Whether you’re dealing with a traffic ticket or seeking ways to lower your insurance rates, consider taking defensive driving classes. In Texas, these courses take just six hours to complete and cost less than a meal out.
Not sure if it’s worth it? Taking a defensive driving class benefits your wallet and could save your life. Here are some perks you may not be aware of.
1. Lower Insurance Premiums
Most insurers offer discounts of 2-10% for completing defensive driver training. The discount is valid for three years.
According to NerdWallet, Texas drivers pay an average of $3,580 per year for full coverage auto insurance or $1,000+ for minimum coverage. These rates vary from one insurance carrier to the next and can increase by hundreds of dollars after a single traffic ticket, which means a discount can make a significant difference.
Say your annual premium is $3,600. This means you could save $72 to $360 per year or $216 to $1,080 over three years by taking a defensive driving course.
While each insurer has different requirements, the eligibility criteria is that you must::
- Be the main driver of the vehicle
- Have a valid Texas driver’s license
- Complete a defensive driving course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
- Take the course voluntarily and not as part of a court order
- Have not completed defensive driver training over the past three years
Some insurance companies also require drivers to be of a certain age, such as 55+, to qualify for the discount.
Before getting started, contact your insurer to check the eligibility requirements. If everything looks good, take the course and submit your certificate of completion to your insurance carrier for lower premiums!
“A lot of companies give lower rates to drivers who complete a defensive driving course, which saves money in the long run. But even more than that, I’ve had fewer close calls, which means fewer chances of filing a claim or getting my rates raised.” – Eli Itzhaki, CEO & Founder of Keyzoo
Read: How Much Does the Defensive Driving Course Cost?
2. Ticket Dismissal
If you receive a ticket for speeding, running a stop sign, or other moving violations, you may be able to get it dismissed. All you need to do is complete a defensive driving course with the court’s permission.
Under Texas law, this option is available to drivers who meet the following requirements:
- Hold a valid Class C driver’s license.
- Plead guilty to the charge and pay the associated fine.
- Complete a six-hour state-approved driver safety/defensive driving course.
- Have not taken such a course over the past 12 months.
- Did not exceed 25 mph over the speed limit.
- Didn’t leave the scene of an accident.
- Had car insurance at the time of the offense.
- The ticket wasn’t issued for passing a school bus.
- The offense didn’t take place in a construction zone.
Completing defensive driver training will keep the ticket off your record, helping you avoid higher insurance rates and, in some cases, license suspension. Just make sure you finish the course within 90 days of the conviction date.
Our defensive driving course is available in Texas and Nevada, is 100% online, and includes 12 user-friendly modules followed by short quizzes. There is no final exam, but you must go through all 12 modules and pass the quizzes to finish the course.
At Traffic Safety Institute, you can study at your pace from any device, including your smartphone or tablet. If something seems unclear, you can retake the lesson or contact our team by live chat.
The best part? With our “Don’t Pay Until You Pass” guarantee, you can go through each lesson and retake the quizzes as many times as needed for free.
Upon completion, you’ll pay a flat fee that covers all course materials and other services, such as 24/7 support. For more information, see our guide on how defensive driving school works.
3. Lower Risk of Accidents
According to 2021 research, defensive driving programs can significantly improve safe driving knowledge among young people. Some studies suggest that defensive driving may lower the risk of rear-end collisions by up to 27% and overall crash rates by 20-25%.
In a recent study of 30,000 drivers, the National Safety Council (NSC) found that online driver safety training led to a 74% reduction in traffic violations within the year following course completion.
Between 2019 and 2021, surchargeable violation rates decreased by:
- 85% among drivers aged 65+
- 74% among other learners aged 21 to 64
- 68% among those under 21 years old
These findings show that defensive driver training benefits people of all ages. Think of it as an opportunity to refresh your knowledge, learn techniques not covered by traditional driver’s ed, and gain a deeper understanding of road safety.
“I was stressed about making it on time, but the techniques I learned in the course kicked in. I found myself scanning the road more effectively, anticipating potential hazards, and maintaining a safe following distance. It was like I had a sixth sense for trouble on the road.” – Sally Johnson, Owner of Green Light Booking
4. More Confidence and Better Driving Skills
By completing a defensive driving course, you’ll feel more prepared for the unexpected. Understanding how to avoid common mistakes and anticipate hazards can boost your confidence on the road. Plus, it contributes to safer driving, which can reduce your anxiety and make your trips more enjoyable.
These programs also reinforce proper techniques, such as maintaining safe following distances, hence fostering a sense of control behind the wheel. As a result, you’ll experience less stress in heavy traffic and develop a proactive mindset.
“I genuinely enjoyed it way more than I expected. Like yeah, the 15% insurance discount is nice (who doesn’t love free money?), but the real benefit is how much more relaxed I am driving now. Plus, my partner’s stopped doing that anxious grab-the-door-handle thing on long trips, so that’s a win.” – Tim Hanson, Chief Creative Officer at Penfriend
5. Fewer Vehicle Repairs
Defensive driving can reduce vehicle wear and tear, saving you thousands of dollars in car repairs.
Techniques like gradual braking, steady acceleration, and maintaining safe following distances prevent unnecessary strain on your car’s brakes and other components, which may increase their lifespan. And, by staying alert, you’ll find it easier to avoid potholes, road debris, or other obstacles that could damage your vehicle.
The average American spends nearly $1,500 on car maintenance and repairs over a 15,000-mile year. Fixing a flat or blown tire can cost $20 to $100, while repairing the damage from a minor collision might set you back up to $2,000.
Many of these issues are due to inattention, aggressive driving, poor vehicle maintenance, and other factors.
What to Expect from Defensive Driving Classes
Texas courts and insurance companies only accept courses approved by the TDLR. These last six hours or longer and can be completed online or in a classroom setting. The curriculum covers topics like:
- Hazard recognition
- Accident prevention strategies
- Texas driving laws and regulations
- Safe driving practices
- Techniques for managing distractions
- Impaired and distracted driving awareness
- Vehicle safety and maintenance
For instance, students learn how to avoid road obstacles, recover from understeering, control a vehicle in emergency situations, and more.
State-approved defensive driving courses cover similar topics, but their format and delivery may vary from school to school.
Defensive Driving at Traffic Safety Institute
At Traffic Safety Institute, our course is divided into easy-to-follow modules. Each module ends with a four-question quiz that shouldn’t take longer than a few minutes to complete.
When you’re done, we’ll submit your certificate of completion to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the TDLR. You will receive a digital copy, which you must present to the court to have the citation dismissed.
To qualify for a defensive driving discount, submit your completion certificate to your insurance provider. Note that you may not take the course to get a ticket dismissed and reduce your premiums, so you must choose one or the other.
As far as pricing cost, our driver safety course costs only $31, which you’ll pay after completing the program.
To date, we have received thousands of positive reviews from students like you, which demonstrates our commitment to excellence.
Ready to give it a try? Start Texas defensive driving courses for FREE today!
FAQs about Defensive Driving Class Benefits
Looking for more information on defensive driving courses? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
What is the ultimate objective of defensive driving?
The ultimate goal of defensive driving is accident prevention. Defensive driving courses will teach you how to anticipate and avoid hazards while behind the wheel, which contributes to road safety.
How often can you take defensive driving courses?
In Texas, you can take a defensive driving course for ticket dismissal once every 12 months.
Things are a bit different for drivers who want to save on insurance. Defensive driving discounts are valid for three years, meaning you can take the course every 36 months to lower your rates.
What are the “three C’s” of defensive driving?
The three C’s of defensive driving are Courtesy, Caution, and Care. Here’s what each means:
- Courtesy: Respect other drivers by signaling, yielding, and avoiding aggressive behavior. Slow down or stop at crosswalks, pass cyclists safely, and stay calm in traffic.
- Caution: Focus your full attention on the road to anticipate potential hazards, such as distracted drivers or changing road conditions.
- Care: Follow traffic rules and regulations, drive at safe speeds, and keep your cool in emergency situations.
These principles promote responsible driving, making the road safer for everyone.
What is the best defensive driving course?
Defensive driving courses vary in structure, format, and content from one school to the next. While some are better than others, there is no single program that can meet the needs of every student.
As a general rule, choose a state-approved course to ensure it provides accurate, up-to-date content relevant to the state where you reside. Neither the court nor your insurance provider will accept a course that doesn’t have TDLR’s approval.
Our Texas defensive driving course is licensed by the TDLR and accepted by all Texas courts. Our Nevada defensive driving course is accepted by all Nevada courts and DMV approved. Therefore, it can help you keep tickets off your record or lower your insurance premiums.
