Take 3 points off your North Dakota driving record, or keep a new ticket off it. It's an easy online course you take at home, at your own pace.
Got a new ticket? NDDOT has to receive your certificate within 30 days after you tell the court you're taking the course, so it helps to start soon. Check with your court that it reached them, and send NDDOT a copy at DRS@ND.GOV too.
Two ways it helps
North Dakota law gives you two ways to use an NDDOT-approved course like this one. See NDDOT's points page · Read NDCC 39-06.1
Finish the course and email your certificate to NDDOT. NDDOT takes 3 points off once it receives it. You can do this once in any 12-month period, and no more than 9 points in 3 years. It comes off points already on your record, not future ones.
Tell the court you're taking an approved course when you post bond. If NDDOT receives proof that you finished within 30 days after you told the court, the ticket's points aren't added. You still pay the bond.
The new-ticket option isn't available if you used it in the 12 months before the ticket, for tickets of 6 or more points, or for offenses such as DUI or reckless driving. Using it means giving up the 3-point reduction option.
See what it means for you
Pick your situation and set the number of points. You'll see how the course can help, based on North Dakota law.
Not sure how many points you have? NDDOT keeps your driving record. NDDOT's points page
| Over the limit | Posted 65 mph or less | Posted over 65 mph |
|---|---|---|
| 1–5 mph | 0 | 0 |
| 6–10 mph | 0 | 1 |
| 11–15 mph | 1 | 3 |
| 16–20 mph | 3 | 5 |
| 21–25 mph | 5 | 7 |
| 26–30 mph | 9 | 10 |
| 31–35 mph | 9 | 12 |
| 36–45 mph | 12 | 15 |
| 46 mph or more | 15 | 15 |
See the course
Clear text, big headings, and audio that reads each lesson to you while the words light up. These screenshots are from the first module.
Listen or read
Press play and the lesson is read aloud to you, with the words highlighted as they're spoken, so it's easy to keep your place. This is the real start of the first module.
Master safe driving skills for North Dakota's unique road conditions.
Course OverviewThis comprehensive defensive driving course is specifically designed for North Dakota drivers. Learn essential safety skills, understand state-specific traffic laws, and master techniques for navigating our challenging weather conditions.
27-second excerpt from the course audio. In the course, the audio player stays at the top of the lesson.
How it works
The course is 4 hours of content, and you go at your own pace.
Create your account and pay $18.95. It only takes a few minutes.
Read or listen, one lesson at a time. Stop whenever you like and come back later. Your progress saves as you go. You finish with a final exam, and you get unlimited retakes.
Download it as soon as you pass. We email it to you and copy your court. Then email it to NDDOT at DRS@ND.GOV so it reaches your record.
Who it's for
Take 3 points off, once in any 12-month period. It's a good way to stay further from the 12 points that lead to a suspension.
Ticket of 5 points or fewer? Tell the court at bond that you're taking an approved course, then finish so NDDOT has your proof within 30 days.
If a judge ordered you to take a course, check with your court that this course meets the order. Questions? Call (833) 921-0217 or email info@defensivedriversinstitute.com.
What you'll learn
Practical lessons to help you stay safe and confident on North Dakota roads.
One price
Download your certificate as soon as you pass. We email it to you and copy your court.
State law says the points come off when NDDOT receives your certificate, so email a copy to NDDOT at DRS@ND.GOV. For a new ticket, NDDOT needs it within 30 days after you tell the court: check with your court that it reached them, and send NDDOT a copy too.
Our course is approved by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT).
Quick answers
Finish the course and email your certificate to NDDOT (the North Dakota Department of Transportation). NDDOT takes 3 points off your driving record once it receives it. You can do this once in any 12-month period, and no more than 9 points in 3 years. It only comes off points already on your record, not points from a later ticket. Read NDCC 39-06.1-13
Often, yes, if the ticket carries 5 points or fewer. Tell the court you're taking an approved course when you post bond. If NDDOT receives proof that you finished within 30 days after you told the court, the points for that ticket are not added to your record. You still pay the bond. Read NDCC 39-06.1-10.1
If you already used it in the 12 months before this ticket, if the ticket carries 6 or more points, or for offenses such as DUI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a crash, or driving under suspension (NDCC 39-06.1-05). Also, if you use the new-ticket option, state law says you give up the 3-point reduction option.
Yes, but later. At 12 or more points (6 or more for drivers under 18) your license is suspended, and NDDOT takes the 3 points off after the suspension is served.
Yes. NDDOT takes 1 point off for every 3 months with no new points on your record. The course takes 3 points off on top of that.
Yes. NDDOT lists Defensive Drivers Institute among its approved online courses for a 3-point reduction. See NDDOT's list of approved courses
Yes. For the new-ticket option, state law lets you take any NDDOT-approved course, and online courses are on NDDOT's list. If a judge ordered you to take a course, check with your court that this course meets the order.
4 hours of content, at your own pace. Stop whenever you like. Your progress saves, so you pick up right where you left off.
Yes, a final exam at the end, with unlimited retakes.
Download it from your account as soon as you pass, or any time after. We also email it to you and copy your court. To take 3 points off your record, email your certificate to NDDOT at DRS@ND.GOV, the address NDDOT lists for these courses. For a new ticket, NDDOT needs it within 30 days after you tell the court, so check with your court that it reached them and send NDDOT a copy too.
Yes. It works on a computer, tablet, or phone. Press play to have each lesson read aloud. If you get stuck, email info@defensivedriversinstitute.com or call (833) 921-0217
$18.95.
Not finished? You can get a refund. Read our refund policy
Questions about the course? Call us at (833) 921-0217 or contact us. We're happy to help.
Approved by NDDOT · 100% online · $18.95
Start my course →Go at your own pace. Your progress saves every step of the way.
© 2026 Defensive Drivers Institute.
