A defensive driving course is an excellent way to prevent a traffic citation from affecting a person's record, while learning practical knowledge and skills that will enhance their vehicle operating abilities. A traffic fine that is posted on a person's record can cause them to lose hundreds of dollars as a result of higher insurance premiums, and can even prevent them from obtaining jobs that require driving. There are many situations in which a defensive class can be taken in lieu of paying the fine, and will prevent a ticket from going on an individual's record.

When can a person be eligible for Defensive Driving Course?

A person is eligible to request to take a class when they are cited for a moving violation, have not taken a class for a traffic violation in the past year, and is not currently taking a class for another citation. There are certain kinds of violations in which the individual cannot take a course in lieu of the fine. These are the situations in which the individual would not be eligible: Speeding violation of over 25mph of the speed limit, leaving the scene of an accident for which they were responsible, traffic violation in a construction or school zone, traffic citation for passing a school bus, and no automobile insurance. It is important to note however, that in some cases the Judge may allow or require the completion of a course even for the offenses just listed.

What is the process for the Course Option?

The first step is to notify the court that you will be taking a Texas Defensive Driving Course in lieu of the paying fine. It is very important to request permission in court on or before the appearance date on the traffic fine. Failure to show up by the appearance date, can result in the court not granting permission and a warrant being issued.

After obtaining permission, the individual must enroll in a class approved by the Texas Education Agency, and will be given a completion deadline of usually 90 days to turn in the completion certificate.. Most cities have a number of locations in which individuals can attend the classes, or you can take a seminar over the Internet. An easy way to find locations in the city is to do a search, for example €defensive driving Dallas TX€. There are also online classes and video seminars available. During this time, if required, it is a good time to order a copy of your record from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Once you have found a state approved seminar (live or online), and you have completed it, you will be mailed a certificate of completion. The final step is to present the certificate of completion to court. If required, you will also include the copy of your record attached with the certificate. Once this is submitted, the violation will be dismissed and will not appear on your record.