How Much Does the Defensive Driving Course Cost?

By Prateek Agarwal
Updated February 10, 2025

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Defensive driving courses can cost anywhere from $20 to $150 dollars depending on how you take the course, what provider you take it with, and the state you’re in. But, while prices vary state to state, defensive driving costs average between $25-$35.

How much does a defensive driving course cost where you live? Here’s what you can expect to pay and how to choose a course that meets your needs.

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The Cost of Defensive Driving Courses, State by State

Let’s break down the cost of defensive driving training by state. But note that cost isn’t the only factor to consider when it comes to choosing defensive driver courses! Look for a course that is approved by your state’s DMV, has lots of positive reviews, and that takes care of things like submitting your certificate to your DMV for you.

Alabama

Average cost range: $25-$125 (Level I) / $50-$150 (Level II)

In Alabama, defensive driving training (Level I) takes four hours to complete. However, if you’re taking the course to meet a court order, you may need to enroll in an eight-hour program (Level II).
Drivers can complete the course for ticket dismissal once every two years.

Alaska

Average cost range: $20-$50

Completing a state-approved defensive driving program may help remove two points from your record. You can take the course no more than once a year.
The course lasts eight hours and can be completed online or in a classroom setting.

Arizona

Average cost range: $20-$75 plus additional fees

In Arizona, drivers can take defensive driving classes once every 12 months to dismiss a ticket. This option is available to commercial drivers, too, under certain conditions.
A typical course takes four to four and a half hours.

Arkansas

Average cost range: $25-$50

If you’re based in Arkansas, you can take a six-hour course to get a ticket dismissed.
Most insurers offer defensive driving discounts for completing a state-approved program, regardless of duration. This means you can sign up for a one- or two-hour course to lower your premiums.

California

Average cost range: $25-$60

The State of California won’t dismiss your ticket or remove points from your license for completing defensive driver training. However, you can go to traffic school to mask a one-point violation.
Taking a defensive driving course can reduce your insurance premiums by 5%-10%.

Colorado

Average cost range: $20-$50

State-approved defensive driving programs take eight hours to complete. However, you can finish faster if you opt for an online course.
By completing the course, you can save up to 15% on auto insurance. In some cases, it may erase points from your license.

Connecticut

Average cost range: $20-$55

Most courses take around six hours, and you can study online or in person.
Depending on your insurance provider, you may qualify for a defensive driving discount of 5%-20% after completing the program.

Delaware

Average cost range: $10-$35

In-person defensive driving courses take six hours to complete. If you take the classes online, you can study at your own pace and finish faster.
By completing a state-approved program, you’ll receive a three-point credit. This doesn’t hide or remove existing points from your record, but it will reduce the penalties for future traffic violations. The credit is valid for three years.
You may also qualify for a 10-15% insurance discount.

Florida

Average cost range: $25-$70

A basic defensive driving course takes four hours.
In Florida, defensive driver training won’t remove points from your license. However, you can take a basic driver improvement (BDI) course to keep the points off.

To qualify for insurance discounts, you may also complete a state-approved mature driver course or a program focused on defensive driving. The former option is available to drivers aged 55 or older and can lower your premiums by 5-15%.

Georgia

Average cost range: $25-$95

In Georgia, a driver improvement/defensive driving course takes six hours to complete.
You may take the course once every five years to erase up to seven points from your license. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) doesn’t accept online courses, but some courts allow virtual classes delivered live via Zoom or a similar platform.

Hawaii

Average cost range: $20-$55

Most courses last four hours – though some insurance providers require at least six hours of study.
Defensive driver training may help you dismiss a ticket, depending on the court and the nature of your violation.
If you take the course voluntarily, you may receive an insurance discount of 10-15%.

Idaho

Average cost range: $20-$60

Idaho drivers can take a state-approved six-hour course once every three years to remove three points from their records.
Defensive driver training can also save you up to 10% on car insurance for three consecutive years.

Illinois

Average cost range: $20-$65

A standard defensive driving course takes four hours.
Some courts may dismiss your ticket for completing the course, but, generally, drivers must attend traffic school to get a citation removed.

Indiana

Average cost range: $25-$55

In Indiana, you can complete defensive driver training once every three years to erase up to four points from your record.
The minimum duration of a driver safety/defensive driving course is four hours.

Iowa

Average cost range: $25-$50

Completing a defensive driving course in Iowa won’t result in ticket dismissal or point reduction, but you could save 5-20% on auto insurance.
The course duration is four to eight hours, depending on the school.

Kansas

Average cost range: $20-$55

In Kansas, you can complete defensive driver training to get an insurance discount. Ticket dismissal is not typically offered.
A standard course takes four, six, or eight hours, depending on the provider.

Kentucky

Average cost range: $25-$50

Kentucky residents may complete defensive driver training for insurance purposes only.
The course duration varies from school to school, with the average being four hours.

Louisiana

Average cost range: $25-$35

Most insurance companies in Louisiana will lower your premiums by up to 10% for completing defensive driver training.
A typical program lasts six hours and can be completed online or in a classroom.
Completing the course won’t dismiss your traffic citation or reduce the points on your license.

Maine

Average cost range: $20-$70

In Maine, defensive driving classes are offered by both government agencies and private schools. The former tend to charge higher fees.
If you complete a driver improvement/defensive driving course approved by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, you may get three points off your license. The course lasts six hours and can be taken once every 12 months.
Some schools offer one-hour defensive driving courses that can help lower your insurance rates.

Maryland

Average cost range: $25-$50

The court won’t remove points from your driving record for completing defensive driver training.
If you complete a course approved by your insurance provider, you can save around 10% on your monthly premiums.

Massachusetts

Average cost range: $25-$40

Massachusetts drivers cannot dismiss traffic citations by completing defensive driving courses. However, they may qualify for auto insurance discounts of 10-20%.

Michigan

Average cost range: $25-$60+ (maximum $100)

In Michigan, defensive driving programs are referred to as Basic Driver Improvement Courses (BDIC) and take at least four hours.
Upon course completion, the points associated with your ticket will be hidden from insurers, preventing your rates from going up.

Minnesota

Average cost range: $25-$55

Per Minnesota law, car insurance companies must offer a 10% discount for clients aged 55+ who complete defensive driver training. The discount is valid for three years.
These training programs take four hours and don’t require passing a final test.

Mississippi

Average cost range: $25-$55

Completing an approved defensive driving course in Mississippi may prevent a ticket from appearing on your record. If you’re 21 years old or younger, the ticket will be dismissed.
The course requires around six hours of study and can be taken once every three years.

Missouri

Average cost range: $20-$60

The duration of a driver improvement/defensive driving program in Missouri is eight hours.
You can take the course to qualify for an insurance discount or reduce existing points on your license.

Montana

Average cost range: $20-$40

Completing a four-hour defensive driving program may result in ticket dismissal. Just make sure you get the court’s permission before starting the course.
Montana State University and other organizations offer free defensive driving classes. However, these courses may not be recognized by all courts or insurance providers.

Nebraska

Average cost range: $25-$60+

Nebraska residents who take a DMV-approved defensive driving course may receive a two-point credit or qualify for license reinstatement.
The course takes four hours or longer, depending on the school.

Nevada

Average cost range: $25-$50

If you commit a traffic offense in Nevada, you may not complete defensive driver training to get the points off your record. However, some insurance providers may lower your rates after you finish the course.
The only way to qualify for a point reduction is to attend traffic safety school. With this option, you can complete a five-hour course once every 12 months to erase three points from your license.

Our Nevada traffic safety course costs only $21.99, and you don’t have to pay until you pass. The program is licensed by the DMV and has received thousands of positive reviews from drivers like you!

New Hampshire

Average cost range: $20-$40

Taking a driver improvement/defensive driving course in New Hampshire can help you qualify for insurance discounts. The course must be approved by the state’s Department of Transportation or other regulatory bodies.

You may also take the course once every 36 months to get three points off your record. In this case, you must complete the program in person, not online.

New Jersey

Average cost range: $15-$35

In New Jersey, insurance companies are legally required to offer discounts for drivers who complete a state-approved defensive driving program.
Defensive driver training can also help remove two points from your driving record. You may take the course for point reduction once every five years.

New Mexico

Average cost range: $20-$40

Completing a defensive driving course approved by the New Mexico Department of Transportation can lead to ticket dismissal. Make sure you first receive the court’s permission to take the course for this purpose.
The program includes six hours of study and can be completed online or in person.

New York

Average cost range: $25-$65

NY drivers who complete an approved defensive driving course may qualify for a four-point reduction or auto insurance discounts of around 10%.
Defensive driver training can only reduce the points accumulated within 15 months prior to the course completion date. You can take the course no more than once every 18 months.
The course duration is around six hours.

North Carolina

Average cost range: $25-$75+

Defensive driving courses take four or eight hours, depending on the county.
With the court’s approval, you may complete the course to dismiss a ticket or reduce the charges you face.

North Dakota

Average cost range: $25-$55

If you complete a state-approved defensive driving program in North Dakota, you’ll get three points off your license. The course can be taken no more than once a year.
Per North Dakota law, insurance companies must offer a 5% discount for drivers who complete an approved course online or in person. Some provide discounts of up to 10%.

Ohio

Average cost range: $25-$50

Ohio drivers can take defensive driving classes for point reduction every three years but no more than five times in a lifetime.
If your goal is to save on insurance, you can take the course once every three years. Most insurers offer discounts of up to 10%.

Oklahoma

Average cost range: $25-$75

Oklahoma allows drivers to take an approved defensive driving course once every two years for a two-point reduction. The program should have a minimum duration of six hours.
Online courses are not eligible for point reduction (though some courts may allow this option) but can help you save up to 10% on insurance.

Oregon

Average cost range: $30-$50

If you’re based in Oregon, you can complete defensive driver training to qualify for insurance discounts.
State-approved classes take six hours, but you can finish faster if you opt for an online program.

Pennsylvania

Average cost range: $25-$40

PennDOT-approved defensive driving courses can help you receive an auto insurance discount.
For point reduction, you can take a six-hour driver improvement course virtually or in person. In Pennsylvania, defensive driving courses may help with point reduction, depending on the court.

Rhode Island

Average cost range: $20-$40+

Rhode Island residents who take a six-hour defensive driving course can save 5-20% on car insurance.
Unlike other states, Rhode Island doesn’t use a point system, so point reduction is not applicable.
Some courts may dismiss your ticket upon completing defensive driver training. Ask about it before starting the course.

South Carolina

Average cost range: $25-$100+

Completing an eight-hour defensive driving program can erase four points from your record.
The course must be taught by an instructor accredited by the National Safety Council (NSC) and can be taken once every three years.

South Dakota

Average cost range: $30-$65

In South Dakota, you may not take defensive driving courses to dismiss a ticket or remove points from your record.
However, completing the course can help you qualify for an insurance discount of 10-20%.

Tennessee

Average cost range: $25-$50+

Tennessee residents can complete a state-approved eight-hour defensive driving program to avoid license suspension or reinstate their driving privileges.
Not all courts accept online courses, so be sure to ask about it.
You can take a defensive driving course for point reduction once every two years.

Texas

Average cost range: $25-$70

Completing a defensive driving course in Texas can help you dismiss a ticket. To qualify, enroll in a program approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
Both online and in-person courses must include at least six hours of instruction.
Drivers who take the course voluntarily may qualify for a 2-10% discount on auto insurance.

Read: Can You Take an Online Defensive Driving Course in Texas for an Insurance Discount?

At Traffic Safety Institute, we charge a flat fee of only $31, which covers the course materials, an electronic certificate copy, unlimited retakes, and free audio read-along. Students receive 24/7 support and don’t have to pay until they pass.

Our online course is fully licensed by the TDLR and can be used for ticket dismissal or insurance discounts. To date, we have received thousands of positive reviews.

If, say, you receive a speeding ticket, you can complete our program to have the citation dismissed and keep your insurance rates from increasing. The same applies to reckless driving charges, depending on the nature and severity of your offense.

Utah

Average cost range: $19-$30

In Utah, you can take defensive driving classes every three years to remove up to 50 points from your record.
The course must be approved by the Utah Safety Council or the NSC and include four hours of instruction.
Depending on your insurance carrier, you could also save 5-10% on your premiums upon course completion.

Vermont

Average cost range: $25-$40

If you take a defensive driving course in Vermont, you may receive an insurance discount. Make sure you enroll in a training program certified by the state’s DMV.
Vermont doesn’t offer ticket dismissal or point reduction for completing the course.

Virginia

Average cost range: $25-$50+

Completing a driver improvement clinic, or defensive driving course, can help you earn a five-point safe driver credit or lower your insurance premiums.
Safe driving points are deducted from the demerit points you receive for committing traffic offenses, making it easier to maintain a clean driving record. Simply put, they negate demerit points.
You can take the course once every two years to get a five-point safe driver credit.

Washington

Average cost range: $25-$60

The law requires insurance companies to offer a 10% discount for drivers who complete a DMV-approved defensive driving course.
The court won’t dismiss your ticket upon course completion, but it may agree not to report it to the Department of Licensing. This means the violation will be hidden from insurance carriers, which may prevent your rates from increasing.
Most training programs last four hours and can be completed online.

West Virginia

Average cost range: $25-$40

Completing an approved defensive driving program in West Virginia will take three points off your record. You may also take the course to reinstate your license.
The state’s DMV doesn’t accept online courses for point reduction.
If you choose to study online, you may still qualify for a defensive driver discount.

Wisconsin

Average cost range: $25-$40

Defensive driver training can reduce your insurance rates by 10-20%.
You may not take the course for ticket dismissal unless approved by the court.
Most programs take six hours to complete.

Wyoming

Average cost range: $25-$30

Depending on the city or county, you may take defensive driving classes to prevent a ticket from appearing on your driving record. For example, Laramie offers this option.
Some insurance carriers may give you a discount for completing the course. Contact your insurer beforehand to check the eligibility requirements.

How Defensive Driving Can Save You Money

Defensive driving courses could save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars over time. Here’s how:

Improve your driving skills: These classes can help you become a safer driver, resulting in fewer fines.
Reduce your risk of accidents: Driving more responsibly can help prevent accidents and, consequently, save you money on costly repairs, medical bills, and legal fees.
Lower your insurance premiums: Most insurance companies offer discounts of 5-10% or more for completing defensive driver training. This aspect alone can lead to savings worth hundreds of dollars a year.
Avoid traffic tickets: Your insurance rates could nearly double after a single traffic ticket. Depending on the state, you may be able to dismiss a ticket or reduce the points on your record by taking defensive driving classes.
Save on fuel and car maintenance: Defensive driving can improve fuel economy while reducing vehicle wear and tear. For example, driving techniques like smooth braking and acceleration decrease fuel consumption, resulting in cost savings.

Most importantly, defensive driver training can improve your safety on the road. These classes will teach you how to anticipate and avoid hazards, what to do in a driving emergency, and other useful things that could save your life.

How to Take Defensive Driving Classes

These training programs are widely available and can be completed online or in person. What matters most is to choose a state-approved course that fits your schedule and learning style.

Below are the steps you can take to sign up for defensive driving classes:

Assess your needs: Determine why you want to take a defensive driving course. Common reasons include ticket dismissal, point reduction, or insurance discounts. Note that you may not apply for a defensive driving discount if you complete the course to meet a court order.
Check your state’s requirements: If you’re charged with a traffic offense, check your state’s laws on defensive driving courses. This information should be available on the DMV website. Some states may dismiss your ticket or remove points from your license for completing defensive driver training, while others require attending traffic school.
Contact your insurance provider: Reach out to your insurance company to see if they offer defensive driving discounts. Ask about their requirements in terms of course duration, format (online or in person), approved providers, and how to submit your completion certificate.
Choose an approved course: Search for defensive driving courses approved by your state’s DMV or other governing bodies. Visit the school’s website to see what the course looks like, how long it takes, and what’s included in the price. Check the completion deadline, too.
Register and pay: Sign up and pay the course fee to get started. If you choose any of our courses, you don’t have to pay until you pass.
Complete the course: Go through the course modules and take any required tests. Most courses include quizzes and/or a final exam, which you must pass in order to receive a completion certificate.
Submit your certificate: After you finish the course, submit your certificate of completion to the DMV, court, or insurance provider. For example, if you want to dismiss a ticket, you must submit your certificate to the court and DMV.

Our advice is to start the course as soon as possible, especially if you’re using it for ticket dismissal or point reduction. Most courses take just a few hours, but this doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute to sign up.

If you live in California, Florida, Nevada, or Texas, check out our driving courses. Depending on the state, they may be referred to as driver safety, defensive driving, or driver improvement classes.

Our training programs are self-paced and meet all court requirements. Upon registration, you can study online from your smartphone, tablet, or other devices and take breaks as needed. We also offer free audio read-alongs for more convenient learning.

All of our courses are fully licensed and can be used for point reduction, ticket dismissal, or insurance discounts – depending on the state. Plus, you won’t pay anything until you pass.

FAQs about the Cost of Defensive Driving Courses

Looking for more information on defensive driving courses? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Are there any free defensive driving courses?

Depending on where you live, you may take defensive driving courses for free. However, they may not be officially recognized, meaning you can’t use them for ticket dismissal or insurance discounts. In this case, you’d only be taking the course to improve your driving and reduce the likelihood of collision. Research suggests that defensive driving programs can lower accident rates by as much as 21% and traffic violations by 63%.

Is there a test after the defensive driving course?

Some courses end with a final exam, whereas others don’t. This aspect depends on your state’s requirements and the course provider.

How can you pass a defensive driving course?

To complete a defensive driving course, you must go through all modules and pass a final exam or multiple quizzes. But, as mentioned above, not all courses will have final exams. In most cases, it’s just like passing any other test. Learn the material, then take the exam!

Is a defensive driving course worth it?

Yes, it is. The benefits of defensive driving classes include helping you become a safer driver and prepare you for unexpected situations on the road. You’ll learn how to better control your speed, avoid distractions, anticipate what other road users are likely to do next, and much more.