Safe Driving Course in Texas

Written by Michael Purser

Operating a motor vehicle can be a dangerous activity. Texans suffered 15,299 serious injury crashes in 2022 alone, including 4,481 fatalities. Investing in a driver improvement course is one of the best ways to protect yourself from traffic collisions and other dangers you might encounter on the road.

Online defensive driving courses equip you with a detailed understanding of traffic laws, safe driving techniques and the psychological factors that influence your behavior behind the wheel. Sharpening your skills isn't the only benefit. Read on to learn about the additional perks of completing a Texas defensive driving program.

Safe Driving Details

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issues all driver licenses in the Lone Star State. Motorists may take a TDLR-approved class from a licensed provider like SafeMotorist.

You can complete lessons online or in a classroom. Qualified programs contain at least six hours of instruction in specific topics required by TDLR.

Course Outline

SafeMotorist's Texas Defensive Driving Course Online consists of four modules. The lessons are easy to understand and end with a brief quiz. You must pass each knowledge check to complete the training, but there is no final exam.

Our program modules are:

  • Module 1: Traffic Crashes
  • Module 2: Psychological Factors
  • Module 3: Crash Dynamics
  • Module 4: The Point System and Licensing Actions

By the time you finish the program, you will be prepared to handle anything you might encounter on the Lone Star State's roads and highways — from dangerous road conditions to drunk drivers.

That's just the beginning. There are two other important benefits for drivers who complete a safety course. You could be eligible to dismiss traffic tickets and save money on your car insurance premiums.

Dismissing a Ticket

In 2019, Texas repealed the points-based Driver Responsibility Program (DRP). Now, TDLR uses Driver License Enforcement Actions. A motorist who commits four moving violations in a 12-month period or seven violations in a 24-month period may have their license suspended.

Select traffic tickets and moving violations are eligible for dismissal. A timely trip to traffic school could save your license and keep you on the road.

Eligibility

You can only use a safety course to dismiss a traffic ticket if you are first notified by the court system that you are eligible. Courts are independently responsible for determining eligibility within their jurisdiction.

Your ticket includes instructions for contacting your local court. Use the contact information to find out if your citation is eligible for dismissal. Once you have the court's permission, you will need to notify TDLR that you intend to take an approved course.

There are a few other factors that influence your eligibility. To have a violation removed from your license, you must:

  • Have a valid Texas driver's license
  • Not possess a commercial driver's license of any class
  • Plead guilty to and pay any fines associated with your ticket
  • Not have taken a driver improvement class in the last 12 months
  • Not currently be enrolled in traffic school for another offense
  • Obtain a copy of your Type 3A driving record

Offenses That Can't Be Dismissed

Some traffic violations cannot be dismissed. Minor offenses, like basic speeding tickets, a missing tail light, expired vehicle registration or other moving violations, can be removed from your record.

More serious offenses, including felonies and even Class C misdemeanors, cannot be dismissed this way. Offenses that do not qualify for dismissal include:

  • Speeding 25 mph or more above the posted limit
  • Speeding at 95 mph or more
  • Failure to stop for a signaling school bus
  • Moving violations cited within a traffic zone while workers are present
  • Hit and run/leaving the scene of an accident
  • Fleeing from a police officer
  • Failure to stop to give information and render aid
  • Reckless driving

Insurance Premium Reduction

On top of its other benefits, our online defensive driving course can help you reduce your insurance bill! To incentivize safe behavior, many major insurers provide a discount to customers who complete TDLR-approved traffic school. You may save up to 10% on your premiums after you send your insurer a copy of your certificate of completion.

Savings and eligibility vary. Some might not offer a premium reduction at all, while others may offer up to 10%. Consult with your insurer for more information, including the process for submitting your certificate of completion.

Sign Up Today

SafeMotorist offers several approved online driver's ed and traffic safety courses. Sign up today to refresh your knowledge of traffic laws, learn safer habits and sharpen your road skills. You can even dismiss eligible moving violations and save money on your car insurance.

An online program allows you to learn at home and complete your training from any internet-connected device. We save your progress automatically so you can start and stop learning whenever and wherever is convenient for you. Learn at your own pace, starting today!