TL;DR:

Texas defensive driving courses are 6 hours and must be TDLR-approved
You can complete the course entirely online at your own pace
Confirm eligibility before enrolling if dismissing a ticket
Submit your completion certificate before your court deadline
Get Drivers Ed makes the process fast, simple, and fully compliant

Introduction

Completing a Texas defensive driving course online is easier than most drivers expect. Whether you're dismissing a traffic ticket, preventing points on your license, or simply improving your driving skills, understanding the step-by-step process helps you avoid delays and mistakes.

If you want a deeper overview of how defensive driving works and why it matters, see Online Defensive Driving Courses Explained: What You’ll Learn and Why It Matters. Below is your clear, actionable roadmap to completing your Texas defensive driving course from start to finish.

What Is a Texas Defensive Driving Course?

A Texas defensive driving course is a state-approved six-hour program designed to improve road safety and reduce traffic violations. It teaches drivers how to anticipate hazards, avoid accidents, and follow updated Texas traffic laws.

The course must meet standards set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

With Get Drivers Ed, drivers can complete the entire course online, meeting all state requirements without attending a classroom.

Who Needs This Course

You may need to complete a Texas defensive driving course if:

You received an eligible traffic citation
A court ordered you to complete the course
You want to prevent points from appearing on your record
You are seeking an insurance discount
You want to refresh your safe-driving knowledge

Drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are typically not eligible for ticket dismissal through defensive driving.

Official Texas traffic law resources are available through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

How the Course Works

Completing your Texas defensive driving course online follows a simple process.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

If you're using the course for ticket dismissal, confirm eligibility with your court before enrolling.

Step 2: Choose a TDLR-Approved Provider

Enroll in a state-approved program such as the Texas Online Defensive Driving Course offered by Get Drivers Ed.

Step 3: Complete the 6-Hour Online Course

The course is divided into manageable lessons with quizzes. You can log in and out at your convenience.

Step 4: Receive Your Completion Certificate

After finishing all required sections, you’ll receive your certificate.

Step 5: Submit Before Your Deadline

If court-ordered, submit the certificate before the deadline provided by your court.

Eligibility & Requirements

To qualify for defensive driving in Texas:

You must hold a valid Texas driver’s license
Your violation must be eligible
You cannot have taken defensive driving for dismissal in the past 12 months
The course must be completed through a TDLR-approved provider

The Texas State Law Library provides additional legal references.

Course Content Overview

A Texas defensive driving course covers:

Hazard recognition and avoidance
Safe following distances
Managing aggressive drivers
Distracted and impaired driving risks
Texas traffic law updates

According to the National Safety Council, defensive driving education significantly reduces crash risk.

Related helpful resources include:

Texas Defensive Driving Course: The Stress-Free Way to Keep Your Record Clean
Why Texas Drivers Should Take a Defensive Driving Course Even Without a Ticket
Texas Online Adult Drivers Ed
Driver Improvement Program

Mid-Content Interactive Quiz / Checklist

Are You Ready to Complete Your Course?

Check all that apply:

✅ I confirmed my ticket is eligible

✅ I know my court deadline

✅ I selected a TDLR-approved provider

✅ I can dedicate six hours total

✅ I understand certificate submission rules

If you checked all five, you're ready to start your course confidently.

State-Specific Rules

Texas defensive driving rules include:

The course must be exactly 6 hours
Providers must be TDLR-approved
Court permission is required for ticket dismissal
Only one dismissal allowed per 12-month period

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) emphasizes that driver education plays a key role in accident reduction.

Benefits of Taking This Course

Ticket Dismissal

Prevent violations from appearing on your driving record.

Insurance Discounts

Many insurers offer premium reductions for course completion.

Improved Driving Skills

Refresh your understanding of Texas traffic laws and defensive strategies.

Convenience

Complete the entire course from home at your own pace.

Peace of Mind

Proactively improve your safety and reduce future risk.

How to Enroll / Next Steps

Getting started with Get Drivers Ed is simple:

Visit the course page
Register online
Begin immediately
Complete lessons at your pace
Receive and submit your certificate

With Get Drivers Ed, you get a trusted, convenient, DMV-recognized defensive driving program designed specifically for Texas drivers.

FAQs

How long does a Texas defensive driving course take?

Texas law requires the course to be six hours long. Online programs allow you to complete it at your own pace in sections.

Can I take defensive driving more than once?

For ticket dismissal, you may only use defensive driving once every 12 months. However, you may take it voluntarily for insurance discounts.

Is an online defensive driving course valid in Texas?

Yes. As long as the provider is approved by TDLR, online defensive driving courses are fully valid statewide.

When will I receive my certificate?

Certificate delivery depends on the provider, but many online providers process certificates quickly after completion.

Completing your Texas defensive driving course online doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful.

With Get Drivers Ed, you get a trusted, convenient, and state-approved course designed to help you finish quickly and confidently.

👉 Enroll Now at Get Drivers Ed and complete your Texas defensive driving course the easy way.