How to Get a Ticket Dismissed with Defensive Driving in Texas

Getting a traffic ticket in Texas can be a stressful experience, especially when you're worried about fines, points on your driving record, and potential increases in your insurance premiums. However, there's good news—depending on the type of offense and your driving history, you may be able to have your ticket dismissed by completing a state-approved defensive driving course. At Get Drivers Ed, we provide a Texas defensive driving course that can help you get back on track, avoid a conviction, and keep your driving record clean.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to get a ticket dismissed with defensive driving in Texas, explain which violations qualify, and share how completing a defensive driving course can benefit you in the long run.

What Is Defensive Driving in Texas?

A Ticket Dismissal Option for Eligible Drivers

In Texas, drivers who receive certain types of traffic tickets may have the option to dismiss the citation by completing a defensive driving course. Defensive driving is a state-approved course that teaches you essential driving techniques, how to avoid accidents, and how to navigate common road hazards. By taking this course, not only can you get a ticket dismissed, but you’ll also become a safer and more aware driver.

Get Drivers Ed offers an online defensive driving course that is both convenient and approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Completing our course can help you resolve your ticket without having to go to court or face harsher penalties.

Who Can Take Defensive Driving to Get a Ticket Dismissed?

Not everyone who receives a traffic ticket in Texas is eligible to have their ticket dismissed through a defensive driving course. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

• Your ticket is for a moving violation: Most tickets for moving violations, such as speeding or running a red light, can be dismissed through defensive driving. However, you cannot use defensive driving for more serious offenses, such as reckless driving or DUI.

• You have not taken a defensive driving course for a ticket dismissal in the last 12 months: Texas law only allows drivers to dismiss one ticket every 12 months through a defensive driving course.

• You hold a valid Texas driver’s license: Only drivers with a valid Texas driver’s license are eligible for ticket dismissal through defensive driving.

• Your speeding ticket is not for going 25 mph or more over the speed limit: Excessive speeding violations may not qualify for ticket dismissal through defensive driving.

Additionally, drivers who hold commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) are not eligible to dismiss a ticket using a defensive driving course.

Before enrolling in a course, you should check with the court handling your case to ensure you are eligible for ticket dismissal through defensive driving.

Steps to Get Your Ticket Dismissed with Defensive Driving in Texas

1. Request Defensive Driving from the Court

The first step in getting your ticket dismissed through defensive driving is to request permission from the court. When you receive your citation, the court will provide instructions on how to make this request. In many cases, you can submit your request online, by mail, or in person. Be sure to do this before the deadline specified on your citation—if you miss the deadline, you may lose your opportunity to use defensive driving to dismiss the ticket.

2. Pay Court Fees

Once the court grants your request, you will likely need to pay administrative fees. These fees are usually lower than the fines you would face if you were convicted of the ticket. The exact amount will vary depending on the jurisdiction, but it typically ranges from $100 to $150.

3. Enroll in a State-Approved Defensive Driving Course

After receiving court approval, the next step is to enroll in a Texas defensive driving course. Make sure to choose a course that is approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). At Get Drivers Ed, we offer an online defensive driving course that is TDLR-approved and designed to meet all state requirements for ticket dismissal.

4. Complete the Defensive Driving Course

Once you’ve enrolled in your course, you’ll need to complete it within the timeframe specified by the court, usually 90 days. At Get Drivers Ed, our online defensive driving course allows you to learn at your own pace, making it easy to fit into your schedule. Our course covers essential driving safety topics, such as:

• Defensive driving techniques

• Texas traffic laws

• How to avoid road hazards

• Reducing the risk of accidents

Our course is interactive and engaging, ensuring that you not only meet the legal requirements but also become a more informed and cautious driver.

5. Submit Your Certificate of Completion

After you complete the defensive driving course, you will receive a certificate of completion. At Get Drivers Ed, we provide an official certificate that you can submit to the court. You will need to submit this certificate by the deadline provided by the court to officially have your ticket dismissed.

Some courts also require you to submit a copy of your driving record along with the certificate of completion to confirm that you haven’t dismissed a ticket with defensive driving in the last 12 months. You can obtain your driving record through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

6. Verify Ticket Dismissal with the Court

After you submit your certificate of completion and any other required documents, the court will process your ticket dismissal. Be sure to follow up with the court to confirm that your ticket has been officially dismissed and that no further action is required on your part.

Benefits of Completing a Defensive Driving Course

1. Keeps Your Driving Record Clean

One of the primary benefits of completing a defensive driving course is that it keeps points from being added to your driving record. In Texas, accumulating too many points on your driving record can lead to license suspension and increased insurance premiums. By dismissing your ticket, you avoid these potential consequences.

2. Potential Insurance Discounts

Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete a defensive driving course. After finishing the course, check with your insurance provider to see if you qualify for a discount. By reducing your risk on the road, you may be able to lower your monthly insurance premiums.

3. Improved Driving Skills

Completing a defensive driving course isn’t just about ticket dismissal—it’s about becoming a better, safer driver. The course covers important topics like defensive driving strategies, safe driving practices, and how to respond to dangerous situations on the road. By improving your driving skills, you’ll be less likely to get another ticket or be involved in an accident in the future.

How Get Drivers Ed Can Help You Get Your Ticket Dismissed

At Get Drivers Ed, we offer a state-approved Texas defensive driving course that makes it easy to dismiss your ticket and become a safer driver. Our course is 100% online, allowing you to complete it from the comfort of your home and at your own pace. Here’s how we can help:

• Convenient and flexible: Our online course is available 24/7, so you can work through the material whenever it’s most convenient for you.

• TDLR-approved: Our course is approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, ensuring it meets all state requirements for ticket dismissal.

• Quick and easy certificate delivery: After you complete the course, we provide you with a certificate of completion that you can submit to the court to dismiss your ticket.

By enrolling in Get Drivers Ed, you’ll not only fulfill your legal requirements but also become a more confident and defensive driver on Texas roads.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Ticket with Defensive Driving

Getting a traffic ticket doesn’t have to be the end of the road. By completing a state-approved defensive driving course, you can have your ticket dismissed, keep points off your driving record, and improve your skills behind the wheel. At Get Drivers Ed, we make the process easy with our convenient online Texas defensive driving course.

Ready to take the first step? Enroll today and start your journey toward a cleaner driving record and safer driving habits!