where do i take my defensive driving course for speeding ticket texas

Texas Defensive Driving Courses In Texas, defensive driving can be completed in person at a commercial driving school, or it can be completed from a Texas Education Agency (TEA)-approved online provider.

Full Answer

How can I take defensive driving courses in Texas?

Become a safer driver. There are different types of traffic school/defensive driving courses you can take depending on your reason for completing the course. In Texas, defensive driving can be completed in person at a commercial driving school, or it can be completed from a Texas Education Agency (TEA)-approved online provider.

Can I take a Texas defensive driving course to dismiss violations?

A Texas defensive driving course may NOT be taken to dismiss any of the following violations: You can take a Texas defensive driving course if you meet the following conditions: You have not taken a defensive driving course within the past 12 months. Are not currently taking a defensive driving course for a different violation.

Can I take defensive driving for a speeding ticket?

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 do I get a ticket dismissed through defensive driving?

Dismissing a ticket through defensive driving can be stressful, but follow our six steps below to make it a breeze. Step 1: Determine if you are eligible to take defensive driving. You can take a Texas defensive driving course if you meet the following conditions: You have not taken a defensive driving course within the past 12 months.

Can you 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.

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 do you get a defensive driving ticket in Texas?

How to Submit a Defensive Driving Certificate in TexasStep 1: Make Sure You are Eligible for a Defensive Driving Course. ... Step 2: Pay Your Traffic Ticket. ... Step 3: Complete Your Defensive Driving Course on Time. ... Step 4: Provide the Defensive Driving Certificate to the Court.More items...•

Where do I send my defensive driving certificate in Houston?

3) Submit your certificate or completion of the course (court's copy), the certified copy of your driving record, and a signed and notarized DSC affidavit to the court or the DSC window, at 1400 Lubbock. If you deliver in person, the clerk will certify the affidavit.

How do you get a speeding ticket dismissed in Texas?

Here are five steps to dismissing your Texas traffic ticket:You must have a non-commercial driver's license.You must admit guilt or plead no contest (nolo contendere)The citation must be for driving within 25 miles per hour of the posted limit.Your citation does not involve an infraction in a construction zone.More items...•

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...

What happens when you get your first speeding ticket in Texas?

Once you've admitted guilt for your violation, you'll need to request permission from the court to take a defensive driving course. You can do this either in person or by mail. Once approved, you'll have 90 days to complete and pass your course, and submit your certificate of completion to your court.

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.

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.

Can you take defensive driving online in Texas?

Our TDLR-approved Texas Online Defensive Driving course satisfies all court requirements for ticket dismissal. You could even save up to 10% on your auto insurance if your provider offers a defensive driving discount. The defensive driving course takes just six hours to complete, and many students finish it in one day.

How do I request defensive driving in Harris County?

Request by phone: 0311 to speak to a One Call Solution Center representative by phone to submit your DSC/MOTC information. You will need access to a computer and email to complete this process. If your court date is within 5 business days, we recommend you appear in court, or contact 3-1-1 for further information.

How much is defensive driving Texas?

$25How much does it cost to take defensive driving course in Texas? The state of Texas requires defensive driving courses to cost a minimum of $25.

Step 1: Determine If You Are Eligible to Take Defensive driving.

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 pas...

Step 2: Request Permissions from The Court to Take A Driving Safety Course.

Mention that you will be enrolling in our TEA approved course (CP #947) and receive their approval to do so.

Step 3: Obtain A Copy of Your Driving Record to Submit to The Court.

Order through our secure online ordering system on our site and receive your driving record in 24 hours or less! We offer delivery of your official...

Step 4: Enroll in The Safety-Usa Online Texas Defensive Driving Course.

Safety-USA’s online Texas defensive driving course has been approved by the Texas Education Agency for ticket dismissal and insurance discount purp...

Step 5: Complete The Course Online.

The Safety-USA course includes easy-view multimedia, full audio that you control, 24/7 support, same day certificate processing, and more. It’s a q...

Step 6: Submit Your Driving Record and Defensive Driving Certificate of Completion to The Court.

After completion of the course, you will receive a certificate that will be processed the same day.< Back to Defensive Driving

Why do you need defensive driving in Texas?

In Texas, there are many reasons to complete an approved defensive driving course, including to: Remove points from your driving record. Reduce your car insurance rates. Fulfill a traffic court or Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requirement. Become a safer driver. There are different types of traffic school/defensive driving courses you ...

How long does it take to get a traffic ticket dismissed in Texas?

If you have received a traffic citation in Texas and wish to dismiss the ticket and keep it off your driving record, you'll need to take an approved ticket dismissal defensive driving course and complete it within 90 days of entering a plea.

What to do if you didn't receive notification of a traffic ticket?

If you didn't receive notification, check with the court before you enroll in traffic school . Generally, to be eligible for defensive driving for a ticket, you will need to meet the following requirements: You were not driving a commercial vehicle when you received the traffic ticket.

What does defensive driving cover?

While specifics vary based on your course provider, Texas defensive driving will typically cover: Texas road rules and regulations. Habits of safe drivers. Road signs and symbols. Driving techniques for hazardous conditions. Texas drunk driving laws and penalties.

What to do if you are cited for a seatbelt violation in Texas?

If you have been cited for a seat belt violation, your local Texas traffic court judge may order you to complete a seat belt course. Be sure to enroll in a TEA-approved course in order to fulfill this requirement.

Do you need a final exam to get a defensive driving license?

Your defensive driving course length can vary by provider and you may be required to pass a final exam before earning a certificate of completion. Your defensive driving certificate is what you will need to provide your traffic court or car insurance company to earn your ticket dismissal or insurance discount.

Does dismissing a ticket increase your insurance?

Dismissing a ticket will also prevent your car insurance rates from increasing as a result of your citation and you'll remove points from your driving record. Check with the Texas DMV to check how many times you can complete this course to dismiss a traffic ticket.

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.

What is traffic court?

Traffic court is designed to be high-volume and not overtly punitive. The goal of traffic court is to get you to slow down, think about what you could have done differently and not make the same mistake again. There is not a single day which someone doesn’t die during a traffic accident.

Why are speeding violations important?

Speeding and other moving violations are in place to deter bad driving habits or actions to make everyone on the road safer.

Does a speeding ticket affect your insurance?

It also doesn’t need to affect your insurance rates, or even be reported to your auto insurance for that matter .

How long is a defensive driving course in Texas?

To obtain TDLR approval, all Texas defensive driving courses must adhere to a state-mandated length of six hours. Don’t fall for the “Shortest Course in Texas” sales pitch. If the course is shorter than six hours, it’s not state-approved and won’t make your ticket go away.

How long does it take to get a defensive driving license?

Once that permission is granted, you’ll have 90 days to complete the course and return your certificate to the court.

What happens at the end of a driving course?

At the end of the course, you will be required to pass a test over the presented material to be awarded a completion certificate. This certificate of completion can then be submitted to your court, keeping the conviction and associated points off of your driving record.

What do you need to get a citation in Texas?

Each court is individual in its requirements, but generally, you will need to meet the following criteria: You must hold a valid Texas driver’s license. You must not have more than one current violation. Your citation must not have been received while driving a commercial vehicle.

Can you take defensive driving classes online?

You can find defensive driving courses taught both live in classrooms and online. Online is often the more convenient option because it can be worked on wherever and whenever the student has the time. Most courts in Texas will dismiss tickets with defensive driving if you meet their qualifications.

Can you get a citation dismissed for a commercial vehicle?

Your citation must not have been received while driving a commercial vehicle. If you meet these requirements, you may be eligible for ticket dismissal. In some cases, depending on the severity of your violation and previous driving history, you may be required to take defensive driving as a part of your sentencing.

How long is a defensive driving class in Texas?

A defensive driving class in TX is approximately six hours long. Generally, motorists have the option to choose between online or in-person classes.

What do you need to take a driver improvement course in Texas?

To be eligible for a course, motorists must: Have a valid Texas drivers license. Have proof of car insurance. Plead no contest in court. Furthermore, there are general conditions that will prevent certain residents from participating in a driver improvement course.

Why do drivers need to be in a safety program?

One of the primary reasons that motorists choose to partake in a driver safety program is to dismiss a traffic ticket. While Texas courts will not permit dismissal for all violations, it may still be worth making a request as approval is based on the discretion of local judges.

What are the benefits of completing traffic school in Texas?

These benefits include: Ticket dismissal. Receiving a car insurance discount. Fulfilling a court order. Learning safe driving skills and knowledge.

What is driver education in Texas?

Drivers ed and traffic school in Texas offer different types of knowledge to residents. Driver’s education classes are targeted toward new drivers who do not yet have their license. It is an introduction to driving and traffic laws. It also often accompanied with behind-the-wheel training.

How long does it take to get a copy of your drivers license in Texas?

If the court approves the request, motorists can then register for a defensive driving course. They will have 90 days to finish the course and submit a certificate of completion.

What does a driver safety course teach you?

During a driving safety course, drivers will learn about the knowledge and skills necessary to stay safe on the road. Furthermore, depending on a resident’s auto insurance company, taking a driver safety program may reduce his or her monthly premium costs.

I Just Got a Ticket. Can I Take Defensive Driving?

Step one in the getting rid of your ticket dance is to make sure if your situation or circumstance makes it OK to even ask.

How Long is a Texas Defensive Driving Course?

The TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) requires all defensive driving classes to be six hours in length. Before the very thought of facing six hours of something you don’t want to do makes you throw up your hands and “just say NO,” let me tell you that it won’t be as bad as it sounds.

How Long Will the Court Give Me to Complete the Course?

In nearly every jurisdiction, drivers are given 90 days in which to complete a defensive driving course and return their documentation to the court. Besides a certificate of completion from the course provider and any court generated paperwork, you will likely also have to submit a copy of your driving record.

How Many Times Can I Take Defensive Driving?

The law says that you can take defensive driving once every twelve months for ticket dismissal purposes. Because of this, I suppose your answer comes down to how much longer you depend on driving.

Can I Take Defensive Driving Without a Ticket?

Absolutely. In fact, it would be the better way to go. With potential insurance savings of 2-10%, taking a defensive driving course voluntarily is a smart use of your time. Spending $25.00 for a course could earn you $25.00 an hour for the six hours you’ll spend taking the course.

Approved Texas Defensive Driving Courses Are Not Created Equal!

We’ve gone through all of the above approved Texas defensive driving courses and gave them star ratings so you could quickly determine which defensive driving courses we recommend. With that said, we always recommend you do your own research. What exactly should you look for?

Texas Defensive Driving Courses FAQs

If your goal is to get your traffic ticket dismissed, you are only allowed to take the course in Texas once every year. However, you can always take it as a refresher anytime you want without limits.

Conclusion

So if you’re taking a defensive driving course in Texas, make sure to look into these online traffic schools.

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 to get a ticket for a speeding ticket?

Typically, you will have three main options when you get a ticket: Pay the fine. 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). ...

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 ...

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Taking Your Texas Defensive Driving Course

Texas TDLR-Approved Defensive Driving

• Texas defensive driving can be completed online or in a classroom. The most important point here is that the course must be approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). There are steps you will need to follow to ensure your ticket is properly dealt with. Be careful here!Missing one can result in more fines and the citation a...

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