Connecticut Defensive Driving

If you are found guilty of traffic violations it can affect your driving record by having points added to it by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you obtain too many points your license can be suspended or you will have to take a mandatory operator retraining program.

If you need to have traffic tickets dismissed or to get your car insurance premiums reduced defensive driving courses are an excellent option for you.

If you voluntarily sign up to take a defensive driving course you will learn essential information on becoming a safer driver and how to avoid accidents and future traffic tickets. You may also be eligible for lower insurance rates.

The following information will inform you about Connecticut’s defensive driving courses as well as operator retraining programs.

Operator Retraining Programs in Connecticut

The Connecticut DMV will require you to participate in an operator retraining program or driver improvement course if you are:

• Guilty of driving in a construction zone on the highway in excess of 75MPH.
• A CDL driver and was guilty of driving in excess of 65 MPH in a highway construction zone.
• Guilty of receiving two suspensions or violations and are under 24 years old.
• Guilty of receiving three suspensions or violations and are 25 years old or older.

If the Connecticut DMV requires you to complete traffic school they will provide you with a deadline to complete the course.

For more information on your local traffic school or driver improvement programs you should contact one of the following:

• National Traffic Safety Institute: (866) 455-6874.
• The National Safety Council: (800) 210-6407.
• Driver Education Station: (800) 381-8729.
• A Better Connecticut Driver: (866) 236-6989.

You can expect to spend 4 hours in your defensive driving course and it will cost you approximately $60 to complete.

NOTE: Online courses are not available at this time through the Connecticut DMV for those needing to complete the operator retraining requirements.

Your driver’s license can be suspended if you do not meet the deadline that the Connecticut DMV has set for you.

Connecticut Defensive Driving Options

Even if the Connecticut DMV hasn’t required you to attend traffic school you can still voluntarily sign up to:

• Get traffic tickets dismissed as well as any driving record points.
• Acquire a lower insurance rate for your car.

The court that is handling your tickets or your insurance company will determine if you are eligible to benefit from taking defensive driving classes.

Traffic School Can Get Tickets Dismissed

If you recently pleaded not guilty to minor traffic violations your court may give you the option of dismissing your tickets by completing a defensive driving course.

Each individual case is determined by the courts depending on exactly what the offense is.

Earn Car Insurance Discounts in Connecticut

To earn insurance discounts for your car you have the option of voluntarily taking defensive driving courses.

Usually insurance companies only offer discounts to teens or senior citizens over the age of 62. However, many companies offer it regardless of age now, so check with your current company to see if you are eligible.

Details for Defensive Driving Courses in Connecticut

Whether you are required by the courts to take a defensive driving course or sign up voluntarily the classes will include the following subjects:

• Traffic laws in Connecticut.
• Respecting other drivers on the road.
• Good driving attitude and habits.
• Safe driving practices.

After you complete a 4 hour course you will be required to take a final exam.

After you pass the final exam, the course provider will send your certificate of completion to the court handling your case. You will also be provided with a copy for your records.

If you are required to take the course due to traffic violation you will have to complete it in a classroom setting. However, if you voluntarily sign up for a defensive driving course you may have the option of taking the course online.

Before you sign up for a course you should check with your court or insurance provider to see if it will benefit you.