Keep a ticket off your record
With the court's permission, finishing the course gets an eligible ticket dismissed. A dismissed ticket can't be part of your driving record.
✓ Approved by TDLR · Provider CP1013
Texas Defensive Driving Course Online
Get an eligible ticket dismissed and kept off your record, or take it for a possible insurance discount. It's the Texas driving safety course, online and at your own pace.
- 100% online. Works on a computer, tablet, or phone
- Take a break anytime. Your progress saves, so you pick up right where you left off
- Read or listen: every lesson can be read aloud to you
- Price
- $25
- Length
- 6 hours of content, at your own pace
- After
- Get your certificate of completion, then give it to your court or insurer.
Got a ticket? Ask your court on or before the answer date on your ticket. If it says yes, you have 90 days to finish and turn in your paperwork.
Why people take it
What the course can do for you
Here's what finishing the course means, depending on why you're taking it. See TDLR's page for students · Read Tex. Code Crim. Proc. ch. 45A
Ask about an insurance discount
Many insurers give a discount for a defensive driving course. Each insurer decides whether it offers one and how much, so ask yours.
Become a safer driver
Anyone can take the course. Brush up on Texas traffic laws, signs and signals, and how to avoid crashes.
Texas law says insurers can't raise your premium or cancel your policy because you took the course or had a ticket dismissed this way.
See what it means for you
Which reason fits you?
Pick your reason. You'll see what finishing the course means for you, based on Texas law and TDLR's rules.
Got a ticket? Your citation or the court's notice shows your answer date. TDLR's page for students
Using it for a ticket
Can I use it for my ticket?
Texas law sets the rules, and your court decides. Here's the short version. Read Tex. Code Crim. Proc. ch. 45A
You can usually use it if
- You have a Texas driver's license or permit, or you're on active military duty (or a military spouse or dependent child)
- You haven't taken a course for a ticket in the 12 months before this ticket
- You ask the court on or before your answer date, and plead guilty or no contest
- You can show proof of insurance
It can't be used for
- Speeding 95 mph or more, or 25 mph or more over the limit
- Passing a stopped school bus, or leaving the scene of a crash
- Serious traffic violations, or work-zone offenses when workers are present
- Drivers who hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), or held one when they got the ticket
More than one ticket from the same traffic stop? Since September 1, 2025, one course can dismiss every eligible ticket from the same stop. The court can charge a fee of not more than $10 for each ticket, and you still pay court costs. Missed your answer date? The court can still allow the course before your case is closed. Ask your court.
See the course
Here's what the course looks like
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
Rather listen? Press play.
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.
- Listen, read, or both. Your choice.
- Go back, skip ahead, or change the speed.
- Take a break anytime. Your place is saved.
Welcome
You might see hundreds or even thousands of drivers around you while you're outside, which can make driving seem like something that anyone can do. Truth be told, driving is no easy feat, and it is one of the most important responsibilities that a person can have on their shoulders. Can you imagine the chaos if there were no rules or regulations managing the flow of traffic? The Texas 6-Hour Driving Safety Course teaches you the core principles and laws of driving so you can become a safe and responsible driver.
29-second excerpt from the course audio. In the course, the audio player stays at the top of the lesson.
How it works
Three simple steps
The course is 6 hours of content, and you go at your own pace.
Ask your court (for a ticket)
On or before the answer date on your ticket, plead guilty or no contest and ask to take a driving safety course. Taking it for insurance or on your own? Skip this step.
Take the course
Sign up for $25, then read or listen, one short lesson at a time. Take a break whenever you like. Your progress saves as you go.
Turn in your paperwork
Give the court your certificate of completion, your Type 3A driving record from DPS ($10), and an affidavit, within 90 days. Taking it for insurance? Send your certificate to your insurer.
Your driving record comes from DPS, not from us. You can order the Type 3A record online or by mail for $10. Order your driving record from DPS
What you'll learn
What the course covers
Every topic Texas law requires, in practical lessons to help you stay safe on Texas roads.
- Texas traffic laws
- Highway signs and signals
- Common causes of crashes, and how to avoid them
- Defensive driving strategies
- Alcohol and drug awareness
- Street racing
- Railroad safety and passing other vehicles
- Human trafficking laws and awareness
One price
$25, and you're on your way
That's the price of the course. If you're taking it for a ticket, the court may also charge court costs and a fee of not more than $10, and DPS charges $10 for your driving record.
Our course is approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Defensive Drivers Institute, LLC, driving safety provider license CP1013. Check our license
- Price
- $25
- Length
- 6 hours of content, at your own pace
- Devices
- 100% online: computer, tablet, or phone
- Certificate
- Download it anytime from your account. We email it to you too.
- Refunds
- Not finished? You can get a refund. Refund policy
Quick answers
Common questions
Is this course approved in Texas?
Yes. Defensive Drivers Institute is a driving safety provider licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), license CP1013. You can check our license on TDLR's website. Check TDLR's license search
Can I use it to get my ticket dismissed?
Often, yes, if your ticket qualifies. Ask your court on or before the answer date on your ticket. You'll plead guilty or no contest and request the course. You usually qualify if you have a Texas driver's license (or you're on active military duty, or a military spouse or dependent child), haven't taken a course for a ticket in the 12 months before this ticket, and can show proof of insurance. Your court decides. Read Tex. Code Crim. Proc. ch. 45A
Which tickets can't be dismissed with the course?
Speeding 95 mph or more, or 25 mph or more over the limit. Passing a stopped school bus, leaving the scene of a crash, serious traffic violations, and work-zone offenses when workers are present. The course also can't be used if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), or held one when you got the ticket.
What do I turn in to the court?
Within 90 days, give the court your certificate of completion, a copy of your Texas driving record (the certified Type 3A record from DPS, which costs $10), and an affidavit saying you haven't taken a course for another ticket in the past 12 months. Some courts get your driving record for you. If you need more time, ask the court. It can give you more time for good cause. Order your driving record from DPS
Will the ticket go on my driving record?
No. When the court dismisses a ticket this way, Texas law says the charge can't be part of your driving record or be used for any purpose. The court does tell DPS that you completed a course.
Can it lower my car insurance?
It may. Many insurers give a discount for finishing a defensive driving course, but each insurer decides whether it offers one and how much. Ask yours, then send it your certificate. Texas law also says insurers can't raise your premium or cancel your policy because you took the course or had a ticket dismissed this way. See TDI's auto insurance guide
I got more than one ticket in the same stop. Does one course cover them all?
Since September 1, 2025, one course can dismiss every eligible ticket from the same traffic stop. Each ticket has to qualify on its own, and the court can charge its fee for each one. Read Senate Bill 296
Does the court charge a fee?
The court can charge a fee of not more than $10 for each ticket dismissed this way, and you still pay court costs.
How long is the course?
6 hours of content, at your own pace. Take a break whenever you like. Your place is saved, so you pick up right where you left off.
Is there a final exam?
Yes, at the end of the course. You need 70% to pass, and you get 3 attempts. Along the way, you'll also answer a few simple questions about yourself to confirm it's you.
How do I get my certificate?
Once it's processed, your certificate of completion is in your account, and you can download it anytime. We also email it to you. Then give it to your court or insurer. Need another copy later? Just download it again. See TDLR's page for students
Can I take it on my phone?
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 (888) 238-7922
How much does it cost?
$25 for the course.
What if I change my mind?
Not finished? You can get a refund. Read our refund policy
Questions about the course? Call us at (888) 238-7922 or contact us. We're happy to help.
Ready to start your course?
Approved by TDLR · 100% online · $25
Start my course →Go at your own pace. Your progress saves every step of the way.
Free sample · Introduction (first module)
That's the free sample. Register to continue: the full course (6 hours of content) is $25, and your place is saved as you go.Start my course →
