Take state-approved North Carolina defensive driving training online. We offer 4-Hour Driver Improvement and 8-Hour Driver Improvement courses through AAA Driver Training — a trusted provider of driver education.
These courses equip North Carolina drivers with essential knowledge, skills and techniques to reduce the risk of accidents, prevent traffic violations and foster a culture of responsible driving. Additionally, some students who complete Defensive Driving will qualify for an insurance discount and point reduction benefits.
Whether you need to satisfy a court mandate or you're a new driver looking to enhance your driving skills, these programs offer valuable opportunities to become a safer driver and increase your knowledge of state driving laws.
Our courses are accepted by a number of local courts and insurance providers. Before selecting your course, please check with your insurance provider or county court to confirm your eligibility. You can instantly download your course completion certificate after you've passed the final exam.
Which North Carolina Defensive Driving Course Do I Need?
Before enrolling in a course, it is essential to consider any specific requirements set by your local court. If you are taking the course to satisfy a court mandate, your local court will typically specify which course you need.
The main difference between the 4-Hour and 8-Hour Driver Improvement Programs is the course duration and the depth of content covered. Both courses provide valuable defensive driving skills, contributing to safer North Carolina roads.
If you are taking defensive driving training to reduce points on your record or earn an insurance discount, you should contact your court or insurance provider to learn more about eligibility and the specific course you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a defensive driving course?
A defensive driving course is a specialized driving education program designed to teach drivers advanced techniques and strategies to minimize the risk of accidents and improve their overall safety on the road. The primary focus of a defensive driving course is to instill proactive driving habits that help you anticipate potential hazards and respond appropriately to various driving situations.
Are these courses state-approved?
Yes. These courses are provided through AAA Driver Training and approved by the state of North Carolina. Multiple counties have approved the 4-Hour and 8-Hour Driver Improvement Programs to satisfy court mandates and reduce points from a traffic violation. Your insurance provider may also offer an insurance discount for completing the course. Check with your local court and insurance provider to confirm eligibility.
Who needs defensive driving?
The need for taking a defensive driving course varies depending on individual circumstances and specific requirements set by local laws or institutions. Here are some common scenarios where individuals might need or choose to take a defensive driving course:
- Court Order or Legal Settlement: In some cases, a defensive driving course may be mandated by a court as part of a legal settlement or probation agreement related to a driving-related incident.
- Traffic Violations: Some courts may offer the option to attend a defensive driving course as an alternative to paying fines or receiving point violations for certain minor traffic violations.
- Ticket Dismissal: In some jurisdictions, completing a defensive driving course may allow you to dismiss a traffic ticket, helping you avoid fines and points on your driving record.
- Insurance Discounts: Many auto insurance providers offer discounts to policyholders who voluntarily complete a defensive driving course. The discount amount and eligibility criteria vary by insurance company, so make sure to check with your provider.
- Point Reduction: Some courts or jurisdictions allow drivers to reduce points from their driving record by completing an approved defensive driving course. This may help you avoid a license suspension. Check with your county court to determine your options for point reduction and how often you can take a defensive driving course to reduce points.
- Traffic School Requirement: As part of a plea agreement for certain offenses, drivers may be required to attend traffic school or a defensive driving course.
- Voluntary Skill Enhancement: You may choose to take a defensive driving course to improve your driving skills, increase your confidence on the road or brush up on your safety techniques.
Check with your local DMV, traffic court or insurance provider to determine if you should take a defensive driving course and which course you need.
What's the difference between the 4-hour and 8-hour course?
The 4-Hour Driver Improvement Program covers fundamental defensive driving topics, such as preparing to drive, visual awareness, alcohol and other drugs, distractions/emotions and adverse conditions. It focuses on core concepts to enhance participants' driving skills and safety awareness.
The 4-hour course serves as a general defensive driving program for individuals seeking to improve their driving skills, earn insurance discounts or meet court requirements for minor traffic violations.
The extended duration of the 8-Hour Driver Improvement Program course allows for a more in-depth exploration of defensive driving principles. In addition to the topics covered in the 4-hour course, the 8-hour course includes more extensive discussions on driver attitude, right of way, communicating on the road and managing space and speed.
The 8-Hour course may be required when the court mandates a more extensive program, such as for certain traffic offenses or as part of a legal settlement. It can also be taken voluntarily by drivers seeking a more comprehensive defensive driving experience.
The 4-Hour and 8-Hour Driver Improvement Programs are eligible for point reduction in county courts throughout North Carolina. However, your eligibility and the number of points that can be reduced may differ based on the court and individual circumstances.
What are the course topics?
The 4-Hour Driver Improvement Program covers the following topics:
- Introduction
- Getting Ready to Drive
- Effective Visual Awareness
- Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Distractions, Drowsiness and Emotions
- Adverse Conditions
The 8-Hour Driver Improvement Program covers the following topics:
- Introduction
- Getting Ready to Drive
- Effective Visual Awareness
- Sharing the Road
- Using Space and Speed Effectively
- Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Distractions, Drowsiness and Emotions
- Adverse Conditions and Driving Emergencies
What are the benefits of defensive driving?
The benefits of completing a defensive driving course can include an insurance rate reduction, ticket dismissal, meeting court requirements, refreshing your driving knowledge and more. Your eligibility for benefits can vary depending on your insurance company and jurisdiction, so check with your local court or insurance provider to learn more.
Can I complete North Carolina defensive driving entirely online?
Yes. Our courses are 100% online, allowing you to access the material from any device with an internet connection, such as a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?
Yes, you can instantly download your completion certificate after passing the final exam.
What do I need to do after completing my course?
Once you complete your course, contact the appropriate party (i.e. local court, lawyer, insurance company, etc.) and be prepared to show your completion certificate. If you have any questions contact AAA at DriverTraining2@acg.aaa.com or (866) 659-1317.
Can I take a defensive driving course to reduce points from my driving record?
Completing a defensive driving course may qualify you to deduct points from your driving record following certain traffic violations. Our program satisfies local standards for point dismissal, but it is important to check with your court to confirm your eligibility.
Will taking this course lower my auto insurance premiums?
Many insurance providers offer discounts to drivers who voluntarily complete defensive driving courses. However, the amount of the discount and its applicability varies based on your insurance company. Check with your insurance provider to determine the eligibility and potential savings.
Is there a final exam for the course?
Both courses include a final exam consisting of 20 questions. You must score at least 80% to pass the exam, and you have unlimited attempts to achieve a passing score. Both courses also have one quiz at the end of each section. You must score at least 70% to pass the quizzes. Like the final exam, you have unlimited attempts to take the quizzes until you pass.