the course every 18 months if you like. 3.

What happens if you get 11 points on your license in New York?

For New York, the main retribution is arguably the one that states, “Once you tally 11 points on your driving record, your license will be suspended. ”. The truth is, drivers may not know the best way to go about protecting their driving record.

Is every accident avoidable?

Not every single accident is avoidable, but many can be halted just by making a few changes with your current driving behaviors. Having more awareness can be the key, which is why these classes aren't seen as a joke by insurance companies or the DMV.

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.