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 current proof of liability insurance
- 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.
How do I dismiss my ticket with a Defensive Driving course?
If you're eligible to take a Defensive Driving course for ticket dismissal, then there are a few steps you need to follow:
- On or before the court appearance date listed on your citation, enter a plea of guilty or no contest. You must then request permission from the court listed on your citation to take a Defensive Driving course.
- Pay the required court fee.
- You may be required by your court to obtain a copy of your Texas driver record. Safe2Drive can provide your driving record for you for a small fee if you choose.
- Enroll in and complete your 6-hour TDLR-licensed course.
- Submit your certificate to your court.
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?
Yes, 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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