Can I Take Defensive Driving in Texas?

If you received a traffic ticket in Texas, you may have the option to take defensive drivingTraffic School Driversed.com to keep the violation off your record. If you don't get many tickets, there's a good chance you'll be eligible, but in some cases, you may not be.

"In Texas, you can take defensive driving classes if you have a valid state license or permit, you admit guilt to a violation of traffic law, and ask the court to take a defensive driving class to dismiss your ticket," said Daivat Dholakia, director of operations for Force by MojioForcefleettracking.com, a GPS fleet-tracking company for small businesses around the country, including operators in Texas.

But there are some situations where you can't take the class. Here's what you should know.

Basic Requirements for Texas Defensive Driving

The state of Texas allows you to take defensive driving under the following conditions:

• You haven't completed a defensive driving course to dismiss a citation in the past 12 months
• You don't have a commercial driver's license
• You're not currently taking a defensive driving class for another violation
• You can present current proof of liability insurance

You'll also need to request permission from the court to take a defensive driving course, and in most cases, you can get it without a problem, unless some of the exceptions mentioned above apply to you. And if you are under the age of 18, you can expect the court to require you to take the defensive driving course.

Violations Where You Can't Take Defensive Driving in Texas

You can't take a defensive driving course for all violations. Some are deal-breakers. Traffic violations where you cannot take defensive driving classHowDoIRequestDefensiveDriving.html Courts include:

• Passing a school bus or not stopping for one
• Not having car insurance when you drive
• Construction zone violations where workers are present
• Speeding that's 25 mph or more over the posted limit
• Hit and run (leaving an accident scene)
• Reckless driving
• Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer

Your best bet may be to talk to the court to see if it can make an exception for you. It never hurts to ask, but you'll want to be extra careful to avoid these types of violations in the first place.

What Happens if You Don't Finish Your Texas Defensive Driving Course?

If you are eligible for the defensive driving course but don't complete it, your ticket remains on your record for three years. This could increase your insurance rates. The number of points your ticket carries depends on the type of moving violation you received. Most violations are either two or three points.

About the Texas Defensive Driving Course

The good thing about taking defensive driving in Texas is that you have online options. Online classes can be done from the comfort and convenience of your home, and you can also study at your own pace.

When signing up for an online course, make sure it's approved by the state of Texas and meets all the requirements. Good news — the DriversEd.com Texas defensive driving course fits the bill and can be completed in just six hours, the minimum TDLR allows.

In addition to taking and passing the class, you will need to order your Texas Driving RecordDriver License How Order Driver Record Section and pay your court fees and ticket fine. The class certificate will dismiss the points on your record, but you still need to pay all fines and fees associated with the violation. Also, when you order your driving record, there are several options. Some records go back a few years, while others include your entire driving history. Make sure you know which one your court requires before you order.

If you choose to use DriversEd.com's online Texas defensive driving class, you've picked a great option that offers you customer support seven days a week. We've helped thousands of drivers keep points off their driving records. Let us help you!

Texas Defensive Driving FAQs

How often can I take defensive driving in Texas?

Once every 12 months. If you've already used the course to dismiss a citation within the past year, you won't be eligible again until that 12-month window has passed.

Do I still have to pay my ticket if I take defensive driving?

Yes. You'll still owe the court costs and fees tied to your citation, and those aren't refunded. What the course gets you out of is the conviction itself, since the violation never gets reported to your record, which is what protects your insurance rate.

Does defensive driving remove points already on my record?

No. It prevents new points from being added for the ticket you're dismissing, but it won't clear points from separate violations already on your driving history.

How long do I have to complete the course once the court approves me?

Most Texas courts give you 90 days from your approval date to finish the course and submit your certificate and driving record. Check your specific court's deadline, since it's set locally.

Can I use defensive driving for more than one ticket at once?

No. You can't take the course for a new violation while you're already using it to dismiss another one, and courts won't approve overlapping requests.

Take your Texas Defensive Driving Course Online Today!

Enroll in Texas Defensive DrivingTexas Defensive Driving Driversed.com