Texas DMV Defensive Driving Course for Ticket Dismissal and Insurance Reduction

Do I Qualify for a Defensive Driving Course in Texas?

More information to help you make the right choice.

If you're considering taking a Texas Defensive Driving Course, you need information to help you make the right choice. Remember that there are many reasons to take a defensive driving course including:

• Ticket dismissal
• Reducing auto insurance rates

The type of course that you choose to take depends on your reason for completing a defensive driving or traffic school course.

Defensive Driving Course Providers in Texas

Texas law allows individuals to complete defensive driving classes either in person through a commercial driving school or through an online provider approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). While both options have their advantages, there's no doubt that most drivers find online courses to be the most convenient. After all, you can work on the course at any time of the day or night with the availability of taking breaks.

If you plan on taking a defensive driving course in Texas, be aware that you may need to complete it within a set amount of time after enrolling. The law usually allows six months for completion. Ineligibility is dependent upon whether or not a course has been completed.

Understanding Texas Traffic School Courses

As you likely know, there are different types of defensive driving and traffic school courses available to individuals in Texas. It's essential that you enroll in the right course for your needs. Depending on the specific class you choose, you may learn about topics including:

• Driving laws in Texas
• Defensive driving tactics
• Road safety in hazardous conditions
• The dangers of intoxicated driving

Ticket Dismissal Courses in Texas Traffic School

Many individuals who receive traffic citations in Texas can take this special course in order to dismiss the ticket and keep it off their driving record. The court handling your case will generally send a notice to let you know that you're eligible to take a traffic school course in order to have your ticket dismissed. If you haven't received such a notification, you'll need to check with the court before enrolling in traffic school.

To be eligible for ticket dismissal courses, you'll likely need to meet the following requirements:

• You did not receive a traffic ticket while driving a commercial vehicle
• In the 12 months before receiving your ticket, you did not take a court-ordered defensive driving course anywhere in Texas
• You hold a valid Texas driver's license

In addition, you generally must not have a ticket issued for:

• Speeding at or more than 25 miles per hour over the posted speed limit
• Driving at or faster than 95 miles per hour
• Passing a school bus
• A serious driving violation
• Failing to stay and provide essential information and assistance after being involved in an accident
• A violation in a construction zone when workers were present

Having a ticket dismissed prevents it from becoming part of your permanent driving record, and can also prevent your insurance rates from increasing. If you've had a ticket dismissed before, you'll need to check with the Texas DMV to confirm how many times you can complete a course in order to dismiss a traffic ticket.

A Texas Defensive Driving Insurance Reduction course can be a great option if your insurer provides a discount for completing such a course. Remember to check with your insurance agent before you enroll in any courses.