Defensive driving class (accident prevention course) for a three-point reduction
Overseen by Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Motor Vehicles
- What it does
Three points may be removed from an Idaho driving record when the driver completes an approved defensive driving class.
What the source says
“Three (3) points may be removed from an Idaho driving record upon the driver’s completion of an approved defensive driving class”
IDAPA 39.02.71, Rules Governing Driver's License Violation Point System and Accident Prevention Courses - Idaho Transportation Department, read October 7, 2026
You can complete an approved accident prevention course for a 3-point reduction and/or an insurance discount.
What the source says
“You can complete an approved accident prevention course for a 3-point reduction off your license and/or an insurance discount.”
Driver Records and Suspensions - Idaho Transportation Department, read October 7, 2026
An insurer must give an appropriate premium reduction when a principal operator aged 55 or older has completed a motor vehicle accident prevention course that meets the Transportation Department's criteria.
What the source says
“shall provide for an appropriate reduction in premium charges for liability, medical payments and collision coverages if the principal operator fifty-five (55) years of age or older has successfully completed a motor vehicle accident prevention course which meets criteria established by the transportation department.”
Idaho Code section 41-2515, Discount for certain age groups - Idaho Legislature, read October 7, 2026
- Who can take it
Idaho recognizes traffic class completion certificates for Idaho-licensed drivers only.
What the source says
“Traffic class completion certificates are recognized by the state of Idaho for Idaho-licensed drivers only.”
Driver Records and Suspensions - Idaho Transportation Department, read October 7, 2026
- Course length
The course must be at least six hours, which may be any combination of classroom, field driving and on-line instruction time.
What the source says
“The course will be a minimum of six (6) hours, which may include any combination of classroom instruction, field driving instruction, or on-line instruction time.”
IDAPA 39.02.71, Rules Governing Driver's License Violation Point System and Accident Prevention Courses - Idaho Transportation Department, read October 7, 2026
- How often
Points may be removed from a driver's record only once every three years.
What the source says
“Points may only be removed from a driver’s record once every three (3) years.”
IDAPA 39.02.71, Rules Governing Driver's License Violation Point System and Accident Prevention Courses - Idaho Transportation Department, read October 7, 2026
To keep the insurance reduction, a participant must take an approved course every three years.
What the source says
“Each participant shall take an approved course every three (3) years to continue to be eligible for the reduction in premiums.”
Idaho Code section 41-2515, Discount for certain age groups - Idaho Legislature, read October 7, 2026
- Deadline
Citations must be paid before the defensive driving course is completed for the 3-point reduction to be approved.
What the source says
“Citations must be paid prior to completing Defensive Driving Course to be approved for the 3-point reduction.”
Driver Records and Suspensions - Idaho Transportation Department, read October 7, 2026
- Certificate
The instructor or course provider issues each participant a certificate of completion.
What the source says
“Each participant will be issued a certificate of completion by the instructor or course provider.”
IDAPA 39.02.71, Rules Governing Driver's License Violation Point System and Accident Prevention Courses - Idaho Transportation Department, read October 7, 2026
- Who approves it
Apart from courses provided by the National Safety Council, AAA or AARP, every accident prevention course outline must be approved by the Idaho Transportation Department.
What the source says
“Other than courses provided by the National Safety Council, AAA, or AARP, all accident prevention course outlines will be approved by the Department.”
IDAPA 39.02.71, Rules Governing Driver's License Violation Point System and Accident Prevention Courses - Idaho Transportation Department, read October 7, 2026
- Good to know
A driver cannot remove a traffic conviction from the record by attending a defensive driving class or a traffic safety education program.
What the source says
“A driver may not remove a traffic conviction from their record by attending a defensive driving class or a traffic safety education program.”
IDAPA 39.02.71, Rules Governing Driver's License Violation Point System and Accident Prevention Courses - Idaho Transportation Department, read October 7, 2026
Providers set their own prices for defensive driving and accident prevention courses.
What the source says
“Costs for defensive driving/accident prevention courses are set by the provider and can vary widely.”
Driver Records and Suspensions - Idaho Transportation Department, read October 7, 2026
The insurance discount does not apply when the course is specified by a court or other government body because of a moving traffic violation.
What the source says
“The provisions of this section shall not apply in the event the approved course is specified by a court or other governmental entity resulting from a moving traffic violation.”
Idaho Code section 41-2515, Discount for certain age groups - Idaho Legislature, read October 7, 2026
In Idaho this same course is also used for defensive driving.