In Texas, defensive driving courses take six hours or longer, including a one-hour break. However, their exact duration depends on the school and other factors, such as whether you study online or in a classroom setting.
So, how long is the defensive driving course in Texas if you choose an online program? And what can you expect to learn?
Let’s find out.
How Long Is the Defensive Driving Course in Texas?
According to Section 84.504 of the Texas Administrative Code, in-person driver safety (aka defensive driving) courses must include at least five hours of instruction plus a 60-minute break.
The same requirements apply to online defensive driving courses, per Section 84.505. However, online schools may provide six hours of instruction and skip the one-hour break.
Both in-person and online courses must follow the structure set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Each unit must have a minimum duration, as outlined in the TDLR’s guidelines:
- Course introduction: 10 minutes
- The occupant protection problem (traffic safety issues in the U.S. and Texas): 10 min
- Factors influencing driver performance: 25 min
- Speed, traction, and other physical forces influencing your control of the car: 10 min
- Perceptual skills (e.g., vision, hearing) needed for driving: 20 min
- Vehicle safety equipment: 35 min
- Occupant restraint systems (e.g., seatbelts, airbags): 20 min
- Child passenger safety: 120 min
- Comprehensive examination (2+ test questions per unit): 5 min/unit
Simply put, the course has multiple chapters, each ending with a short quiz. Every chapter covers a specific topic, building on the previous unit.
The benefit of an online course is that you can take breaks as needed and resume the course at your convenience. Our online driving safety course is licensed by the TDLR and meets the six-hour requirement, but you can take breaks as needed; our system saves your progress so you can always pick up right where you left off.
Why Take Defensive Driving Classes in Texas?
Let’s take a quick look at some of the key defensive driving class benefits:
Dismiss a Traffic Ticket
Per Texas law, completing a state-approved defensive driving program may result in ticket dismissal. To qualify, it’s necessary to meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 17 years old
- Plead guilty or no contest and pay the fine
- Hold a valid non-commercial driver’s license
- Have not taken such a course for another traffic violation over the past year
- Your vehicle was insured at the time of the event
Note you may not take the course for ticket dismissal if you’re charged with a hit-and-run or excessive speeding (25 mph over the limit).
To make sure you are eligible, check with the court when paying your fine. After that, look for TDLR-approved courses like the one we offer at Traffic Safety Institute.
Reduce Your Insurance Premiums
In Texas, all major insurers offer insurance discounts of 2-10% for taking a defensive driving course. The discount is valid for three years, and you must take the course voluntarily to qualify.
Suppose you pay $3,500 per year for full coverage.
By completing defensive driver training, you could save $70 to $350 per year, or $210 to $1,050 over three years, depending on the discount percentage.
Defensive driving classes can also prevent your insurance rates from increasing after a traffic violation.
For instance, a single speeding ticket can drive up your insurance premiums by up to 29% per year for three consecutive years. Returning to the above example, you could end up paying $4,515 instead of $3,500 for full coverage.
If you qualify for defensive driving classes and take a state-approved course, the court may dismiss the charges against you. As a result, your insurance provider won’t raise your rates following a speeding ticket.
Read: How Much Is a Speeding Ticket in Texas?
Hone Your Driving Skills
Defensive driving classes will teach you valuable skills that can improve your safety on the road. You’ll learn to anticipate and react to potential hazards, adapt your speed to the weather, manage road rage, and stay focused.
The course also covers Texas traffic laws and regulations, which may help refresh your knowledge. Plus, you’ll gain a better understanding of modern vehicle safety systems and how to use them effectively.
What’s more, you will learn how to recognize impaired or distracted drivers so you can take preventive action. This aspect alone could reduce your odds of an accident and save lives.
What Does the Texas Defensive Driving Course Cover?
Defensive driving courses cover the skills and techniques required for staying safe behind the wheel. The curriculum focuses on accident prevention, helping learners develop a proactive approach to driving.
The content covered includes:
- How weather conditions affect driving
- How to safely navigate heavy traffic
- What to do in case of a tire blowout, hydroplaning, or other emergencies
- Steps to take after an accident
- Texas laws on child passenger safety
- Modern vehicle safety features
- Distraction avoidance techniques
- Effective use of mirrors
- Importance of regular vehicle maintenance
- Crash prevention strategies
- Consequences of traffic violations
Even if you’re an experienced driver, you can still benefit from taking the course. It’s an opportunity to refresh your knowledge and stay up to date with the latest changes to traffic laws.
Do You Have to Take a Test at the End of a Defensive Driving Course?
Unlike other states, Texas doesn’t require learners to take a test after completing a defensive driving course. However, you must pass several quizzes as you progress through the modules.
Our online course includes a four-question quiz at the end of each module. Students must answer three out of four questions correctly to move on to the next unit.
If you don’t pass a quiz, you can retake it until you succeed. At Traffic Safety Institute, we offer free unlimited retakes to help our students master the material.
How Does Defensive Driver Training Work?
Depending on your needs, you can take defensive driving classes to dismiss a ticket or lower your insurance premiums.
In the first scenario, you will complete training as part of a court order. But if you want to receive a defensive driving discount, you must sign up for the course voluntarily.
As a general rule, register for a state-approved program. Most courts and insurance companies in Texas won’t accept a course that doesn’t have the TDLR’s seal of approval.
After you pass, the school will issue a certificate of completion in digital format. Here’s what you should do next:
- For ticket dismissal: Submit your certificate to the court and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) before the due date
- For insurance discounts: Submit the certificate to your insurance provider.
At Traffic Safety Institute, we’ll electronically submit your completion information to the Texas DPS and TDLR for free. Here are a few other key benefits of taking defensive driver training with us:
- TDLR-approved
- 100% online and self-paced
- Flat fee of $31 – no extra fees at checkout and you don’t pay until you pass
- Unlimited course retakes
- Live chat support
- Thousands of positive reviews
🎉Start Texas driver safety school for FREE today!🎉
FAQs About Defensive Driving Courses in Texas
Is there anything else you want to know about the Texas defensive driving course? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
What is the $25 driving course in Texas?
Texas law requires course providers to charge at least $25 for defensive driver training. So, when you hear about a “$25 driving course” in Texas, that just means a defensive driving course, since that’s the minimum fee allowed. Overall the cost of defensive driving in Texas ranges from $25 to $70. Watch out for providers that promise a low fee but tack extra costs on at checkout! At Traffic Safety Institute, you pay only our flat rate of $31.
What is the six-hour driving course in Texas?
When people refer to the “six-hour driving course” in Texas, they are likely referring to a defensive driving course. Defensive driving classes in Texas must have a minimum duration of six hours. Any courses shorter than six hours will not receive the TDLR’s approval.
What defensive driving courses does Texas accept?
Texas courts only accept state-approved courses. Choose a defensive driving program licensed by the TDLR or other governing bodies.
