South Carolina Defensive Driving

Defensive Driving and Traffic School in South Carolina

If you are guilty of a traffic violation, are holding a high amount of driver's license points, or have hefty car insurance premiums, you may have the option of finishing a defensive driving course that is recognized by the South Carolina DMV.

Defensive driving courses, also called traffic school classes, are there for you to become a better driver. After finishing the course, you will be more familiar with the South Carolina driving laws, and you will be better prepared to avoid accidents having learned many of the techniques of defensive driving.

Not everyone is allowed to take a defensive driving course to decrease their car insurance premium or have points taken off of their record, but these courses still have the benefits of cutting your risk of receiving future violations and helping you avoid accidents, which ultimately steers you clear of a license suspension, fines, and court-ordered traffic school.

Here you'll find an outline of your options for taking a defensive driving course in South Carolina, which includes the reasons why you would take one of these courses and who to contact for further information in your specific situation.

South Carolina Defensive Driving Options

Completing a defensive driving course in South Carolina allows you to:

• Get driver's record point deductions.
• Rid yourself of a traffic violation or satisfy court requirements.
• Reduce your car insurance premium.

In some cases, you will be able to decide whether you would like to take the course in a classroom or online. The benefit of an online course is that it allows you to complete it at your own pace when it is convenient for you.

Reduce Driving Record Points with South Carolina Defensive Driving

You will have points pile up on your driving record every time you commit a traffic offense, and getting too many of these points puts you at risk of getting your license suspended.

After receiving 6 points, you will receive a warning letter from the South Carolina DMV.

After 12 or more points, there's a good chance your license will be suspended.

Every 3 years, you can take a defensive driving course to take 4 points off of your driving record.

Generally, the course will take about 8 hours.

Dismiss a Traffic Ticket with Traffic School

Depending on the type of traffic violation and your court, you may have the option of completing a defensive driving course to either get rid of a ticket or satisfy court requirements.

If completing one of these courses is a requirement, you will be sent information regarding the issue. The following things will be given to you:

• Options for courses available.
• A course completion deadline.
• Any other fees and paperwork that need submitting.

Contact your local court for further information.

Earn a Traffic School Car Insurance Discount in South Carolina

Competing a defensive driving course in South Carolina may make you eligible for a car insurance discount.

While many of the car insurance providers exclusively give out traffic school discounts to teens and seniors, it's worth checking with your auto insurance provider to see if you are still eligible.

If you feel your car insurance premiums are too high, and you are not able to achieve a discount by taking a defensive driving course, it may be a good idea to look for a new provider.

SC Traffic School Details

As stated earlier, these classes generally last about 8 hours depending on what exact course you are taking, but most classes will cover these topics:

• Traffic laws of South Carolina.
• Techniques for defensive driving.
• Performing responsible driving behaviors.
• Alcohol/drug offenses and consequences.

Depending on why you decided to take the course, you may need to pass a final exam before getting your certificate.

Your certificate will likely have to be submitted to your local court, your car insurance provider, or the South Carolina DMV.