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?
  • Why do people take driving safety courses?

    Driving safety courses can help you dismiss ticket and maintain good driving record. They may also be used to lower your auto insurance premium.
  • Can I take the driving safety course without court approval for ticket dismissal?

    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.
  • How do I get permission to take a driving safety course?

    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.
  • What's covered in driving safety course?

    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.
  • How long is the Texas defensive driving course?

    Six (6) hours.
  • What is the cost of driving safety class?

    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.
  • Is Defensive Driving the same as a Driving Safety?

    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.
  • Do Speeding Tickets Affect Your Insurance?

    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.
  • How many hours is the Texas defensive driving online course?

    Our defensive driving course is 6 hours, minimum required by Texas law.
  • How many times can I take the defensive driving course?

    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.
  • Can a speeding ticket be dismissed?

    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.
  • Are Defensive Driving Courses Worth the Time and Money?

    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.
  • Where do I get my Texas driving record?

    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.
  • How can you lower your car insurance?

    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
  • How can I avoid getting a speeding ticket?

    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
  • Can you contest a speeding ticket?

    Yes.
  • What is the most dangerous time of day to drive?

    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.
  • Why driving fast is dangerous?

    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.
  • How do you deal with aggressive drivers?

    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
  • How much does your insurance go up for a speeding ticket?

    Your car insurance rates will go up 22% to 30%, on average, after a speeding ticket, according to a rate analysis by CarInsurance.com.
  • What are the important rules of defensive driving?

    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