Defensive Driving - FAQ

How to dismiss your traffic citation or speeding ticket?

(1) Get court approval to take a defensive driving (driving safety) course.
(2) Register and complete the course and receive your certificate.
(3) Bring your certificate along with your driving record to court to dismiss your ticket.
What are your options?

Driving safety courses can help you dismiss ticket and maintain good driving record. They may also be used to lower your auto insurance premium.

For ticket dismissal, you have to get court approval first to be eligible to take driving safety course. For insurance discount course, you don't need court approval.

Permission is granted by the court listed on your traffic citation. If you have any questions involving this matter or any interpretation of Texas law, it is advisable that you consult with your attorney or with the court that has jurisdiction over your case. Check these eligibility requirements.

The educational objectives of driving safety courses include, promoting respect for and encouraging observance of traffic laws and traffic safety responsibilities of drivers and citizens; reducing traffic violations; reducing traffic-related injuries, deaths, and economic losses; and motivating continuing development of traffic-related competencies.

Six (6) hours.

By Texas law, the minimum cost of a driving safety course is $25. Most course providers offer courses at this price, however, some course providers charge more for a video course. Some course providers charge for audio or read along options. Some course providers offer free an electronic certificate or instant download option. You should be able to complete the course and receive your certificate for a minimum of $25.

Yes, driving safety course and defensive driving course are the same. Driving safety course is a common term for defensive driving course and other safe driving courses.

Short answer is YES. Your car insurance rates will go up 22% to 30%, on average, after a speeding ticket, according to a rate analysis by CarInsurance.com. If you are unfortunate to get a speeding ticket, you should try to get the ticket dismissed by taking a driving safety course designed for your state.

Our defensive driving course is 6 hours, minimum required by Texas law.

You must get approval from the court to take a defensive driving course. In Texas you can take a defensive driving course once every 12 months.

You can contest your speeding ticket in court. If you have a strong case that the officer that issued you a ticket made a mistake, the judge can dismiss your ticket. On the other hand, if the officer that issued you a ticket fails to appear in court your ticket will also be dismissed. You can also take a driving safety course to get your speeding ticket dismissed.

Short answer is YES. If you received a traffic citation, by taking a defensive driving course for a small cost of $25 plus court fees you will avoid paying the fine. Most importantly, your ticket will be dismissed and it will not appear on your driving record. Your auto insurance premium will remain the same. By taking a defensive driving course you may also qualify for an auto insurance discount.

To get your driving record on your own and print it immediately, visit the texas.gov website. You will need to have your Texas driver license, social security number, and credit card handy when you start completing the form.

Listed below are some things you can do to lower your insurance costs:
Shop around
Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs
Ask for higher deductibles
Reduce coverage on older cars
Bundle your homeowner's and auto insurance from the same insurer
Maintain a good credit record.
Take advantage of low mileage discounts
Take a driving safety course

Always obey the speed limit
Plan ahead
Recognize triggers
Pay attention to signs
Regularly check the speedometer
Take a Driving Safety Course
Be Respectful to Officers, only 30% of traffic stops end up getting a citation

Yes.

The NHTSA reports that most accidents occur during "rush hour," between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. According to the NHTSA, Saturday is the most dangerous day of the week to drive, primarily because there are more cars and more drunk drivers on the road than any other day.

As motorists often deal with a number of distractions and fast-paced traffic while driving, many find it easy to exceed the speed limit. However, speeding greatly increases the risk of causing a crash that results in serious injury or death.

If you encounter an aggressive drive do the following:
Talk yourself to be calm
Let the aggressive driver pass and increase your stopping distance
Avoid eye contact with aggressive drivers and increase buffer zone by changing lanes or increasing following distance
Do not take actions of other drivers personally
If an aggressive driver follows you, drive to the nearest police station

Your car insurance rates will go up 22% to 30%, on average, after a speeding ticket, according to a rate analysis by CarInsurance.com.

As a defensive driver you must always:
Be alert and focused
Keep Your Eyes Moving
Never drink and drive
Ensure your vehicle is in good condition
Avoid driving in inclement weather