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Attending a Texas traffic school may be an option for eligible drivers who have received a traffic citation. Overall, most state motorists are not required to participate in a defensive driving course if they only committed a minor infraction. Thus, drivers must file a request to their county court in order to be able to dismiss a ticket through enrolling in a traffic school course. On the other hand, it is important to note that not all drivers will be granted permission to do so. It is the discretion of the court to approve or deny a motorist’s request to undertake a driver improvement course.

A defensive driving class in TX is approximately six hours long. Generally, motorists have the option to choose between online or in-person classes. During a driving safety course, drivers will learn about the knowledge and skills necessary to stay safe on the road. Furthermore, depending on a resident’s auto insurance company, taking a driver safety program may reduce his or her monthly premium costs.


Who can attend traffic school in Texas?

Certain drivers may be permitted to attend traffic school in Texas. Oftentimes, defensive driving courses are not mandated by courts. However, motorists charged with a driving while intoxicated (DWI) violation may be required to pass a specific driving class. In all other cases, Texas residents may be given permission from their county court to complete a driver safety program and dismiss a ticket. To be eligible for a course, motorists must:

Furthermore, there are general conditions that will prevent certain residents from participating in a driver improvement course. For instance, motorists requesting permission to take a course cannot have:

  • Taken any other driving school courses in the past 12 months to dismiss a ticket.
  • A commercial driver’s license (CDL).
  • Been speeding 25 mph or more over the speed limit.
  • Received a citation in a work zone.

Types of Defensive Driving Courses in Texas

Residents permitted to take a defensive driving course in Texas can choose either a classroom or online option. In any case, classes are six hours in length. Furthermore, not all counties and/or cities offer classroom instruction. Therefore, motorists should conduct appropriate research before registering for a class.

Classroom vs. Online Traffic School in Texas

There are different benefits related to enrolling in an in-person versus online traffic school in Texas. For instance, a classroom environment can be beneficial for drivers who learn best by interacting with others. Moreover, those who enroll in an in-person driver improvement program will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to a teacher.

On the other hand, a defensive driving class online is a better option for motorists who are unable to attend a class in person. In addition, online courses allow drivers to progress through material at their own pace while not being distracted by others. iDriveSafely, the leading online driver improvement course provider, offers unlimited quiz retakes, free certificate of completion delivery and is approved by all courts in the state.

How to Enroll in a Texas Defensive Driving School

In order to participate in a TX defensive driving school, motorists must first obtain permission from their county court. After receiving a citation for a moving violation, residents can submit a request to take a driving safety course to their court by mail or in person. This must be accomplished within the period of time indicated on the citation. Residents must also pay all necessary fees prior to registration. In addition to the request, citation and fees, motorists are required to submit a copy of their drivers license and proof of insurance.

If the court approves the request, motorists can then register for a defensive driving course. They will have 90 days to finish the course and submit a certificate of completion. An easy and convenient class option is iDriveSafely. This program offers a discount for drivers who purchase their driving record along with the course. Furthermore, the course offers customer support 24 hours, 7 days a week if motorists have any issues or questions.

Benefits of Completing Traffic School in Texas

Motorists can gain several benefits from completing a Texas traffic school. These benefits include:

  • Ticket dismissal
  • Receiving a car insurance discount
  • Fulfilling a court order
  • Learning safe driving skills and knowledge

Dismiss a Traffic Ticket

One of the primary reasons that motorists choose to partake in a driver safety program is to dismiss a traffic ticket. While Texas courts will not permit dismissal for all violations, it may still be worth making a request as approval is based on the discretion of local judges.

Motorists can easily accomplish this by registering on iDriveSafely, an online driving school for tickets. This provider offers the shortest course permitted by the state with the lowest price, among other benefits.

Obtain a Car Insurance Discount

Depending on the car insurer, drivers may be able to receive a discount after completing a defensive driving class. Prior to registration, it is important for drivers to consult with their insurance company about how to qualify for the discount. Some insurers require motorists to drive safely for a minimum of three years before they can be eligible to receive the discount.

Fulfill a Court Order

In certain cases, court orders will mandate drivers to complete a defensive driving course in TX. However, most motorists are not required to attend such classes. Court-ordered driver safety courses in Texas are usually reserved for residents who commit serious traffic violations such as intoxicated driving. Afterward, the court orders the resident to participate in a specific driving program focused on drug and alcohol knowledge. In that case, completing a driver improvement program is mandatory, not optional. In fact, motorists can incur more penalties for failing to participate in a class.

Learn Safe Driving Knowledge and Skills

A driver improvement school is helpful in providing residents knowledge and skills, which will help them become safer motorists. As an example, defensive driving classes inform residents about proper vehicle operating techniques and methods, such as avoiding and managing hazardous situations. Understanding how to effectively handle a variety of driving conditions and situations can decrease the chance of accidents and expensive traffic tickets.

Texas Defensive Driving Class Curriculum Details

There are several components to the TX defensive driving class curriculum. Different course providers may structure their programs in different ways, but most provide similar information aimed at improving driving knowledge. For instance, the basic knowledge provided by these programs entails understanding state traffic laws. Additional topics that different courses may teach include:

  • Factors that influence driving behavior, such as alcohol and mood.
  • Driving in hazardous conditions.
  • Defensive driving techniques.
  • Handling automobile issues and emergencies.

Furthermore, motorists are not usually required to take a final exam to complete a driver improvement course in Texas. With that said, many courses do have quizzes at the ends of sections to reinforce knowledge.

Texas Defensive Driving Certificates

Residents must submit their drivers record in addition to a defensive driving certificate in Texas in order to finalize a ticket dismissal. Motorists have more than one option when it comes to submitting documents to the court. Overall, they may do so via mail or in person. Depending on the course provider, drivers will receive their certificate by mail, in person or via download after they finish the class.

Texas Traffic School vs. Drivers Education

Drivers ed and traffic school in Texas offer different types of knowledge to residents. Driver’s education classes are targeted toward new drivers who do not yet have their license. It is an introduction to driving and traffic laws. It also often accompanied with behind-the-wheel training.

On the other hand, a defensive driving class is for motorists who already carry a license. This type of class is meant to refresh driving knowledge and skills. It is not targeted toward new drivers. Furthermore, a driver safety program does not offer driving practice.

Texas Defensive Driving Course Fees

There are several fees associated with defensive driving courses in Texas. In general, online driver safety programs can range from $25 to $40 depending on the provider. Moreover, residents seeking court approval to register for a course must pay for their traffic ticket and administrative court fees prior to enrollment.

Last updated on Wednesday, October 14 2020.