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North Dakota Defensive Driving Point Reduction Course — Frequently Asked Questions

North Dakota drivers who receive a traffic citation of 5 points or fewer can complete an NDDOT-approved defensive driving course to prevent those points from being added to their record. The course also removes 3 points from existing records, once every 12 months (up to 9 points per 3-year period). Defensive Drivers Institute offers this course 100% online for $18.95, taking approximately 4 hours at your own pace, with automatic NDDOT reporting and instant certificate delivery. Both adult and minor drivers are eligible. Below you’ll find 55 answers covering the point system, in-lieu-of-points option, insurance benefits, and more — all citing official North Dakota statutes and NDDOT/NDHP sources.

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1. Program Basics

What is North Dakota's defensive driving point reduction course?

North Dakota’s defensive driving point reduction course is an NDDOT-approved driver training program that helps licensed drivers manage their driving record in two powerful ways. First, completing the course removes 3 points from your current driving record. Second, if you’ve received a citation carrying 5 points or fewer, you may take the course in lieu of having those points added to your record at all. The course covers defensive driving techniques, traffic law refreshers, and hazard recognition designed to make you a safer driver on North Dakota’s roads.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13; NDHP FAQ (nd.gov/ndhp)

Who oversees and approves this course in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), specifically its Drivers License Division, oversees the point reduction program. The NDDOT director is responsible for approving driver training courses that qualify for the 3-point reduction under NDCC § 39-06.1-13. The North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) also provides guidance and publishes FAQs about the point system and defensive driving course options. Both agencies work together to ensure that approved courses meet educational standards and that completion certificates are properly processed.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (“a driver training course approved by the director”); NDHP FAQ

Is this course the same as traffic school or a ticket-dismissal program?

Not exactly. North Dakota’s defensive driving course serves a distinct purpose: it reduces or prevents points on your driving record rather than dismissing the underlying traffic citation. You will still be responsible for paying any fines associated with your ticket. The course’s benefit is keeping points off your record (or removing existing ones), which protects your license from suspension and can help keep your insurance rates from increasing. Think of it as a point management tool rather than a ticket eraser.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13; NDHP FAQ

Who is eligible to take the course?

Any person holding a valid North Dakota driver’s license can take the defensive driving point reduction course. There is no age minimum for point reduction purposes — both adult and minor drivers can benefit, though the rules differ slightly for drivers under 18. You do not need to have received a citation to take the course; if you have points on your record from past violations, you can proactively complete the course to reduce them.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (applies to any “licensee”)

How often can I take the course for point reduction?

You may use the defensive driving course for a 3-point reduction once every 12 months. This 12-month clock resets from the date of your last course completion. Additionally, the statute caps the total reduction at 9 points within any 3-year period, calculated from the date of your last points entry. This means that even if you take the course every year, you cannot reduce more than 9 points in a rolling three-year window.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (“during any twelve-month period, be reduced by three points”); NDHP FAQ (“three-point reduction can only be used once every 12-month period”)

Can I take the course even if I don't currently have points on my record?

You can certainly take the course at any time, but the 3-point reduction only applies to points already on your record at the time of completion. If your point total is zero, the course won’t create a “credit” of negative points for future use. However, taking the course proactively is still valuable: it refreshes your defensive driving knowledge, and if you receive a citation carrying 5 points or fewer, you can use the in-lieu-of-points option with a separate course completion.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (“reduction in points under this subsection must be solely from a point total accumulated before completion”)

2. Point System & Suspension Rules

How does North Dakota's point system work?

North Dakota assigns points to your driving record for moving violations and certain other offenses under NDCC § 39-06.1-10. Each violation carries a specific point value based on its severity — ranging from 1 point for minor speeding to 14 points for driving without insurance and causing an accident. Points accumulate on your record and trigger increasingly serious consequences as the total grows. The system is designed to identify and take action against habitually unsafe drivers while giving responsible drivers tools to manage their records.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-10 (point system and schedule of violations)

How many points does it take to lose your license in North Dakota?

For adult drivers (18 and older), accumulating 12 or more points on your driving record triggers a license suspension. The suspension length is calculated at 7 days for each point over 11. For example, if you have 14 points, that’s 3 points over 11, resulting in a 21-day suspension. For minor drivers (under 18), the threshold is much lower — just 6 points — and the consequence is outright cancellation of driving privileges, not merely a suspension.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-10

How many points are assigned for common traffic violations?

Here are the point values for the most common North Dakota traffic violations:

  • Speeding 11–15 mph over the limit: 1 point
  • Speeding 16–20 mph over: 3 points
  • Speeding 21–25 mph over: 5 points
  • Speeding 26–35 mph over: 9 points
  • Failing to yield right-of-way: 2 points
  • Disobeying a traffic signal: 2 points
  • Operating without a license: 4 points
  • Careless driving: 6 points
  • No insurance (first offense): 6 points
  • Passing a school bus: 6 points
  • Reckless driving: 8 points
  • Racing: 10 points

A single high-point violation like reckless driving (8 points) or racing (10 points) can put you dangerously close to the 12-point suspension threshold immediately.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-10, subsection 3 (schedule of point values)

Do points expire automatically over time?

Yes. North Dakota law provides an automatic point reduction of 1 point for every 3 months during which no new moving violation points are added to your record. This means if you drive violation-free for a full year, you’ll see 4 points naturally fall off your record. However, this passive reduction is slow — a defensive driving course removes 3 points immediately, which would otherwise take 9 months of clean driving to achieve.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13, subsection 1 (“reduce the point total… by one point for each three-month period during which points are not recorded”)

What happens if I accumulate 12 or more points?

When your point total reaches 12 or more, NDDOT will suspend your driver’s license. The suspension period is 7 days per point above 11. For example: 12 points = 7-day suspension; 15 points = 28-day suspension; 20 points = 63-day suspension. During your suspension, you may not legally operate any motor vehicle. You must serve the full suspension period before your license can be reinstated, and reinstatement may require additional fees and documentation.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-10

Can I still take the defensive driving course if I'm already at 12 points or more?

You can still take the course, but the 3-point reduction will not be applied until after you serve your suspension period. The statute is explicit: if your record shows 12 or more points (or 6+ for minors) on the date NDDOT receives your completion certificate, the reduction is applied after you’ve served the required suspension or cancellation. This means the course won’t save you from an active suspension, but it will lower your point total afterward, helping you rebuild a cleaner record faster.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (“the point reduction under this subsection must be applied after serving the period of suspension or cancellation required by the number of points on the licensee’s record”)

How many points does a speeding ticket add to my North Dakota record?

Speeding ticket points in North Dakota depend entirely on how far over the speed limit you were traveling. Going 1–10 mph over the posted limit typically results in a fine but no points. Going 11–15 mph over adds 1 point. The consequences escalate quickly: 16–20 mph over is 3 points, 21–25 mph over is 5 points, and 26–35 mph over is a steep 9 points — which alone puts you more than halfway to the 12-point suspension threshold.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-10, subsection 3

3. In Lieu of Points

What does 'in lieu of points' mean in North Dakota?

“In lieu of points” means you can take an approved defensive driving course instead of having the points from a citation added to your driving record. When you receive a traffic ticket carrying 5 points or fewer, you have the option to complete the course so that those points are never entered on your record at all. You still pay the fine for the citation, but the points that would normally be assessed are blocked from being recorded. This is separate from the 3-point reduction option, which removes points already on your record.

Source: NDHP FAQ (“Operators issued a citation with a penalty of five points or less may elect to attend an approved defensive driving course in lieu of entry of points on their driving record.”)

What is the maximum number of points that qualify for the in-lieu option?

The in-lieu-of-points option applies only to citations carrying a penalty of 5 points or fewer. This covers a wide range of common violations including speeding 11–15 mph over (1 point), failing to yield (2 points), disobeying a traffic signal (2 points), speeding 16–20 mph over (3 points), operating without a license (4 points), and speeding 21–25 mph over (5 points). Violations worth 6 points or more — such as careless driving, reckless driving, no insurance, or passing a school bus — do not qualify for this option.

Source: NDHP FAQ; NDCC § 39-06.1-10, subsection 3 (point values per violation)

What steps do I need to follow to use the in-lieu-of-points option?

The process involves two key steps and strict deadlines. First, you must notify the court at the time you post bond (pay your fine) that you intend to attend an approved defensive driving course in lieu of points. Second, you must complete the course and provide proof of completion to NDDOT within 30 days of posting bond. Missing either step — failing to notify the court or missing the 30-day completion window — means the points will be entered on your record normally. DDI’s online course can typically be completed in about 4 hours, giving you plenty of time within that 30-day window.

Source: NDHP FAQ (“The operator must notify the court at the time bond is posted and provide proof of course completion to NDDOT within 30 days.”)

Do I still have to pay my traffic fine if I take the course in lieu of points?

Yes. The in-lieu-of-points option only prevents points from being added to your driving record — it does not eliminate the fine associated with your citation. You must still post bond (pay the fine) with the court as part of the process. The financial penalty remains; the benefit is that your driving record stays clean, your point total doesn’t increase, and your insurance rates are less likely to be affected.

Source: NDHP FAQ (“must notify the court at the time bond is posted”)

Can I use the in-lieu option for a speeding ticket of 21–25 mph over?

Yes. Speeding 21–25 mph over the posted limit carries a penalty of 5 points, which falls right at the maximum threshold for the in-lieu-of-points option. As long as you notify the court when posting bond and provide proof of course completion to NDDOT within 30 days, those 5 points will not be entered on your record. This is an especially valuable option for this violation since 5 points would put you nearly halfway to the 12-point suspension threshold.

Source: NDHP FAQ (citations with “five points or less”); NDCC § 39-06.1-10, subsection 3 (speeding 21–25 mph over = 5 points)

Can I use the in-lieu option for careless driving (6 points)?

No. Careless driving carries a penalty of 6 points, which exceeds the 5-point maximum for the in-lieu-of-points option. Violations carrying 6 or more points — including careless driving (6 points), no insurance (6 points), passing a school bus (6 points), reckless driving (8 points), and racing (10 points) — cannot be handled through the in-lieu option. However, if those points end up on your record, you can still use the defensive driving course to remove 3 of those points through the standard point reduction process.

Source: NDHP FAQ (“citation with a penalty of five points or less”); NDCC § 39-06.1-10, subsection 3

What happens if I miss the 30-day deadline for the in-lieu option?

If you fail to provide proof of course completion to NDDOT within 30 days of posting bond, the points from your citation will be entered on your driving record as normal. There is no extension or grace period mentioned in the NDHP guidelines. This is why it’s important to enroll in and complete your course promptly after receiving a citation. With DDI’s online course, you can start immediately and finish in approximately 4 hours — well within the 30-day window.

Source: NDHP FAQ (“provide proof of course completion to NDDOT within 30 days”)

4. Point Reduction via Course

How many points does the defensive driving course remove from my record?

Completing an approved defensive driving course removes 3 points from your North Dakota driving record. This reduction applies to points that were accumulated before you completed the course — it cannot be banked for future violations. The 3-point reduction is a significant benefit: it’s equivalent to what you’d earn from 9 months of completely violation-free driving under the automatic point-decay provision. With DDI’s course, you can achieve this reduction in approximately 4 hours for just $18.95.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13, subsection 2 (“reduced by three points when the licensee mails or delivers a certificate”)

Can the course reduce my points below zero?

No. The 3-point reduction can only be applied against points already accumulated on your record before you complete the course. If you have fewer than 3 points, the reduction will bring your total down to zero, but it will not create a negative balance or “credit” for future violations. For example, if you have 2 points and complete the course, your total drops to 0 — the extra point of potential reduction is simply not applied.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (“reduction in points under this subsection must be solely from a point total accumulated before completion”)

Is there a maximum number of points I can reduce over several years?

Yes. While you can earn a 3-point reduction once every 12 months, the statute caps the total course-based reduction at 9 points within any 3-year period. The three-year window is calculated from the date of entry of the last points against your record. This means that over three years, you can complete up to three courses for a maximum of 9 points removed. This cap exists to ensure the point system retains its effectiveness as a safety mechanism.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (“may not exceed nine points during any three-year period commencing on the date of entry of the last points against the individual’s driving record”)

How do I submit my course completion certificate to NDDOT?

After completing the course, you must mail or deliver your certificate to the NDDOT Drivers License Division. The statute requires the licensee to submit the certificate directly to the director. When you complete DDI’s North Dakota course, DDI automatically reports your completion to NDDOT on your behalf, streamlining the entire process. Your certificate is also instantly available for download so you have a personal copy for your records.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (“when the licensee mails or delivers a certificate to the director”); NDHP FAQ (“Proof of course completion must be mailed to the NDDOT’s Drivers License Division.”)

When does the 3-point reduction take effect?

The point reduction takes effect when the NDDOT director receives your certificate of completion. The statute is clear that the reduction is processed upon receipt — not upon course completion or mailing. With DDI automatically reporting your completion to NDDOT, this process is faster and more reliable than manually mailing a certificate. The sooner NDDOT has your documentation, the sooner those 3 points come off your record.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (“If on the date the director receives the certificate of completion”)

Can I combine the course reduction with the automatic point decay?

Yes. The two point-reduction mechanisms work independently of each other. You earn 1 point off automatically for every 3 months of violation-free driving under subsection 1 of the statute, and you can separately earn a 3-point reduction by completing an approved course under subsection 2. For example, if you have 8 points and complete the course (−3 points) and also go 6 violation-free months (−2 points), your total would drop from 8 to just 3. Using both strategies together is the fastest way to lower a high point total.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13, subsections 1 and 2

Does it matter which approved course I take for the point reduction?

The course must be approved by the NDDOT director, and successful completion must be certified by the sponsoring agency or organization. As long as the course meets these requirements, any approved course will qualify for the 3-point reduction. DDI’s North Dakota Defensive Driving Point Reduction Course is NDDOT-approved and ND court-accepted, ensuring your completion will be recognized for both point reduction and in-lieu-of-points purposes.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (“a driver training course approved by the director. Successful completion of instruction must be certified to by the sponsoring agency or organization”)

5. Insurance Benefits

Does North Dakota offer an insurance premium reduction for completing a defensive driving course?

Yes. Under NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1, drivers aged 55 and older who complete an approved motor vehicle accident prevention course are eligible for a 3-year insurance premium reduction. This is a separate program from the point reduction course, though DDI offers both. The insurance premium reduction course is specifically approved by the North Dakota Highway Patrol superintendent under ND Administrative Code 38-08 and is valid through August 31, 2027.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1; ND Admin Code 38-08

What is the difference between the point reduction course and the insurance reduction course?

These are two distinct courses serving different purposes:

The point reduction course is approved by the NDDOT director and targets your driving record. The insurance reduction course is approved by the NDHP superintendent and targets your insurance premium. DDI offers both courses, so you can take advantage of whichever program (or both) fits your situation.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (point reduction); NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (insurance reduction)

Who is eligible for the insurance premium reduction?

To qualify for the insurance premium reduction, you must be 55 years of age or older and complete an approved motor vehicle accident prevention course. There is no upper age limit. The course must be one approved by the North Dakota Highway Patrol superintendent under Administrative Code 38-08. Once you complete the qualifying course, you submit your certificate to your insurance company to receive the premium reduction.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (“drivers 55 years of age or older who complete an approved motor vehicle accident prevention course”)

How long does the insurance premium reduction last?

The insurance premium reduction is valid for 3 years from the date of course completion. After 3 years, you’ll need to retake the approved course to continue receiving the discount. DDI’s North Dakota Insurance Premium Reduction Course is NDHP-approved and valid through August 31, 2027, making it easy to renew your discount on your schedule.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (3-year premium reduction)

Can the point reduction course also lower my insurance rates indirectly?

Yes — indirectly but significantly. While the point reduction course itself doesn’t trigger a mandated insurance discount like the 55+ insurance course does, it can help lower your rates in an important way. Many insurance companies review your driving record when setting premiums; fewer points on your record generally means lower rates. By removing 3 points or preventing points from being added in the first place, the defensive driving course helps you maintain a cleaner record that insurers look upon more favorably.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (point reduction); general insurance underwriting practices

6. Taking the Course Online

Can I take the North Dakota defensive driving course online?

Yes. DDI’s North Dakota Defensive Driving Point Reduction Course is available 100% online. The course is NDDOT-approved and ND court-accepted, meaning your online completion carries the same legal weight as an in-person course. You can access the course from any device with an internet connection — computer, tablet, or smartphone — and complete it from the comfort of your home or anywhere else.

Start your course today at defensivedriversinstitute.com →

How long does the online course take to complete?

DDI’s North Dakota course takes approximately 4 hours to complete. The course is entirely self-paced, so you can work through it faster or slower depending on your comfort level. You don’t need to finish in a single sitting — you can log out and return at any time, and your progress is saved automatically. You have a generous 60-day window from enrollment to complete the course, giving you plenty of flexibility to fit it into your schedule.

Source: DDI course specifications

Is the online course self-paced?

Absolutely. DDI’s course is completely self-paced. There are no scheduled class times, no live sessions to attend, and no deadlines within the course beyond the 60-day completion window. You can start, stop, and resume as many times as you’d like. Your progress saves automatically so you’ll never lose your place. Work through it in one focused session or spread it out over days or weeks — it’s entirely up to you.

Source: DDI course features

What devices can I use to take the course?

DDI’s online course works on any device with a modern web browser and internet connection:

  • Desktop or laptop computers (Windows or Mac)
  • Tablets (iPad, Android, etc.)
  • Smartphones (iPhone, Android)

No special software downloads or apps are required. The course is fully browser-based and responsive, adapting to whatever screen size you’re using. You can even switch between devices — start on your laptop, continue on your phone during a break, and finish on a tablet.

Source: DDI course features

How much does the online course cost?

DDI’s North Dakota Defensive Driving Point Reduction Course costs just $18.95. That’s the complete price — no hidden fees, no extra certificate charges, no processing costs. For less than $20, you can remove 3 points from your record or prevent up to 5 points from being added. Compare that to the cost of increased insurance premiums from having points on your record, or worse, a license suspension — the course pays for itself many times over.

Enroll now for just $18.95 →

Do I need any special software or equipment?

No. All you need is a device with an internet connection and a modern web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, etc.). The course is entirely web-based, so there’s nothing to download or install. There are no webcam requirements, no proctoring software, and no special plugins. If you can browse the internet, you can take DDI’s course.

Source: DDI course features

7. Completion & Certificate

Is there a final exam?

Yes. DDI’s North Dakota course includes a final exam that you must pass with a score of 80% or higher. The exam covers the defensive driving concepts and traffic safety material presented throughout the course. The good news: you have unlimited retakes — if you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can simply review the material and try again at no additional cost. The exam is designed to reinforce your learning, not to prevent you from completing the course.

Source: DDI course specifications (80% passing score, unlimited retakes)

What do I receive when I complete the course?

Upon successfully completing the course and passing the final exam, you receive a certificate of completion that is immediately available for download. This certificate serves as your official proof of having completed an NDDOT-approved defensive driving course. You can use it for the 3-point reduction (by submitting it to NDDOT) or as proof for the court if you’re using the in-lieu-of-points option. DDI also automatically reports your completion to NDDOT, so the point reduction process begins right away without you needing to mail anything.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (“a certificate… indicating successful completion of instruction”)

Does DDI report my completion to NDDOT automatically?

Yes. DDI automatically reports your course completion to the North Dakota Department of Transportation on your behalf. This eliminates the need to print and mail your certificate to NDDOT yourself. Your certificate is also available for instant download from your DDI account, so you have a personal copy for your records or to provide to the court if you’re using the in-lieu-of-points option.

Source: DDI course features; NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (“Successful completion of instruction must be certified to by the sponsoring agency or organization”)

How long do I have to complete the course after enrolling?

You have 60 days from the date of enrollment to complete DDI’s North Dakota course. This generous window gives you plenty of time to work through the material at your own pace. Most students finish in a single sitting of about 4 hours, but you’re free to spread it out however you prefer. If you’re using the in-lieu-of-points option, remember that you must complete the course and provide proof to NDDOT within 30 days of posting bond — so plan accordingly.

Source: DDI course specifications; NDHP FAQ (30-day in-lieu deadline)

Can I get a replacement certificate if I lose mine?

Yes. Since DDI generates your certificate digitally and stores it in your account, you can download or reprint your certificate at any time. There’s no need to request a replacement or pay an extra fee. Simply log back into your DDI account and access your certificate whenever you need it. This is one of the key advantages of taking the course online with DDI.

Source: DDI course features

What information is on the completion certificate?

Your DDI completion certificate includes:

  • Your full legal name
  • Date of course completion
  • Course title and provider name (Defensive Drivers Institute)
  • Indication that the course is NDDOT-approved
  • DDI’s certification as the sponsoring organization

This information satisfies the statutory requirement that “successful completion of instruction must be certified to by the sponsoring agency or organization of the driver training course.” The certificate provides everything NDDOT and the courts need to process your point reduction or in-lieu-of-points election.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13

8. Young & Minor Drivers

How does the point system differ for drivers under 18?

Drivers under 18 face a much stricter threshold than adult drivers. While adults can accumulate up to 11 points before facing suspension, minor drivers face consequences at just 6 points. Even more critically, the penalty for minors isn’t a temporary suspension — it’s an outright cancellation of driving privileges. This means a single careless driving citation (6 points) or a combination of smaller violations could result in a minor losing their ability to drive entirely.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-10 (under 18: 6+ points = cancellation); NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (“as a minor, the licensee’s driving record contains six points or more”)

Can a minor driver take the defensive driving course for point reduction?

Yes. The statute applies to any “licensee,” which includes minor drivers holding valid North Dakota driving privileges. A minor can complete an approved defensive driving course to earn the same 3-point reduction as an adult. However, just like adults, if a minor’s point total reaches the threshold (6 points) before NDDOT receives the certificate, the point reduction will only be applied after the cancellation period has been served.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (“as a minor, the licensee’s driving record contains six points or more, the point reduction… must be applied after serving the period of suspension or cancellation”)

Can a minor use the in-lieu-of-points option?

Yes. The in-lieu-of-points option is available to any driver who receives a citation carrying 5 points or fewer — there is no age restriction mentioned in the NDHP guidelines. For a minor driver, this option is especially valuable given the low 6-point threshold for cancellation. A single 5-point speeding ticket (21–25 mph over) would put a minor just one point away from losing their driving privileges. Taking the course in lieu of those points can be the difference between keeping and losing the ability to drive.

Source: NDHP FAQ (in-lieu option for citations of “five points or less” — no age restriction stated); NDCC § 39-06.1-10 (minor threshold = 6 points)

Why is the defensive driving course especially important for young drivers?

Young drivers in North Dakota have very little margin for error. With a 6-point cancellation threshold instead of the adult 12-point threshold, even moderate violations can have devastating consequences. A single speeding ticket of 16–20 mph over the limit (3 points) combined with a failure to yield (2 points) would put a minor at 5 points — one minor infraction away from losing driving privileges. The defensive driving course gives young drivers both the knowledge to avoid violations and a tool to manage their record if they do receive a citation.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-10 (6-point threshold for minors); NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (course-based point reduction)

What is the difference between 'suspension' and 'cancellation' for minor drivers?

The distinction is important. Adult drivers who accumulate 12+ points face a suspension, which is a temporary loss of driving privileges for a calculated number of days (7 days per point over 11). Minor drivers who accumulate 6+ points face cancellation, which is a more severe action that completely voids their driving privileges. The reinstatement process after cancellation is typically more involved and may require re-application. This harsher consequence underscores the importance of point management for drivers under 18.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-10; NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (“period of suspension or cancellation”)

9. About Defensive Drivers Institute

Is Defensive Drivers Institute approved by NDDOT?

Yes. Defensive Drivers Institute (DDI) is approved by the North Dakota Department of Transportation as an authorized provider of the defensive driving point reduction course. DDI’s course is also accepted by North Dakota courts for the in-lieu-of-points option. Our course fully meets the requirements of NDCC § 39-06.1-13 and is recognized by the NDDOT Drivers License Division for processing point reductions.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-13 (“a driver training course approved by the director”)

How much does DDI's North Dakota course cost?

DDI’s North Dakota Defensive Driving Point Reduction Course costs just $18.95. That’s the all-in price — no hidden fees, no extra certificate charges, no processing costs, and no surprise add-ons. For less than $20, you can remove 3 points from your record or prevent up to 5 points from a new citation. Compare that to the hundreds or thousands of dollars you could face in increased insurance premiums, suspension-related costs, or the loss of your driving privileges.

Start your course now for just $18.95 →

What makes DDI different from other course providers?

Here’s what sets Defensive Drivers Institute apart:

  • NDDOT-approved and ND court-accepted — fully recognized for both point reduction and in-lieu-of-points purposes
  • Just $18.95 — one of the most affordable options available, with no hidden fees
  • 100% online — complete from home on any device: computer, tablet, or phone
  • Self-paced — log in and out as many times as you want; your progress saves automatically
  • ~4 hours — efficient course length that respects your time
  • Instant certificate — your completion certificate is generated immediately, not mailed days later
  • Auto-reporting to NDDOT — DDI reports your completion directly to NDDOT so you don’t have to mail anything
  • Unlimited exam retakes — 80% passing score required, but you can retake the exam as many times as needed
  • 60-day completion window — generous timeline to finish at your own pace
  • Over 1 million drivers trained — DDI has the experience and systems to deliver a smooth, reliable experience

Does DDI offer the North Dakota insurance premium reduction course too?

Yes. In addition to the point reduction course, DDI offers the North Dakota Insurance Premium Reduction Course for drivers 55 and older. This course is approved by the North Dakota Highway Patrol superintendent under ND Administrative Code 38-08 and is valid through August 31, 2027. Completing it qualifies you for a 3-year insurance premium reduction. If you’re 55+ and also need points reduced, you can take both courses to maximize your benefits.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1; ND Admin Code 38-08

How do I get started with DDI's North Dakota course?

Getting started is simple:

  1. Visit DDI’s North Dakota course page
  2. Register — create your account and pay the $18.95 course fee
  3. Start learning — begin the course immediately, at your own pace
  4. Pass the final exam — 80% score required; unlimited retakes if needed
  5. Get your certificate — receive it instantly upon completion
  6. DDI reports to NDDOT — your completion is automatically submitted for point reduction processing

The entire process from enrollment to certificate can be completed in a single sitting of about 4 hours — or spread it out over days or weeks. It’s entirely up to you.

How do I contact DDI customer support?

We offer support by phone, email, and live chat. Our hours are:

DayHours
Monday – Friday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Visit lms.defensivedriversinstitute.com/support for all contact options.

10. Sources & Citations

SourceDescriptionLink
NDCC § 39-06.1-10Point system, violation schedule, suspension thresholdsndlegis.gov
NDCC § 39-06.1-13Point reduction via defensive driving course, 3-point reduction, 12-month frequency, 9-point capndlegis.gov
NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1Insurance premium reduction for drivers 55+ completing approved coursendlegis.gov
ND Admin Code 38-08Highway Patrol rules for approved insurance reduction coursesndlegis.gov
NDHP FAQNorth Dakota Highway Patrol guidance on point system and defensive drivingnd.gov/ndhp

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