Can I Take Defensive Driving in Texas?
If you’ve received a traffic ticket in Texas, you might be wondering if taking a defensive driving course is the right option for you. In many cases, taking a defensive driving course can help you dismiss a traffic ticket, reduce points on your driving record, or even lower your insurance rates. But how does it work, and are you eligible? This blog will break down everything you need to know about taking defensive driving in Texas.
At Get Drivers Ed, we offer Texas-approved defensive driving courses designed to help drivers improve their skills, stay safe on the road, and, in many cases, save money. Keep reading to learn more about defensive driving in Texas and how it can benefit you.
1. What Is Defensive Driving?
The Purpose of Defensive Driving
Defensive driving courses are designed to teach drivers how to anticipate potential hazards and react appropriately to avoid accidents. These courses focus on improving driving techniques, increasing awareness of road conditions, and emphasizing the importance of following traffic laws. Defensive driving isn't just about following the rules—it's about staying alert and prepared for the unexpected.
In Texas, defensive driving courses are often used to help drivers dismiss traffic tickets, lower their insurance premiums, or simply become safer drivers. They can be taken either in person or online, providing flexibility for those with busy schedules.
Benefits of Defensive Driving
Taking a defensive driving course in Texas offers several benefits, including:
Ticket Dismissal: In many cases, completing a defensive driving course allows you to have a traffic ticket dismissed, which helps you avoid fines and keeps points off your driving record.
Insurance Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete an approved defensive driving course. This can lead to significant savings on your auto insurance premium.
Improved Driving Skills: Defensive driving courses provide valuable tips and strategies for avoiding accidents, handling hazardous road conditions, and reacting to unpredictable drivers.
At Get Drivers Ed, we provide defensive driving courses that are approved by the state of Texas and meet all legal requirements for ticket dismissal and insurance discounts.
2. Am I Eligible to Take Defensive Driving in Texas?
Eligibility Requirements for Ticket Dismissal
In Texas, not everyone is eligible to take a defensive driving course for ticket dismissal. However, if you meet the following criteria, you may be able to take the course to remove a ticket from your driving record:
You have a valid Texas driver’s license.
Your ticket was for a minor moving violation, such as speeding or running a stop sign.
You have not taken a defensive driving course for ticket dismissal in the last 12 months.
You were not speeding 25 miles per hour or more over the posted limit.
You were not driving a commercial vehicle at the time of the violation.
If you meet these requirements, you can request permission from the court to take a defensive driving course. It’s important to contact the court that issued your ticket to confirm your eligibility before enrolling in a course.
Insurance Discounts
Even if you don’t need to take a defensive driving course for ticket dismissal, you may still be eligible for an insurance discount. Many insurance providers in Texas offer discounts to drivers who voluntarily take a defensive driving course. This discount can vary depending on your insurance company, but it’s typically offered to drivers who complete an approved course every few years.
Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if you qualify for a discount after completing a defensive driving course with Get Drivers Ed.
3. How Do I Sign Up for Defensive Driving in Texas?
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Before enrolling in a defensive driving course, verify that you meet the eligibility requirements for ticket dismissal or insurance discounts. If you’re taking the course to dismiss a traffic ticket, you’ll need approval from the court, and if you’re taking it for insurance purposes, it’s a good idea to confirm your eligibility with your insurance provider.
Step 2: Choose a State-Approved Course
In Texas, not all defensive driving courses are created equal. You must take a course that is state-approved for it to count toward ticket dismissal or insurance discounts. At Get Drivers Ed, we offer a fully online, state-approved defensive driving course that you can complete at your own pace.
Our online defensive driving course is designed to be convenient, accessible, and comprehensive, providing you with everything you need to fulfill the state’s requirements while improving your driving skills.
Step 3: Complete the Course
Once you’ve verified your eligibility and chosen a state-approved course, you can begin. The course is typically 6 hours long and covers a variety of topics, including:
Traffic laws and regulations
Defensive driving techniques
Accident prevention strategies
The dangers of distracted driving and impaired driving
At Get Drivers Ed, we offer an online format, so you can start and stop the course at your convenience. You’ll need to pass a final exam at the end of the course, but don’t worry—it’s designed to review the information you’ve learned, and we provide plenty of practice questions to help you prepare.
Step 4: Submit Your Certificate of Completion
After completing the defensive driving course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. If you’re taking the course for ticket dismissal, you’ll need to submit this certificate to the court, along with any additional paperwork the court requires. Be sure to submit it before the deadline to ensure that your ticket is dismissed.
If you’re taking the course for an insurance discount, you’ll need to submit the certificate to your insurance provider. Most providers allow you to email or mail in the certificate, but it’s always a good idea to check their specific requirements.
4. How Often Can I Take Defensive Driving in Texas?
Frequency for Ticket Dismissal
In Texas, drivers are allowed to take a defensive driving course for ticket dismissal once every 12 months. This means that if you’ve already taken the course to dismiss a ticket within the past year, you won’t be eligible to take it again for the same purpose until 12 months have passed.
If you receive another ticket within that time frame, you may need to explore other options, such as attending court or paying the fine. However, completing a defensive driving course can still be a good idea for improving your driving skills, even if it doesn’t result in ticket dismissal.
Frequency for Insurance Discounts
If you’re taking the course to qualify for an insurance discount, the frequency depends on your insurance provider. Most companies allow you to take the course every two to three years to maintain your discount. Contact your insurance provider for more details on how often you can take the course to continue receiving discounted rates.
Conclusion: Take Defensive Driving in Texas Today
Whether you're looking to dismiss a traffic ticket, lower your insurance premiums, or improve your driving skills, defensive driving courses in Texas offer a variety of benefits. At Get Drivers Ed, our state-approved online defensive driving course provides a convenient way to meet the requirements while learning valuable safety techniques that can help you avoid accidents and become a better driver.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and have court approval, enrolling in defensive driving can save you money, keep your driving record clean, and make you a more responsible driver on Texas roads. Don’t wait—sign up today and take the first step toward safer, smarter driving!
