Steps to Completing Defensive Driving in Texas
How Texas Defensive Driving Courses Work
Taking a defensive driving course in Texas makes it easy to dismiss your traffic ticket, keeping points from your driving record. These courses also enhance your driving skills, making you a more knowledgeable and safer driver on the road, and potentially reducing your car insurance premiums.
It’s essential to complete your defensive driving course before your court date to ensure it counts towards ticket dismissal. Missing this deadline might mean the ticket stays on your record, along with additional fines from the court.
Submitting your driving record with your course certificate is often a required step. The court verifies your eligibility to use a defensive driving course to dismiss a ticket by checking your record for any courses taken for dismissal in the past 12 months. This step helps maintain the integrity of the dismissal process, ensuring it's fair and effective.
Don't have a ticket to dismiss?
No problem! You don’t need a ticket to take a defensive driving course. Anyone can enroll to enhance their driving skills and knowledge, helping to prevent future tickets and accidents. Completing the course can qualify you for insurance discounts, making it a smart choice for any driver.
Defensive Driving Eligibility in Texas
To be eligible for a defensive driving course for ticket dismissal in Texas, you must meet the following criteria:
- You hold a valid Texas driver's license.
- You have not taken a defensive driving course for ticket dismissal in the last 12 months.
- Your ticket is for a moving violation, not a serious offense like speeding 25 mph over the limit, passing a school bus, or committing a construction zone violation.
When you request to take a defensive driving course for ticket dismissal, the court typically requires the following:
- A request to the court by the appearance date on your ticket.
- Payment of court fees (these are separate from the course cost).
- Submission of a copy of your driving record.
- Completion of a TDLR-approved defensive driving course.
- Submission of the course completion certificate by the deadline given by the court.
Defensive driving can only dismiss one ticket at a time. If you have two tickets, you can only use the course to dismiss one. For the second ticket, you must explore other options, such as paying the fine or appearing in court to discuss possible alternatives. Ultimately the decision is up to the court judge. It never hurts to ask!
Taking Defensive Driving Online
In Texas, you can take a defensive driving course online, which offers flexibility and convenience. You can complete your course in one day or 76 days; just watch out for your court date.
No matter where you are, everything can be accessed on a computer, mobile device, or any mix of devices, allowing you to complete the course on your own terms. You can pause and resume the course as needed, with progress automatically saved, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
Common Questions About TX Defensive Driving Courses
What is an Approved Texas Defensive Driving Course?
Approved Texas defensive driving courses are state-certified and designed to teach safe driving techniques, reduce points on your driving record, and potentially lower insurance rates. Our courses are fully approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to be accepted for ticket dismissal.
Is Defensive Driving the Same as a Driver Safety Course?
Yes, in Texas, defensive driving and driver safety courses are the same state-approved programs aimed at improving driving skills and dismissing traffic tickets. The terms are used interchangeably, so if your court requires a "driver safety course," it is referring to a defensive driving course.
Can Defensive Driving be Done Online?
Yes, Texas allows defensive driving courses to be completed online, offering flexibility and convenience. TDLR-approved courses can be taken at your own pace, with options like audio read-along or 100% video options.
How Long Are Texas Defensive Driving Courses?
Texas defensive driving courses are 6 hours long, including breaks. You can complete the course in one sitting or break it into multiple sessions, depending on your schedule.
How Long Do I Have to Complete a Texas Defensive Driving Course?
You usually have 90 days from the date of approval to complete a defensive driving course and submit your completion certificate to the court, along with any required paperwork and a copy of your driving record.
How Do I Dismiss My Ticket with Defensive Driving?
To dismiss your ticket with defensive driving, request permission from the court, pay any required fees, complete an approved course, and submit the certificate of completion along with any other required documentation to the court.
If I Take Defensive Driving, Do I Still Pay the Ticket?
While taking defensive driving can dismiss your ticket, you still need to pay court fees and administrative costs. The benefit is that the ticket itself won't be on your record, helping to avoid insurance premium increases.
How Many Times Can You Take Defensive Driving in Texas?
In Texas, you can dismiss a traffic ticket with a defensive driving course once every 12 months. This means if it’s been less than a year since you last took the course for ticket dismissal, you won't be eligible to use it again for this purpose.
How Long Does it Take to Get My Completion Certificate?
Once you successfully complete the course, you have several options for receiving your certificate of completion. You can instantly download a PDF of your certificate or choose to have a physical copy sent via standard first-class USPS mail, expedited overnight delivery, or two-day mail delivery.
Depending on the delivery method you choose, it can take from a few minutes to a week.
What are the different types of Texas defensive driving courses?
Texas offers three types of defensive driving courses: online, in-person, and DVD/video. Online courses are flexible and can be taken on any device at your own pace. In-person classes provide structured schedules and direct interaction with instructors, while DVD courses allow at-home learning with the ability to pause and resume as needed.
Texas Defensive Driving Courses People LOVE 🥰
The online video class was entertaining as well as informative.
I liked the video clips that were inserted and the unit quizzes were very helpful to take along the way instead of at the very end. I would recommend this course to anyone.
~Tina Lewis
BEST COURSE! I lol'd so many times, and learned a few things too. My questions sent through customer support were answered VERY promptly.
These guys turned a crappy obligation into a wonderful experience!
~A M
Quick and easy! Finished in two days, didn’t seem like I spent 6 hours on it at all. Each unit quiz is super simple! Just watch the videos!!!!
Also it isn’t boring, they make very interesting with some humor! I highly recommend this course to anyone in need!
~Brittney Farley
Website was easy to navigate. I was dreading taking a course but they actually made it kinda fun!
Price was low, and it was great that they offer electronic delivery for procrastinators like myself haha. Overall experience was great :)
~Annette Iroanya
This defensive driving course was excellent, very informative yet funny, entertaining.
Also the six hours went by very quickly due to the format of the online class. I highly recommend this program for defensive driving.
~Brenda Fine
The course was easy to complete and did provide good information.
Above all however, is the customer service. They were extremely helpful and quick to answer at any time. They were honestly pleasant to talk to.
~Jacob Perez
Loved the course, good way to freshen up what you already know; easy to understand and can complete it at our own schedule.
The customer service is awesome, very responsive and accommodating. I do not wish for a ticket again but would recommend the course and the company if you received one. 5 shining stars!
~Harini Ira
This course was fun to take and easy to use! I could log on and off when I wanted.
They used different methods of learning to keep you engaged and broke up the "test" into quizzes after each section so it was not one final exam at the end. It was affordable too! Definitely recommend!
~Gwendolyn Kraus
A very entertaining spin on what would normally be a drag. Had me in the edge of my seat with each video and question. This course really shows the importance of defensive driving and how to save yourself and others in an emergency.
The creators of this course truly care for your well being and just want you to understand the dangers of the road and how to face them. GIVE THEM A TRY IF YOU NEED A COURSE!!!
~Clayton Hutchins
