Defensive Driving Course
State-approved New Jersey defensive driving course
Overseen by New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (Chief Administrator)
- What it does
Completing the course may remove two points from the points currently on your license.
What the source says
“Two points may be removed* from the accumulated points you currently have on your license.”
Driver Programs (New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission), read October 7, 2026
You may also qualify for an insurance rate reduction; the Motor Vehicle Commission says to contact your insurance agent.
What the source says
“You may also qualify for an insurance rate reduction (contact your insurance agent for more information).”
Driver Programs (New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission), read October 7, 2026
By law, the insurance reduction is available for three years starting with the next policy period after you complete an approved course, or until your license is suspended or you reach four or more points, whichever comes first.
What the source says
“shall be available to the insured for a three-year period beginning with the next succeeding policy period after the date of completion of an approved motor vehicle defensive driving course or until driver's license suspension or the accumulation of four or more motor vehicle points, whichever occurs earlier.”
New Jersey Statutes 17:33B-45.1, Rate reduction for automobile insurance after approved defensive driving course (New Jersey Legislature statutes database), read October 7, 2026
- Who can take it
The defensive driving course is voluntary.
What the source says
“The defensive driving course is a voluntary course.”
Driver Programs (New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission), read October 7, 2026
For the insurance reduction, the approved course must be completed by the named insured, or by the principal operator of the insured car if that is someone else.
What the source says
“for the successful completion, by the named insured or the principal operator of the insured automobile, if other than the named insured, of an approved motor vehicle defensive driving course”
New Jersey Statutes 17:33B-45.1, Rate reduction for automobile insurance after approved defensive driving course (New Jersey Legislature statutes database), read October 7, 2026
- Course length
The law leaves the number of hours of an approved course to be set by regulation.
What the source says
“An approved motor vehicle defensive driving course shall include that number of hours of classroom or field driving instruction, or both, as the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles may by regulation prescribe.”
New Jersey Statutes 17:33B-45, Approved motor vehicle defensive driving course (New Jersey Legislature statutes database), read October 7, 2026
- Taking it online
The Motor Vehicle Commission publishes a list of State-approved classroom and online defensive driving courses.
What the source says
“See a list of State-approved classroom and online defensive driving courses below.”
Driver Programs (New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission), read October 7, 2026
Rule text published in the New Jersey Register in April 2013 says an online course is not approved unless its security mechanisms can verify the student's identity continually for the whole course.
What the source says
“adequately ensure that the identity of the student taking the course can be verified on a continual basis for the duration of the course, and that the security mechanisms eliminate to the extent practicable the potential for abuse or fraud.”
New Jersey Register, April 15, 2013 (45 N.J.R. 886): Motor Vehicle Commission proposed amendments to N.J.A.C. 13:21-24, read October 7, 2026
Rule text published in the New Jersey Register in April 2013 requires online and DVD students to pass a course content proficiency examination with a grade of at least 80 percent.
What the source says
“passage, with a minimum passing grade of 80 percent, of a course content proficiency examination administered using approved security mechanisms.”
New Jersey Register, April 15, 2013 (45 N.J.R. 886): Motor Vehicle Commission proposed amendments to N.J.A.C. 13:21-24, read October 7, 2026
- How often
You can receive the two-point reduction only once every five years, and only if there are points on your record when you complete the course.
What the source says
“You may only receive a two point reduction once every 5 years and only if there are points on your driving record at the time you complete the course.”
Driver Programs (New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission), read October 7, 2026
By law, no driver may receive point reduction credit for a defensive driving course within five years of completing an earlier approved course.
What the source says
“no licensee may receive point reduction credits for completion of an approved motor vehicle defensive driving course within five years of having completed a previously approved motor vehicle defensive driving course.”
New Jersey Statutes 39:5-30.9, Reduction of points (New Jersey Legislature statutes database), read October 7, 2026
- Certificate
The course provider notifies the Motor Vehicle Commission of your completion within 7 to 10 business days.
What the source says
“Upon completion of defensive driving course, the provider will notify NJMVC with the proof of completion within 7-10 business days.”
Driver Programs (New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission), read October 7, 2026
- Who approves it
Point credits are given only for a State-approved New Jersey defensive driving course.
What the source says
“Point credits for State-approved, New Jersey defensive driving course curriculum only.”
Driver Programs (New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission), read October 7, 2026
- Good to know
A defensive driving course is not a substitute for the Driver Improvement course that the Motor Vehicle Commission orders.
What the source says
“A Defensive Driving course IS NOT a substitute for the Driver Improvement course.”
Driver Programs (New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission), read October 7, 2026
In New Jersey this same course is also used for traffic school.