Defensive Driving: Courses by State
Get points off your driving record, and maybe even a discount on your auto insurance premiums.
Reading your state’s traffic laws is essential, but you have to do more than read to avoid accidents. Learning and practicing defensive driving techniques is one of the best ways to avoid accidents, and every state in the U.S. offers defensive driving courses. In many cases, taking a defensive driving course can reduce the number of points on your driving record or even make you eligible for a discount on your auto insurance premiums.
We’ve outlined what defensive driving is, its main principles, and how you can take an in-person or online course.
Defensive Driving
Let’s start by defining the term “defensive driving” itself.
Definition
Defensive driving is driving with a strategy to avoid collisions with other cars, potholes, and other hazards.
History
In 1953, Congress chartered the National Safety Council (NSC), a nonprofit organization dealing with safety guidelines. In 1964, the NSC created the first defensive driving course in the U.S. Since then, the organization has trained over 75 million drivers in every state in the country.1 Some states even outsource their defensive driving courses to the NSC, while some have their own in-state programs.
Principles
Defensive driving goes beyond merely following traffic laws. Its main principle is that you should anticipate situations based on environmental and road conditions to avoid accidents, like making sure there’s enough distance between your car and the car in front of you. Other principles include constantly scanning your surroundings and staying calm to avoid road rage. While similar practices aren’t required by law, they make for safer drivers and thus fewer accidents.
Courses and Training
Depending on your state, you can take a defensive driving course either online or in person. Some states will take away points from your driving record for taking a defensive driving course, and some insurance companies offer discounts on premiums. See what these safe driving courses offer in point reductions and auto insurance discounts in your state if you successfully complete your in-person or online defensive driving courses.
FYI
37 out of the 50 states mandate auto insurance discounts upon completion of defensive driving courses, although some discounts only apply to those 55 and older.
| State | Link to find courses |
When you’re required to take a course |
Points removed per defensive driving course |
Auto insurance premium discount |
How long discount lasts (in years) |
Length of course (in hours) |
Cost of courses |
| Alabama | Not listed; search on city website |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Alaska | https://doa. alaska.gov/ dmv/akol/ driving_ schools.htm |
When you get 12 points in 1 year or 18 points in 2 years |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Arizona | https://www. azcourts.gov/ drive/defensive -driving-schools |
Eligible violations found here: https://www. azcourts.gov/ Portals/47/2021/ List%20of%20 eligible%20 violations %2001212021.pdf? ver=2021-02- 08-174047 -933 |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Combination of the court diversion fee, state fee, state surcharge, and school fee |
| Arkansas | None; find through agency director |
When you have 10-23 points on current traffic violation report |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| California | https://www. dgs.ca.gov/ ORIM/Services/ Page-Content/ Office-of- Risk-and- Insurance- Management- Services-List- Folder/ Enroll-in- Defensive- Driver- Training |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 2-2.5 | $0 |
| Colorado | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Connecticut | https://portal. ct.gov/ DMV/Insurance/ Insurance/ Insurance- Discounts- and-Driving- Courses |
Not listed | Not listed | 5% minimum | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Delaware | https://www. dmv.de.gov/ DriverServices/ driving_courses/ index.shtml? dc= defensive_driving |
Not listed | Not listed | 10%, or 15% if you take a refresher course within 180 days of the end of the 3-year period |
3 | Not listed | Not listed |
| District of Columbia | https://dmv. dc.gov/ service/ defensive-driving -course |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Florida | https://www. flhsmv.gov/ driver-licenses -id-cards/ education- courses/ driver- improvement- schools/ basic-driver-improvement- bdi-find- approved-listing- bdi- course-providers/ |
When you are cited in an at-fault crash that resulted in someone going to the hospital; when you have 2 crashes within a 2-year period that resulted in more than $500 of property damage; if you pass a school bus when it is displaying a stop signal, race on a highway, act as a spectator of highway racing, drive recklessly, or run a red light |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Georgia | https://online. dds.ga.gov/ ddsgeorgiagov/ locations/ driver- improvement- schools.aspx |
When the court orders it | 7 maximum | Not listed | Not listed | 6 minimum | $95 |
| Hawaii | https://hidot. hawaii.gov/ highways/safe-communites/ driver- education/ |
When you have 3-6 points | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 16 | Not listed |
| Idaho | https://itd. idaho.gov/ wp-content/ uploads/ 2016/07/ defensive- driving- accident- prevention.pdf |
Not listed | 3 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Illinois | https://apps. ilsos.gov/ adultdrivered/ providerlist |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 3 | Not listed | Not listed |
| Indiana | https://www.in. gov/ bmv/licenses- permits-ids/ suspension-and-reinstatement/ citation-points- and- driver-safety- program/ |
When you have 2 or more traffic offenses within a year, or 2 or more offenses for those under 21 regardless of the time period |
4 | Not listed | Not listed | 4 minimum | $55 |
| Iowa | https://iowadot. gov/ mvd/ driverseducation/ Iowa-driver- improvement- program |
When you have 3 countable moving violations within a year, commit 1 speeding violation of 25-29 mph over the limit, or unlawfully pass a school bus |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Kansas | 1-800- 432-2484 |
Not listed | Not listed | 5%-10% | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Kentucky | https://drive. ky.gov/ driver-licensing/ Pages/Kentucky- State- Traffic-School. aspx |
When the District Court that cited you refers you in a court order |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 4 | $39 online, $15 in person |
| Louisiana | Not listed; search on the city website |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 4-6 in Baton Rouge |
$50 in Baton Rouge |
| Maine | https://www. maine.gov/ dps/bhs/ driving- dynamics/ classes.html |
Not listed | 3 | Not listed | Not listed | 5 | $40 for those under age 65, $25 for those over 65 |
| Maryland | https://mymva. maryland.gov/ TAP/IND/_/ |
When you are referred by a District Court judge or administrative law judge in the Office of Administrative Hearings, have 5-7 points on your driving record, or are convicted or granted probation before judgment for a moving violation while holding a provisional license |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 4-8 | Set by individual providers |
| Massachusetts | https://www. mass. gov/ info-details/ driver-attitudinal- retraining-courses |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Michigan | https://www. michigan.gov/ msp/0,4643, 7-123-72297_ 30536 -230768–,00.html |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 4 minimum | Not listed |
| Minnesota | https:// dps.mn.gov/ divisions/dvs/ forms-documents/ Documents/ Accident Prevention Course List.pdf |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 4-8 | Not listed |
| Mississippi | Not listed; search on city website |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Missouri | Not listed; search on city website |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Montana | https:// svc.mt.gov/ doa/ rmtdtraining/ Account/Login? returnUrl=/ register/5 |
Not listed | 0 | 10% | Not listed | 4 | Not listed |
| Nebraska | https://dmv. nebraska. gov/ fr/ driver-education- and-training- courses- certified-dmv |
For those under the age of 21, when you have 6 points, reinstatement of point revocation, or employment driving permit |
2 if it’s completed on a voluntary credit | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Nevada | Not listed; search on city website |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| New Hampshire |
https://www.nh. gov/ safety/divisions/ dmv/ financial- responsibility/ improvement.htm |
When you have 3 points minimum | 3 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| New Jersey |
https://www.nj. gov/ mvc/license/ driverprograms.htm |
Voluntary | 2 | Varies by insurance provider | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| New Mexico |
https:// transportation. unm.edu/ driver-safety- clients-students/ |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 6 | Not listed |
| New York | https:// dmv.ny.gov/ pirp/classroom |
When you have 11 or more points |
4 (do not physically come off driving record) |
10% | 3 | 5.33 | Varies |
| North Carolina |
https://www. nsc.org/ safety-training/ defensive-driving/ courses/online |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 4 | $49.94 |
| North Dakota |
https://www. dot.nd.gov/ divisions/ driverslicense/ dldriverinfo.htm |
For those under the age of 18, when you have 6 points; for those over the age of 18, 12 points or whenever the court orders it |
Not listed | 10% | Not listed | 4-8 | Not listed |
| Ohio | https://services. dps. ohio.gov/ DETS/public/ schools |
When you have 2-11 points, a court order (but can’t get points credit), juvenile suspension that occurred before the age of 18 for drivers 19 and older, suspension for being under 21 and under the influence of alcohol while driving, or 12-point suspension |
2 | Not listed | Not listed | 8 | Not listed |
| Oklahoma | Not listed; search on city website |
Not listed | 2 | Not listed | Not listed | 6 | Not listed |
| Oregon | https://www. oregon.gov/ odot/DMV/ docs/ mv_accident_ prevention _courses.pdf for drivers over the age of 55; for drivers 55 and under, check city’s website |
Not listed | Not listed | Varies by insurance provider | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Pennsylvania | https://www. dmv. pa.gov/ Driver-Services/ Mature-Drivers/ Pages/Mature-Driver- Improvement- Course.aspx for mature drivers; for drivers 55 and under, check city’s website |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Rhode Island |
https:// ridmv reservations. ri.gov/ |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 6 | $165 |
| South Carolina |
https://www.nsc. org/ safety-training/ defensive-driving/ courses/online |
If your license was suspended for a moving violation |
4 maximum | Not listed | Not listed | 8 | Not listed |
| South Dakota |
https://www.nsc. org/ safety-training/ defensive- driving/ courses/online |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 4-8 | Varies |
| Tennessee | https://www.tn. gov/ safety/ driver-services/ driver improvement/ defensivedriving. html |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 8 | Varies |
| Texas | https://www.tdlr. texas.gov/ dessearch |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Utah | Contact local courts |
Not listed | Up to 50 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Vermont | https://dmv. vermont.gov/ driver-training/ driver-training- schools |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Virginia | https://www. dmv. virginia.gov/ drivers/#clinics. asp |
When court-ordered | 5 points every 24 months | Not listed but only applies to people 55 and older |
Not listed | 8 | $100 maximum |
| Washington | For those 55 and older: https://www.dol. wa.gov/ driverslicense/ seniors.html |
Not listed | Not listed | Varies by insurance provider | Not listed | 8 | Not listed |
| West Virginia |
https:// transportation. wv.gov /DMV/Drivers/ Pages/ Point- System.aspx |
Not listed | 3 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Wisconsin | https:// wisconsindot.gov/ Pages/dmv/ license-drvs/ susp-or-rvkd/ traf-safety.aspx |
Not listed | 3 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Wyoming | Contact local courts |
If you are fined for not wearing a seat belt and don’t pay the fine |
Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
Taking a defensive driving course is an easy way to get an auto insurance discount. The average cost of auto insurance may be higher for some people than others. For example, the cost of auto insurance for teens and the cost of auto insurance for those with accidents in their driving histories tend to be higher than the cost of auto insurance for an adult with no history of accidents. Learn other ways to lower your auto insurance cost.
Most defensive driving courses only take about four to eight hours, depending on the state. Use the chart above or contact your local court to find approved courses in your state.
Tips
If you don’t feel like taking an entire course but want to learn the basics of defensive driving, here are some quick tips:
- Check the weather conditions before driving and avoid driving in conditions like rain, snow, and hail.
- Scan your surroundings constantly.
- Make sure there’s enough space between you and the car in front of you by braking early.
- Avoid road rage, as it can lead to more accidents and fights.
- Don’t text and drive. Texting and driving is a form of distracted driving, which includes all cellphone use.2 Learn more about the fines for cellphone usage by state.
DID YOU KNOW?
In California, you can be charged $20 for the first offense of texting and driving and $50 for each offense after. Read more about the fines for texting and driving in California.
Recap
Whether or not it’s court-ordered, taking a defensive driving course is a great way to expunge points from your driving record or lower your auto insurance premiums. But note that defensive driving courses are not the same as traffic school or court. You won’t get a ticket dismissed, and you won’t practice your physical driving skills, for example.
To learn more, contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to see if you can remove points from a traffic ticket from your driving record. You can also read more in our complete guide to auto insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about defensive driving? We’ve answered the most common ones below.
What does defensive driving mean?
Defensive driving means driving in a way that avoids hazards and accidents, going beyond traffic laws to drive safely.
What are five strategies of defensive driving?
These are the five strategies of defensive driving:
- Don’t drive while distracted by texting, talking on the phone, changing music, etc.
- Keep weather conditions in mind when deciding to drive.
- Scan your surroundings constantly while driving.
- Try to stay calm and avoid road rage.
- Keep a significant distance between you and other cars.
Is it worth it to take a defensive driving course?
Yes, it is worth it to take a defensive driving course, as it can expunge points from your driving record and save you money on car insurance. For example, in New York where we live, taking a course could reduce our points by four and give us a 10 percent discount on auto insurance for three years, for a course just over five hours long.
Do I have to go to court if I take defensive driving?
You don’t have to go to court in order to take a defensive driving course. Some people take the courses voluntarily to save on auto insurance premiums. To get credit for it with your state, you’ll most likely have to mail in your certificate of completion. See your state’s DMV website for more information.
Citations
NSC Defensive Driving Safety Training. National Safety Council. (2022).
https://www.nsc.org/safety-training/defensive-driving5 Tips For Defensive Driving. Geico. (2022).
https://www.geico.com/living/driving/auto/car-safety-insurance/defensive-driving/