Texas requires all providers to charge, at the minimum, a $25.00 fee to take the course and an additional $3.00 fee for administration costs pursuant to Sec. 1001.352. We are upfront about these additional charges. No hidden fees. Approved National Driving School charges the lowest price guaranteed.
The state requires by law all ticket dismissal courses to be six hours long This course is the shortest it can be to complete in six hours. It could be completed in one day.
If you are taking Defensive Driving to dismiss a ticket, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have a valid license or permit.
- You should not have completed a defensive driving course in the past 12 months.
- You should not have a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
- You should not have been charged with serious driving violations, such as
- Reckless driving
- Overtaking a school bus loading or unloading.
- Speeding 25 miles or more over the speed limit
- Failure to exchange information and render aid at the scene of an accident.
- Violation in construction zones when workers are present.
- Failure to maintain financial responsibility.
Before beginning the defensive driving course, obtaining approval from the court is essential. You have to request permission to take a defensive driving course from your court before the appearance date on your citation. On your appearance date, you must plead guilty or no contest to your violation. When you go to court, remember to carry the following documents and forms: – Proof of a valid Texas driver’s license.
- A copy of your insurance policy
- Your signed citation admitting guilt
- Any other document specified by your county and/or court.
- A court administrative fee (this varies by court)
If you have been issued a traffic ticket in Texas, you will need to take care of it through the county clerk’s office where you received the ticket. This includes paying the fine, choosing to attend traffic school, and providing the Certificate of Completion if necessary.
Please refer to our directory below to locate the Texas County where you were issued the ticket. You can find detailed county information, including phone numbers, addresses, and specific county websites for each location.
After you pay your court fee, the court will give you a deadline to submit your defensive driving certificate.
Please enter the same information on your ticket during registration. Double-check your ticket to ensure that the court location is correct. The name, address, and birthdate should match the name on your ticket.
Approved National Driving School sends your certificate within 24 hours to the email provided. You may contact us within hours before completing the course at support@approved-nds.com and we will work to accommodate an earlier request.
You then need to submit this certificate, along with your driver’s record, to the court. State law requires you to deliver or mail your certificate to the court in person. It’s important to note that course providers are prohibited from sending certificates directly to the court.
Submit your Certificate of Completion and 3A driver record to the court stated on your citation. With these documents, the court should dismiss your Texas traffic ticket, remove the points from your license, and prevent your car insurance rates from increasing.
You can order your driver record to be delivered by mail, but it’s quicker and more convenient to obtain it online from the Texas Department of Public Safety. You will need to get a Type 3A driver record, which is a certified list of all your crashes and violations. Be sure to have your credit card ready, as there is a $10 fee for this record. You can order your record here: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/how-order-driver-record
After finishing the course and passing all quizzes, we will promptly email your Certificate of Completion directly to you. Approved National Driving School sends your certificate within 24 hours to the email provided. You may contact us within hours before completing the course at support@approved-nds.com and we will work to accommodate an earlier request. You can forward the certificate to the court where you received the ticket.
After you complete the course, the certificate of completion must be emailed directly to you, not to the court. State law requires you to deliver or mail your certificate to the court in person. It’s important to note that course providers are prohibited from sending certificates directly to the court.
Your certificate will have an insurance portion at the bottom. Give this copy to your insurance company to qualify for the discount. The discount is valid for three years.
Did you know that the Texas Online Defensive Driving Course is not only taken by many people to fulfill a court order or to keep points from a traffic ticket off their driving record, but it could also help you save up to 10% on your auto insurance if you take the course voluntarily?
The Texas Department of Insurance states that if you complete a defensive driving course, you may be eligible for a discount from your auto insurance company. This type of training aims to enhance your driving skills and safety, and many insurance companies offer reduced rates to responsible drivers who have completed this course.
Remember to keep in mind that the availability of the discount and the specific requirements for eligibility will differ depending on the insurance company you are with and the zipcode where you live. It is advisable to reach out to your insurance provider and inquire whether they provide a discount for completing a defensive driving course.
Some insurance companies that may provide a discount are:
21st Century Insurance * AAA * Allstate* American Family Insurance * GEICO * MetLife * Nationwide * State Farm * Travelers * USAA
If you don’t see your insurance listed above, please contact them to confirm.