Montana Defensive Driving

In the state of Montana defensive driving courses will prepare you to be a responsible and safe driver. You will learn valuable information while taking this class that will help decrease your chances of future accidents or violations.

You will also hear the defensive driving courses referred to as:

• Driver improvement program (DIP)
• Traffic school
• Point and insurance reduction program (PIRP)

You will learn in the following pages why traffic school could be required as well as general information about the course.

Reasons for Taking a Defensive Driving Course in Montana

Whether you decide to complete a defensive driving course voluntarily or are court ordered to take one, the following are some of the main reasons for taking the course:

• Discounts on your auto insurance.
• To dismiss your driving record points.
• Ticket dismissal

Dismissing a Ticket

In the state of Montana you can get a traffic ticket dismissed by successfully completing a defensive driving course.

If you believe this could be an option for you, contact your local court that is handling your ticket to find out if you can benefit from completing a course.

Discounts on Auto Insurance

If you live in the state if Montana and are over the age of 55, the law requires that you are offered a cut no our insurance premiums if you complete a defensive driving course.

However, if you are younger than 55 years old you should contact your insurance company to see if they offer any discounts. Many companies only offer discounts to senior citizens or teenagers.

Reducing Your Driving Record Points

If you have had points added to your driving record y may be able to get them reduced by completing a defensive driving course. You can also prevent any points from being added in the future.

The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) can revoke your license if you have too many points added to your record.

The following is a list of common traffic violation and how many points you will receive if found guilty:

• Driving without a valid driver’s license – 2 points.
• Ignoring a stop sign – 2 points.
• Speeding – 3 points.
• Reckless driving – 5 points.
• Driving with a suspended driver’s license – 6 points.
• DUI– 10 points.

If you continue to receive points on your record and receive in excess of 30 in three years, then you can expect your license to be revoked.

You can prevent your license from being suspended by keeping track of your driving record.

How To Find Course Providers

You will have the option of completing traffic school classes:

• In a traditional classroom.
• Online at your convenience. However, of taking this course online you need to check to see if it is accepted for your specific situation.

In Montana you have one extra option many states don’t have and that is to take the Montana DRIVE workshop.

Course Details for Defensive Driving

You can expect your course to take around 4 hours to complete.

However, if you have to take the course at a commercial driving school you will be required to be the minimum of four hours to get your completion certificate.

If you decide to take the online course, there is a timer that starts once you start that will make sure you have the required minimum hours.

Rather you take the online class or go to a class the following subjects will be covered:

• Techniques to be a safer driver.
• Drug and Alcohol Awareness.
• How to respond safely to emergencies and other situations.

To complete the course you will need to pass a final exam. Once you pass the exam you will be provided with a certificate of completion and the Montana MVD will be automatically notified so that they can update your record.