when i need to take defensive driving course

by Marlen Miller 7 min read

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.

Taking a defensive driving course is not only great for satisfying court requirements due to a serious violation such as a DUI; it is also a great way to cut points from your driving record for other blunders such as speeding, running red lights and other driving errors.

Full Answer

What is the best defensive driving course?

While these do vary from state to state, the basic requirements for taking a defensive driving course include the following: Possession of a valid, noncommercial state driver's license. Not having completed a prior course within your state's allowable window (see below). An eligible moving violation, if applicable and allowed by your state.

How can you effectively practice defensive driving?

Apr 18, 2022 · Approved Course Defensive Driving; Aceable Defensive Driving; The 5 Best Defensive Driving Courses Online IDriveSafely. IDriveSafely is the oldest provider of defensive driving courses in the industry. This school is approved in almost every state, making it ideal. It brings along the most advanced and convenient defensive driving courses online.

What are the four keys of defensive driving?

Oct 02, 2020 · 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 …

What are ten habits of defensive driving?

As mentioned, most of the time (depending on the infraction) you will have the option of taking defensive driving for a speeding ticket or other moving violation (aka Traffic School). Doing so in most states will keep the ticket from going on your driving record.

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

6 hoursThe State of Texas requires defensive driving online courses to take a minimum of 6 hours to complete.

How often can you take a defensive driving course in Alberta?

once every 2 yearsAlberta residents are eligible for a 3 demerit reduction once every 2 years. Non-Alberta residents can take this program, but they will not qualify to receive the 3 demerit point reduction; they only receive an online course completion certificate.

How long is the NYS defensive driving course good for?

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.

What are the 3 basic principles of defensive driving?

Find out more.3 Basic Techniques. BLR's Interactive CD Course: Defensive Driving highlights three basic defensive techniques that can help employees avoid the majority of traffic accidents.Two-second rule. Stay at least two seconds behind the driver in front. ... Pass to stay alive. ... Keep cool and alert in traffic.May 11, 2009

Does Defensive Driving course reduce insurance in Alberta?

3 demerit point reduction off the licence of successful participants. Insurance rate reductions (from some insurance companies) Personalized certificate issued upon completion.

How can I reduce my demerits in Alberta?

Course OverviewRegister for the Proactive Defensive Driving Course.Score 80% or higher on your course exam.Visit a registry in Alberta with your course certificate to have your demerits removed.

How many times can you take a defensive driving course in NY?

You may take the course once every 36 months to keep your insurance reduction benefits.

How can I lower my car insurance in NY?

Eight Ways to Lower Car Insurance Rates in NY, PA and BeyondBe a safe driver. ... Check for a renewal discount or a sign-up discount. ... Choose your car carefully. ... Bundle your insurance policies. ... Improve your credit score. ... Check out the list of discounts. ... Invest in extra safety features. ... Increase your deductible.Mar 24, 2015

Does 2 points affect your insurance in NY?

Getting points on your driver's license as a result of a traffic violation typically leads to an increase in car insurance costs. We analyzed quotes from several insurers and found that having two points on your driver's license could lead to a 180% increase in auto insurance rates.Apr 5, 2022

What are 15 good driving habits?

15 Rules of Defensive DrivingPay Attention. Paying attention doesn't come naturally, however it can become a habit if you work at it. ... Trust NO ONE. On the road, you can never know what other drivers will do. ... Yield Anyway. ... Don't Speed. ... Don't Be Impaired. ... Wear Your Seat Belt. ... Don't Run Red. ... Drive Precisely.More items...

How can I practice safe driving?

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.

What are 7 things that you as a driver should do when driving near pedestrians?

7 Things Drivers Should Do to Keep Pedestrians & Cyclists Safe1) Always Yield. ... 2) Watch for Crosswalks. ... 3) Respect Bike Lines. ... 4) Exercise Caution in Parking Lots. ... 5) Ditch the Distractions. ... 7) Have Respect & Patience. ... Understanding Right of Way for Pedestrians.Feb 3, 2016

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.

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.

What are the benefits of defensive driving?

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: Makes you a better driver. Defensive driving courses equip you with the knowledge and techniques you need ...

Why is it important to keep a clean driving record?

Keeping a clean driving record is helpful since getting multiple tickets on your record can trigger insurance rate increases and in some cases surcharges from the state.

How to contest a speeding ticket?

Contest it in court. Go to traffic school / defensive driving. As mentioned, most of the time (depending on the infraction) you will have the option of taking defensive driving for a speeding ticket or other moving violation (aka Traffic School).

Do you need to repair a damaged car?

You’ll need not only to repair your damaged vehicle but foot medical bills as well. Depending on your state, there are other benefits you get for completing a defensive driving course. Be sure to check with your local authorities for other benefits of taking a defensive driving course.

What is defensive driving course?

Online defensive driving courses, also commonly referred to as traffic school or accident prevention and driver improvement courses, can be a huge benefit for all drivers — from a rookie driver still in high school to a much more seasoned and even professional driver and everyone in between. The information learned in these courses can help ...

What happens when you get caught speeding?

Accidents happen. You get caught speeding, you forget to use your turn signal, you cause a fender-bender or other little things that happen to all of us that end up costing us more each month in tickets and insurance payments.

How much does a car crash cost an employer?

It’s estimated that vehicle crashes cost employers more than $60 billion annually in medical care, legal expenses, property damage, and lost productivity. That doesn’t even include an increase in the cost of worker’s compensation, social security and health, and disability insurance.

How many people die in car crashes a year?

According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, 1.3 million people die each year in car crash-related incidents, which averages to 3,287 a day. An additional 20-50 million people are injured each year. Driving is perhaps the most dangerous thing you do on an everyday basis.

How many people will be over 65 in 2030?

By 2030, 70 million Americans in the U.S. will be over age 65 – and 85 to 90 percent of them will be licensed to drive. There’s no getting around the fact that more and more seniors will be on the road as time goes on.

How many times can you go to traffic school in Florida?

For example, in Florida you can elect to attend traffic school only one time within a 12 month period and only five times in total within your lifetime of having a Florida driver's license.

Why is it important to have a clean driving record?

As you know having a clean driving record has many advantages, from being able to be employed with a company that requires a clean driving record to operate a company vehicle to having better rates with your car insurance company.

When to Take an Illinois Traffic School Course

You may be eligible to take a defensive driving/driver improvement course if you:

Illinois Traffic School Details

Both online defensive driving course and classroom traffic school will generally cover topics including:

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