where can i find out if ive taken a defensive drivers course

by Dr. Valerie Beahan 8 min read

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.

Question: How can I find out when the last time I took a defensive driving course? Answer: If you cannot remember how long it has been since you have taken a defensive driving class, then you may try contacting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to see if they have it listed as part of your driving record.Sep 7, 2012

Full Answer

How do I qualify for 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.

Does a defensive driving course go on your record?

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 many times can I take a defensive driving course?

How do I get a lost Defensive Driving Certificate?

Replacing a Lost Defensive Driving Completion Certificate If you attended a brick-and-mortar traffic school, whether run by the state or an approved private agency, call or email the registrar's office and ask for a copy of the completion certificate. These will often cost a nominal fee.

What is a defensive driving course called?

Defensive driving courses, which are also referred to as traffic school, driver improvement, and point reduction, are often approved and licensed by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), Department of Public Safety (DPS), Secretary of State (SOS), Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), or Office of Motor ...

How do you check if you are eligible for defensive driving Texas?

Texas Defensive DrivingPossess 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...

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

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

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.

How long is NJ defensive driving course?

six-hourThe New Jersey Defensive Driving course is a six-hour course and will take you a minimum of six hours to complete.

How do I get a copy of my NYS defensive driving certificate?

How can I get a copy of my New York driving record? This can be requested from the New York DMV. Simply complete form MV-15 ("Request for Driver and / or Vehicle Record Information"), which can be obtained at any New York State motor vehicle office. This form can also be downloaded from the DMV internet office.

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

3 yearsEvery 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. If you do not renew, your auto insurance rate will automatically increase.

How often can you take NJ defensive driving course?

You can take the New Jersey defensive driving course once every three years to receive a discount on your auto insurance rate.

How long is defensive driving course online NJ?

six-hourSafeMotorist's New Jersey Online Defensive Driving course makes it simple to avoid point penalties after a traffic ticket and save money on your auto insurance rate. The six-hour course is 100% online and approved by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) for point and insurance reduction.

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 do I find out how many points I have on my license NJ?

You can check how many points are on your license in New Jersey by going to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website. Checking your license points in New Jersey will cost you $15, since you will need to pay for a copy of your driving record. New Jersey uses driver's license points to track violations.

How long does 2 points stay on your license in NJ?

Thankfully, the New Jersey MVC will remove these points for a couple different reasons: Three points will be removed if you go one full year without receiving a violation or having your license suspended. Two points will be removed if you complete a NJ defensive driving course. This can be done once every five years.

How much does 2 points affect insurance in NJ?

The 2 point reduction defensive driving course can also help reduce your NJ car insurance rate. The NJ mandatory law states upon completion of the 6 hour NJ defensive driving course, drivers are eligible to receive up to 10% reduction on their car insurance for 3 years.

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.

How long is a defensive driving course?

Your specific defensive driving school curriculum and requirements will vary by state, but your course will generally last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours. In many states, you'll have the option of completing a defensive driving course online or in a classroom. Be sure to check that the program is approved by your state.

What is defensive driving?

Defensive driving courses, which are also referred to as traffic school, driver improvement, and point reduction, are often approved and licensed by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), Department of Public Safety (DPS), Secretary of State (SOS), ...

Why do you need to enroll in defensive driver improvement?

Regardless of your reason for enrolling in a defensive driver improvement program, you'll gain valuable safe driving knowledge that may help to prevent you from receiving traffic citations and causing accidents in the future.

What is traffic school?

Along with safe and defensive driving techniques, traffic school will usually cover topics including: Traffic laws and violations in your state. Alcohol/drug abuse and consequences. Developing better driving attitudes and behaviors. Sharing the road with other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

How to enroll in defensive driving school in South Carolina?

You can enroll in a National Safety Council (NSC) Defensive Driving Course online or in an equivalent course at a local driving school. Generally, a South Carolina DMV approved traffic school will indicate whether it is specifically certified to teach the four-point reduction course.

What is defensive driver school?

Defensive driver school is for fully-licensed drivers to review driving laws and regulations, while driver’s ed is for those who are learning how to drive and are not yet licensed motorists.

What is defensive driving in South Carolina?

Defensive Driving in South Carolina. A defensive driving course in South Carolina can benefit motorists in various ways, from reducing points on a driving record to potentially lowering auto insurance costs.

What does a defensive driving certificate of completion mean?

A defensive driving certificate of completion proves that you have done the required coursework for a four-point reduction on your driving record. Be sure to confirm with the school where you take the course as to whether you need to submit this certificate to the DMV or if the school will do it on your behalf.

What is the benefit of taking a defensive driving course in South Carolina?

Taking and completing a defensive driver course can reduce your total number of points, which lowers your risk of a license suspension. If you take a defensive driving course when you have accumulated enough points ...

How many hours of defensive driving training is required in SC?

The official defensive driving course in SC must be done in person at an approved location. The course requires eight hours of classroom training and can only be taken after points have been added to your driving record in order to then reduce them. This is the only authorized course that is accepted by the DMV for reducing your total of points.

How much does it cost to take defensive driving classes in SC?

However, as a general rule, you can expect to pay between $75 and $100 for these classes, with schedules varying depending on necessity and availability of instructors.

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.

Which Type of Driving Record Do I Need for Defensive Driving?

On an episode of the original Muppet Show, Kermit, frustrated by a string of missteps by another character, turns to the character and asks, exasperated, “What kind of idiot are you?!?” “What kind?” came the response. “I didn’t know I had a choice.”

Does Defensive Driving Show Up on My Driving Record?

If you are attempting to dismiss a ticket, you certainly want it to. As we said before, the “3A” version is the one that will get that done in Texas.

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.