Course to Remove Points from License - DMV Approved (2026)
Sep 16, 2025
Quick Answer: The DMV-approved course to keep points off your license is a state-approved defensive driving course -- Florida's 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course or a 6-hour Texas driving safety course. Completing it on an eligible ticket leads the court to withhold adjudication, so no points are assessed against your record. Receiving a traffic ticket doesn't automatically mean points will be added to your driving record. State-approved defensive driving courses offer a proven solution to prevent points from appearing after a violation, helping you maintain a clean license and potentially lower insurance premiums. Leading providers like SafeDriver.com offer convenient online options including Florida's Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) Course and the Texas Defensive Driving Course, both designed to help drivers dismiss tickets and avoid point penalties.
How Does a Defensive Driving Course Remove Points from Your License?
A defensive driving course prevents points from being added to your record rather than removing existing points. When you complete a state-approved course after receiving a traffic violation, the court typically withholds adjudication -- meaning no points are assessed for that specific offense. This proactive approach helps you avoid insurance rate increases and potential license suspension that can result from accumulating too many points. The process requires specific approved courses like Florida's 4-hour BDI program or Texas' 6-hour driving safety course, both available through SafeDriver.com's online platform.- Practical Tip: Complete your course promptly after receiving a ticket to meet court deadlines.
- Practical Tip: Always verify course approval with your local court before enrolling.
Why Points Matter: Florida Suspension Thresholds
Florida suspends your license once you accumulate too many points in a fixed window. Electing a BDI course on an eligible citation keeps those points off your record entirely -- the single most effective way to stay below these thresholds.| Points Accumulated | Florida Suspension |
|---|---|
| 12 points within 12 months | 30-day suspension |
| 18 points within 18 months | 3-month suspension |
| 24 points within 36 months | 1-year suspension |
Common point values: 3 points for a moving violation or speeding under 15 mph over the limit, 4 points for speeding 15+ mph over, and 6 points for speeding that causes a crash. Confirm current values at flhsmv.gov.
State-Specific Solutions: Florida BDI vs. Texas Defensive Driving
Florida's Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) Course is a 4-hour program specifically designed to dismiss traffic tickets and prevent points from appearing on your record. SafeDriver.com's Florida traffic school course is 100% online and serves both voluntary enrollment and court-ordered requirements. Texas requires a different approach with its state-approved 6-hour Driving Safety Course; drivers must first obtain court approval before enrolling, as Texas limits this option to once every 12 months.| Feature | Florida BDI | Texas Defensive Driving |
|---|---|---|
| Course length | 4 hours | 6 hours (shortest allowed by TX law) |
| Purpose | Withhold adjudication, keep points off record | Dismiss ticket & associated points |
| Court approval needed first? | Recommended | Required |
| Frequency limit | Once per 12 months, 9 times in a lifetime | Once every 12 months |
| Insurance benefit | Avoids point-based rate increases | Up to 10% discount for 3 years |
| Format / price | 100% online, from $5.94 plus fees | 100% online, lowest price allowed by TX law |
What to Expect from an Online Defensive Driving Course
Modern defensive driving courses offer maximum convenience through 100% online delivery accessible from any device. These self-paced programs typically take 4-6 hours to complete, with the ability to start and stop as needed. The Florida BDI Course specifically requires 4 hours of instruction, while Texas mandates 6 hours. Both include interactive content, knowledge checks, and final assessments to ensure comprehension. Upon successful completion, you'll receive a certificate to submit to the court or clerk's office for ticket dismissal. SafeDriver.com mails your certificate, with an option to have your Texas certificate emailed directly for faster processing.Beyond Points: Additional Benefits of Defensive Driving
While point prevention is the primary motivation for most drivers, defensive driving courses offer additional advantages. Many insurance providers offer premium discounts for completing approved courses -- Texas statutes specifically allow for up to a 10% discount on your insurance premiums for up to 3 years. Contact your insurer to determine exact savings in your state. Just as valuable is the educational component: these courses refresh your knowledge of traffic laws and teach techniques like proper following distances, hazard recognition, and collision avoidance.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do a course to avoid points?
Yes. You can take a state-approved defensive driving course to avoid getting points on your record. In Florida, the 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course is for this purpose; in Texas, a 6-hour driving safety course will dismiss the ticket and the associated points.How do I remove points from my license in Florida?
Successfully complete a state-approved Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course -- a 4-hour defensive driving class available online -- and submit your certificate to the Clerk of Court, which withholds adjudication so no points are assessed for that citation.How much will 3 points affect my insurance?
3 points on your license can raise your car insurance rates and move you closer to a suspension, but the exact increase depends on your insurer, driving history, the specific violation, and your state. Completing a BDI course on an eligible ticket avoids the points altogether.How much does the course cost?
The Florida BDI course starts at $5.94 plus fully transparent state fees at SafeDriver.com. The Texas defensive driving course is priced at the lowest amount allowed by Texas law. Keep points off your license today. Enroll in the DMV-approved Florida BDI Course at SafeDriver.com -- 100% online, self-paced, from $5.94 plus fully transparent state fees.Citations
- https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/basic-driver-improvement-bdi-find-approved-listing-bdi-course-providers/
- https://www.flhsmv.gov/
- https://www.safedriver.com/ticket/florida.html