Rhode Island Defensive Driving

If you have committed a traffic offense, you may be required to enroll in a defensive driving program in Rhode Island. This course may also be taken to get an auto insurance discount.

The Community College of Rhode Island is partnered with the Rhode Island DMV and courts to enroll students in traffic school classes.

Your reasoning for taking one of these classes may be that it's required or you are taking it for the discount benefits, but either way you will learn how to become a better driver and lower your chances of a future traffic ticket and/or car accidents.

If you come to find out you aren't able to get a lowered insurance premium, this traffic school class will still help you drive better throughout the rest of your life.

Soon you are going to get a brief introduction to RI defensive driving programs where you will find out what the requirements are, who you need to consult for more information, and what your options are for taking a defensive driving course.

Rhode Island Course Options

A Rhode Island defensive driving course could be:

• Court-mandated for receiving a traffic ticket.
• OR
• An option for you to reduce your car insurance payments.

In your circumstance, it may be possible that you are able to take the course online or in the classroom. Unfortunately, your options are limited when the class is court-ordered, which usually means you can only pick the classroom option.

Mandatory Rhode Island Traffic School

It will depend on the severity and specifics of your violation, but the judge may order that you enroll in a defensive driving course at the Community College of Rhode Island.

If so, information about the course will be given to you along with a deadline for completion.

You will also receive details regarding any other paperwork or fees that you may need.

Don't forget that license suspension is a possibility when dealing with severe traffic violations or many small ones combined.

Rhode Island Auto Insurance Discount

You may qualify for an auto insurance discount if you enroll in a defensive driving class on your own terms.

Usually, insurance providers will only allow teens and seniors to qualify for a discount, but it's worth contacting your insurance agent and double-checking to make sure you don't miss out.

If you aren't able to get the discount and you feel like your car insurance payments are too steep, it might be a good idea to start comparison-shopping for a new company. Many insurance companies will be glad to offer a discount for someone who is taking steps to become a more safe driver.

RI Defensive Driving Course Layout

With any defensive driving course you decide to take, you can expect it to last between 4 and 12 hours. Some topics you will cover include:

• Learning how to drive responsibly.
• Defensive driving techniques.
• Traffic offenses in Rhode Island.
• How to cooperate with other drivers.
• Emergency situations and how to handle them.
• Alcohol/drug offenses.

You will usually be required to pass a final test at the end of your class in order to get your certificate of completion.

If taking this course was made mandatory by court orders, you will have to send in your certificate to the court by the deadline.

For further instruction or more details, you should get in contact with:

• The court handling your case.
• Your insurance provider.
• The Rhode Island DMV.