There are several reasons why you may take an approved defensive driving course. In some cases, you are required to take a course and in others you may take one voluntarily for a personal benefit.
- Remove points on your driving record due to a conviction.
- You want to reinstate your driver’s license.
- You may be able to get a discount on your vehicle insurance.
- You received a traffic ticket and have a court order.
- You want to become a safer driver.
Here is a list of Certified Defensive Driving Schools for Texas.
And here is a list of Certified Online Driving Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Defensive Driving Programs
What is a Driving Safety Course / Driver Improvement course?
It is a six-hour course designed to teach drivers about safe driving attitudes and behaviors.
Why would/should I take a Defensive Driving course?
It may be used to reduce points, get your license reinstated, reduce your insurance rates. It may also have been ordered by the court in response to a traffic violation.
Is this the same as a Driver's Education course?
No, Driver's Education courses are required for 16-year-olds to obtain their license. Any licensed driver may take a Defensive Driving course.
Does the course have to be approved?
If you are only taking the course for self-education it does not need to be approved. But if you need it to fulfill requirements for points reductions, mandated course, or other driver's license related issues, it must be approved / certified. Refer above to a list of approved courses.
Can I take it online?
Yes. There are both online and traditional classroom courses available.
Do I need a car to take the course?
These are classroom based courses and you do not need to provide a vehicle for the course.
How much will this cost?
By law, these classes will cost at least $25.
What is a Seat Belt course?
A judge can require a person to attend a "Seat Belt" class which includes 4 hours of instruction on child passenger safety seat systems and the wearing of seat belts. Here is a list of Seat Belt driving schools.
Driving Apps
There are also safe driving apps available for your phone that can help you be a safer driver.