TL;DR

Defensive driving courses teach techniques that prevent accidents and promote safe, proactive habits.
Many states, including Texas, allow drivers to use these courses to reduce ticket penalties or earn insurance discounts.
Online options like Get Drivers Ed make it convenient and accessible.
You’ll learn everything from hazard recognition to emergency maneuvers.
Defensive driving can help save lives, reduce costs, and keep your driving record clean.

Driving isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about anticipating the actions of others and making smart decisions quickly. That’s where defensive driving comes in.

Whether you're a new driver, a parent, or someone who just received a traffic ticket, a defensive driving course can provide knowledge and skills that go beyond the basics. And with flexible online options like Get Drivers Ed, improving your driving habits has never been easier.

What Is a Defensive Driving Course?

Understanding the Basics

A defensive driving course is designed to teach you how to:

Recognize and respond to potential hazards
Reduce your chances of getting into an accident
Drive in a way that protects yourself and others on the road

Defensive driving is about thinking ahead, staying aware, and avoiding risky behavior.

What You’ll Learn

Courses typically cover:

Texas traffic laws
Safe following distances
Speed control in adverse conditions
Avoiding distractions
Reacting calmly to aggressive drivers

Explore our comprehensive defensive driving course from Get Drivers Ed to see the full curriculum.

Who Should Take a Defensive Driving Course?

Common Reasons to Enroll

You received a traffic citation and want to dismiss the ticket
You want to qualify for a car insurance discount
You're a new driver who wants to build confidence
You haven’t driven in a while and need a refresher

Defensive driving isn’t just for teens. Many experienced drivers benefit from these courses, too.

Court-Ordered Courses

Some traffic courts allow (or require) drivers to complete a defensive driving course to:

Dismiss a ticket
Reduce points on a license
Avoid a license suspension

Visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to verify court-approved programs.

Benefits of Taking a Defensive Driving Course

Keeps Your Record Clean

By completing a state-approved course, you may be able to:

Dismiss a citation
Prevent points from being added to your record

Saves You Money

Many insurance providers offer a discount of 5% to 10% for completing an approved course.

Less risk = lower premiums
Long-term savings for safe driving habits

Enhances Safety and Confidence

Defensive drivers are:

Less likely to be involved in crashes
Better equipped to handle emergencies
More courteous and patient behind the wheel

Learn how defensive habits apply to night driving with our night driving safety tips.

What to Expect from Get Drivers Ed’s Defensive Driving Course

100% Online Convenience

Get Drivers Ed offers a defensive driving course that fits into your schedule:

Self-paced modules
Accessible from your phone, tablet, or computer
Auto-save progress as you go

State-Approved Curriculum

We follow Texas requirements to ensure:

Eligibility for ticket dismissal and insurance discounts
Compliance with all DPS and TDLR standards

Curious about how this works around the holidays? Review our essential tips for holiday night driving.

Easy-to-Follow Lessons

Our course breaks down topics into manageable sections:

Short videos
Interactive quizzes
Real-world driving examples

Sign up for the Get Drivers Ed defensive driving course and see the difference it makes on your next drive.

How to Sign Up and Get Started

Simple Enrollment

Visit our defensive driving course page
Choose your state and follow the prompts
Register with your info and payment method
Begin the course instantly and study on your terms

Completion Certificate

Once finished, you’ll receive a completion certificate for:

Court submission (if applicable)
Insurance provider submission for discounts

Need more preparation on road rules? Try our online drivers ed course as a companion to defensive driving.

Final Thoughts: Stay Safe, Save Money, Drive Smarter

A defensive driving course isn’t just about satisfying requirements—it’s about becoming a more responsible and skilled driver. Whether you’re trying to dismiss a ticket or simply sharpen your skills, Get Drivers Ed provides everything you need to succeed.

Let’s Recap:

Defensive driving helps reduce accidents and improve awareness
You may qualify for insurance discounts or ticket dismissal
Get Drivers Ed offers an online, state-approved course that’s easy and effective
It’s a smart step for any driver—new or experienced

Enroll today in Get Drivers Ed’s defensive driving course and turn smart driving into second nature.