Driving safety course
Also called a defensive driving class
Overseen by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Driver Education and Safety program
- What it does
A charge dismissed through the driving safety course may not be part of the person's driving record.
What the source says
“(a) A charge that is dismissed under this subchapter may not be part of a person's driving record or used for any purpose.”
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 45A, Art. 45A.357, read October 7, 2026
Texas insurance companies may offer discounts, but the Insurance Commissioner has said no state law or rule requires them.
What the source says
““Insurance companies may offer discounts, but no state law or rule mandates discounts or puts a time limit on them,” said Insurance Commissioner Cassie Brown.”
Texas Department of Insurance: Companies may offer auto insurance discounts. No law requires discounts., read October 7, 2026
- Who can take it
To use the course for ticket dismissal, a driver must first be told by the Texas court that they are eligible to take a defensive driving course to dismiss the ticket.
What the source says
“If you plan to use the course for ticket dismissal, you must first receive notice from the Texas court system that you are eligible to take a defensive driving course to dismiss the ticket.”
TDLR: Taking a Driving Safety (Defensive Driving) Course, read October 7, 2026
A driver who uses the course for ticket dismissal is still responsible for paying fines and fees related to the ticket.
What the source says
“You will still be responsible for paying any fines and fees related to the ticket.”
TDLR: Taking a Driving Safety (Defensive Driving) Course, read October 7, 2026
- Course length
Any licensed driving safety provider may offer a 6-hour course that can be used for ticket dismissal or insurance discounts.
What the source says
“Any licensed driving safety provider may offer a 6-hour course that can be used for ticket dismissal or insurance discounts.”
TDLR: Taking a Driving Safety (Defensive Driving) Course, read October 7, 2026
The course must be at least 360 minutes long in total.
What the source says
“(ii) The total length of the course must consist of a minimum of 360 minutes.”
16 Texas Administrative Code §84.504, Driving Safety Courses of Instruction, read October 7, 2026
- Taking it online
Driving safety providers may offer the 6-hour driving safety course either online or in person.
What the source says
“Driving safety providers may offer the 6-hour driving safety course, either online or in-person.”
TDLR: Curriculum Standards for Driving Safety Providers, read October 7, 2026
An online driving safety course must include built-in timers to make sure the student has completed 300 minutes of instruction.
What the source says
“(1) Timers. The ADM must include built-in timers to ensure that 300 minutes of instruction have been attended and completed by the student.”
16 Texas Administrative Code §84.505, Driving Safety Course Alternative Delivery Method, read October 7, 2026
The provider of an online driving safety course must keep a system that confirms the identity of the person taking the course.
What the source says
“(c) Personal validation. The driving safety provider must ensure the ADM maintain a system to validate the identity of the person taking the course.”
16 Texas Administrative Code §84.505, Driving Safety Course Alternative Delivery Method, read October 7, 2026
- How often
One condition for ticket dismissal is that the driver has not completed an approved driving safety course in the 12 months before the date of the offense.
What the source says
“(A) the defendant has not completed an approved driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course, as appropriate, within the 12-month period preceding the date of the offense; or”
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 45A, Art. 45A.352, read October 7, 2026
- Deadline
The court gives the driver a 90-day period to complete the approved driving safety course and present proof to the court.
What the source says
“allow the defendant a 90-day period to successfully complete the approved driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course and present to the court:”
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 45A, Art. 45A.356, read October 7, 2026
- Certificate
A student should receive the certificate of completion within 14 days of completing the course.
What the source says
“You should receive your certificate of completion within 14 days of completing the course.”
TDLR: Taking a Driving Safety (Defensive Driving) Course, read October 7, 2026
The student is responsible for sending the certificate of completion to the court or the insurance company.
What the source says
“It is your responsibility to send the certificate of completion to the court and or insurance company.”
TDLR: Taking a Driving Safety (Defensive Driving) Course, read October 7, 2026
- Who approves it
For ticket dismissal, the judge requires a driving safety course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
What the source says
“The judge shall require a defendant to successfully complete a driving safety course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation”
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 45A, Art. 45A.352, read October 7, 2026
- Good to know
A driving safety provider must charge each student at least $25.00 for the driving safety course.
What the source says
“Before enrolling the student into the course, the driving safety provider must charge the student at least $25.00 for the driving safety course.”
TDLR: Apply for a Driving Safety Provider License, read October 7, 2026
A student receives the certificate of course completion only with a grade of at least 70 percent on the final examination.
What the source says
“(viii) Students must not receive a uniform certificate of course completion unless that student receives a grade of at least 70 percent on the final examination.”
16 Texas Administrative Code §84.504, Driving Safety Courses of Instruction, read October 7, 2026
Texas municipal courts reported 223,494 traffic cases dismissed after a driver safety course between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025.
What the source says
“After Driver Safety Course 223,494------223,494 ------ ---”
Texas Office of Court Administration: Municipal Courts Activity Detail, September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025, read October 7, 2026
In Texas this same course is also used for defensive driving.