Alaska Defensive Driving

Several approved online and in-class courses are offered by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Defensive driving courses allow you to:

• Reduce the points on your driving record
• Remove traffic tickets from your court record
• Provide car insurance discounts

Also known as traffic school, a defensive driving course can improve your driving habits, prevent accidents and remind you of safe driving skills.

Included on this page is information about the importance of the Alaska Defensive Driving class, how to enroll, when you can take the course and what to do after completion.

Taking Alaska Defensive Driving Classes

Defensive driving classes approved by the DMV are offered:

• In person through professional driving schools
• Through the world wide web

You may need to take a specific course, depending on your purpose for taking one. Find out from the court or your car insurance company precisely what type of course you are required to take before enrolling in a class.

Is an in-person class or an online course better for you? That depends on your learning style, access to the web and ability to attend in person. Some people learn better from an instructor. Others learn better at home and at their own pace.

Reducing Points from your Driving Record

Traffic infractions and convictions result in time with the court system, fines and points on your DMV record. Points may cause your license to be suspended or revoked if:

• You gain 12 points in one year OR
• You gain 18 points in two years

Once a year, you can take an Alaska Defensive Driving class to take up to 2 points from your record. Receive specific instructions from the court regarding which class to take and when.

Removing Tickets from your Record

The Alaska court, depending on your driving history and the details of your violation, may apporve traffic school as a way to remove a ticket from your record. The court will give you instructions regarding:

• The deadline for completing the course
• If you are required to take the class in-person or online
• Other case by case requirements

Please contact the court handling your case for specific details. Taking the wrong course at the wrong time may have no effect on your record.

Traffic School for Insurance Discounts

The Alaska Defensive Driving course can be used to earn discounts on your car insurance by making you a safer driver.

Drivers 56 years old or more can receive a 3 year discount upon completion of the DMV sanctioned defensive driving and accident avoidance program.

Discounts could also be available for drivers under 55. Your insurance company can provide you with details regarding traffic school related discounts.

Defensive Driving Class Details

The course, whether in a classroom or online, takes about the same amount of time and covers the same basic topics.

The class will take about 8 hours and cover the following topics:

• Drug and alcohol awareness, abuse and laws
• Alaska driving regulations
• How to handle emergency situations
• Safety, awareness and accident prevention

How to Complete the Alaska Defensive Driving Class

You'll need to finish a final test upon completing the course. You will be required to take the exam at an approved testing center.

If you were required to take the course to dismiss a ticket, you'll need to take the final exam at the place and time directed by the court.

If you take the course to receive a discount for your insurance or remove points from your record, when you must take the exam will be determined by the insurance company or the court.

Failure to follow the court's direction may have no effect on your record or insurance.