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Texas Online Defensive Driving Course Overview

Dismiss your Texas traffic ticket or lower your auto insurance premium with Safe2Drive’s 6-hour online Defensive Driving course. Licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (CP577), our course is accepted by all Texas courts. At just $25, plus the $3 state fee, this is the fastest and most affordable way to dismiss your ticket or qualify for an insurance discount.

Texas Defensive Driving Course – Get your Texas ticket dismissed or earn an insurance discount, fast!

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Our Texas Defensive Driving course is approved by the Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and takes just 6 hours—the shortest time allowed by law. It’s designed for Texas drivers who need to dismiss a traffic ticket or qualify for an insurance discount. You can take the course 100% online or in a classroom, but most students prefer the flexibility of our online option. Upon completion, you'll receive a printable certificate to submit to your court or insurance provider.

Texas Defensive Driving Course Topics

The topics covered in the Texas Defensive Driving course are outlined by the TDLR to help drivers improve their safety, avoid crashes, and stay informed about current driving laws. Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • Texas traffic laws and rules of the road

  • Avoiding distracted and impaired driving

  • How to handle driving emergencies

  • Safe driving in all seasons and conditions

  • Child and adult passenger safety

  • Defensive driving techniques and behaviors

  • Recent trends in driver safety

  • Best practices for responsible driving


Course Benefits at a Glance

  • TDLR-Licensed & Court-Accepted: Approved statewide and recognized by all Texas courts.
  • Dismiss Your Ticket or Save on Insurance: Accepted for ticket dismissal and insurance discounts.
  • Guaranteed to Pass: No separate final exam, just short lesson quizzes.
  • Lowest Price Allowed by Law: Only $25 plus $3 state fee — no hidden costs.
  • 6-Hour Online Course: State-required length, self-paced, 100% online.
  • Mobile-Friendly: The course works on phone, tablet, or computer — switch between devices at any time.
  • Instant Certificate: We email your certificate to you immediately after you complete the course.
  • Driver Record Option: Have Safe2Drive order your certified Texas driving record for you for a small fee.

How to Dismiss a Texas Traffic Ticket with a Defensive Driving Course

You can dismiss a Texas traffic ticket and prevent points from being added to your driving record by completing a Texas Defensive Driving course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Most drivers choose an online course for convenience and flexibility.

Texas Defensive Driving Eligibility Requirements

Each court specifies its own eligibility requirements for taking a Defensive Driving course for ticket dismissal, so you must check with your court to ensure you qualify. In general, you're usually eligible to take a Defensive Driving course if you meet the following requirements:

  • You have a valid driver's license (that is not a Commercial Driver's License).
  • You were ticketed for a moving violation such as speeding or running a red light.
  • You have not taken Texas traffic school for a ticket you received in the last 12 months.

Steps for Dismissing Your Ticket with a Defensive Driving Course

  1. Request permission from the court listed on your citation to take a Defensive Driving course.
  2. Pay the required court fee.
  3. Order your Texas driving record (Safe2Drive can provide your driving record for you for a small fee if you choose).
  4. Enroll in and complete your 6-hour TDLR-licensed course.
  5. Submit your certificate to your court.

How to Get a Texas Auto Insurance Discount

Earn a Texas Auto Insurance Discount with a Defensive Driving Course

Many Texas auto insurance providers offer discounts - sometimes up to 15% - for drivers who complete a state-approved Defensive Driving course. Check with your insurance company to see if you qualify for this benefit.

How to Submit Your Certificate for an Insurance Discount

When you finish the course, Safe2Drive emails you your Certificate of Completion instantly. Print or forward the certificate to your insurance provider. If they offer the discount, they will apply it to your premium.


How Does the Online Course Work?

Safe2Drive’s online Texas Defensive Driving course is fast and simple. Complete everything in three easy steps:

Step 1 – Register.

Sign up in minutes by creating a username and password. Log in anytime to access your course.

Step 2 - Complete the Course.

Work through short lessons, each with a quick multiple-choice quiz. The final exam is built into these quizzes — no separate exam is required. You can retake quizzes as needed at no extra cost. Complete the course all at once or log in and out on your own schedule.

Step 3 – Get Your Certificate of Completion.

When you complete the course, we will immediately email you your Certificate of Completion for FREE. You must sign the court copy of the certificate and deliver it to your court. We provide you with an additional copy of your certificate that you can keep for your records.


Why Take Defensive Driving Online Instead of in a Classroom?

Skip the commute and rigid schedules. With a TDLR-licensed Texas online Defensive Driving course, you control the pace — study on your phone, tablet, or computer anytime, anywhere. Online courses give you the same court-accepted credit without wasting hours in a classroom.


Why Choose Safe2Drive for Your Texas Defensive Driving Course?

Safe2Drive has helped Texas drivers dismiss tickets and save on insurance for more than 15 years. Our TDLR-licensed course (CP577) is accepted by all Texas courts and offered at the lowest price allowed by law — just $25 plus the $3 state fee.

  • Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,600+ Texas students
  • 100% online, mobile-friendly, and easy to complete
  • Instant emailed certificate at no extra cost
  • 7-day customer support by phone, email, or Live Chat

Skip the classroom and complete your course at your own pace, on any device. With Safe2Drive, you get a state-approved course, transparent pricing, and customer support every step of the way.

Approved in all Texas counties.

So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!

Let's Get Started!

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Texas Defensive Driving Course Overview

Safe2Drive has helped Texas drivers dismiss tickets and save on insurance for more than 15 years. Our TDLR-licensed course (CP577) is accepted by all Texas courts and offered at the lowest price allowed by law — just $25 plus the $3 state fee.

Skip the classroom and complete your course at your own pace, on any device. With Safe2Drive, you get a state-approved course, transparent pricing, and customer support every step of the way.

Lesson 1
Introduction to Defensive Driving

Learn the course objectives, Texas driving laws, and what it means to drive defensively.

Lesson 2
The Traffic Safety Problem

Covers national and Texas crash statistics, leading causes of crashes, and why safe driving matters.

Lesson 3
Factors That Influence Driver Performance

Explore how attitude, emotions, alcohol, drugs, and fatigue influence driving performance.

Lesson 4
Traffic Laws and Procedures

Covers right-of-way at intersections, turns, controlled and uncontrolled crossings, and how to safely share the road.

Lesson 5
Special Skills for Difficult Driving Environments

Discusses how to handle inclement weather, night driving, construction zones, and high-traffic areas.

Lesson 6
Physical Forces that Influence Driver Control

Covers how things like speed and traction affect a driver's ability to control their vehicle.

Lesson 7
Perceptual Skills Needed for Driving

Explains how vision, hearing, reaction time, and depth perception affect your ability to drive safely.

Lesson 8
Defensive Driving Strategies

Learn scanning techniques, maintaining safe following distances, and how to anticipate the actions of others.

Lesson 9
Driving Emergencies

Provides guidance on handling mechanical failures, collisions, off-road recovery, and emergency situations.

Lesson 10
Occupant Restraints

Explains the importance of seat belts and child safety seats, Texas laws requiring their use, and real-life stories illustrating how restraints save lives.

Lesson 11
Alcohol and Traffic Safety

Covers the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol, Texas DUI laws, the impact of other drugs, and how impairment affects driving ability. Includes case studies and countermeasures to prevent impaired driving.

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Texas Defensive Driving
Frequently Asked Questions

General Note

We have made every attempt to answer the most commonly asked Texas Defensive Driving questions. Please call or email us if your question is not here.

What is the Texas Defensive Driving course?

The Texas Defensive Driving Online course is a six-hour course regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Drivers take this course to get a ticket dismissed or obtain a discount on their auto insurance premium.

Is this course approved in the state of Texas?

Yes, our course is approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). You can view our license here.

How do I know my county or court will accept my course completion from Safe2Drive?

Because our course is approved by the state of Texas, our Certificate of Completion is recognized and accepted at all Texas courts.

Can I dismiss any type of ticket with a Defensive Driving course in Texas?

Only minor moving violations, not serious offenses or construction zone tickets, can be dismissed with a Defensive Driving course.

Am I eligible to take a Defensive Driving course to dismiss my traffic ticket?

Generally, you are eligible to dismiss your traffic ticket in the state of Texas if you:

  • Hold a valid non-commercial driver's license
  • Have been cited for a minor moving violation
  • Have NOT completed a Defensive Driving course in the last 12 months
  • Did NOT commit your infraction in a construction zone

Contact your court to request more information concerning your particular traffic ticket if you still are unclear whether you qualify for traffic school.

Can CDL (Commercial Driver License) holders take Defensive Driving for ticket dismissal?

No, CDL drivers are not eligible for ticket dismissal through taking a Defensive Driving course.

Do Texas Defensive Driving courses lower insurance premiums?

Yes, many insurers offer 10–15% discounts, but you must check with your insurance provider.

How does the Texas Defensive Driving course work?

Get everything done in three easy steps!

1. Register for the Texas Defensive Driving course

Registration is fast and easy -- only two minutes! You will provide your contact information and create a username and password. Use your username and password to access the course as often as you want. We provide an unlimited number of logins.

2. Take the Course Lessons and Quizzes

Our Texas online Defensive Driving course consists of eleven (11) lessons. You can complete the course at your own pace: a little at a time or all in one sitting. Each time you log in, we automatically take you to where you last left off.

At the end of each lesson, you will be asked four questions about the material you just studied. You must answer at least three of the four questions correctly to move on to the next lesson. If you don't pass a lesson quiz - don't worry! You can retake it until you pass.

We have incorporated the final exam into the end-of-lesson quizzes. This means that you take the final exam as you progress through the course.

3. Get Your Certificate of Completion

When you complete the course, we will immediately email you your Certificate of Completion. Please sign the court copy and send it to your court. An additional copy is also included so you have a record that you have successfully completed a Texas Defensive Driving program.

How long does the course take to complete?

This course satisfies the TDLR's course requirements and is 6 hours in length. You can take the course at your leisure. Simply log in and out as often as you wish.

Is Safe2Drive's Texas Defensive Driving course the shortest course allowed by law?

Yes, state law requires 6 hours; no course can be shorter.

Can I take the online course on my phone?

Our Texas Defensive Driving course is mobile and tablet-friendly.

What happens if I do not pass the lesson quiz?

Most people pass the quiz the first time. However, if you fail a lesson quiz, you can retake it as many times as necessary until you achieve a 75% or better (3 out of 4 questions correct) before moving on to the next lesson.

Is there a final exam?

There is no final exam. We have incorporated the final exam questions into the end-of-lesson quizzes.

Do you send the certificate straight to the court?

No. We will email the certificate to you. You must sign it and deliver it to the court.

How soon will I get my printable certificate?

When you complete the course, we will immediately email you your Certificate of Completion. Please sign the court copy and deliver it to your court. An additional copy is also included so you have a record that you have successfully completed a Texas Defensive Driving program.

Is there a deadline for completing the course?

Your Safe2Drive course never expires; however, courts usually give you 90 days from your citation date to complete your course. Be sure to confirm your course deadline with your court.

What happens if I miss the deadline to turn in my certificate?

In this case, the court may deny your ticket dismissal; you’ll need to contact them for next steps.

What if my court requires a driving record?

For a small fee, Safe2Drive can provide a certified Texas driving record with same-day delivery if ordered before 4 PM CST on a regular business day.

Do I need a copy of my driver record?

If you are taking this course to have your traffic ticket dismissed, you will need a copy of your certified driving record. We provide you with the option of having us order a certified copy for you.

If I order a driver record, how soon will I receive it?

Your driver record will be emailed to you the same day you order it, as long as you order it and make payment for the driver record prior to 4 PM CST on a business day (Monday through Friday). If you pay for your driver record after 4 PM CST or on a non-business day, it will be emailed to you the next business day.

What is the cost of the Texas Defensive Driving online course?

The course fee is $25.00. The State of Texas also requires all schools to charge a $3 administrative fee in addition to the course fee.

How often can I take a Texas Defensive Driving course?

You may take a Defensive Driving course once every twelve months.

What is the difference between a Defensive Driving course and a Driving Safety course?

The short answer: none. They are the same thing. Both the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) use the term Driving Safety on their websites and in nearly all their print material. Most people, including highway patrol officers and local police officers, use the term Defensive Driving.

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Approved Across All Texas Counties

Our Texas Defensive Driving course is approved and recognized in all counties across the state. No matter where you received your ticket, you can complete your TDLR-approved defensive driving course online with ease. From the bustling streets of Harris County to the scenic roads of Travis County, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in Dallas County, Tarrant County, or Bexar County, you can trust Safe2Drive to help you dismiss your ticket and keep your driving record clean.


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