Course to Remove Points from License - DMV Approved

Sep 16, 2025

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 through comprehensive defensive driving education.

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 is standardized across states but 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
  • Always verify course approval with your local court before enrolling

State-Specific Solutions: Florida BDI Course vs. Texas Defensive Driving

Each state has unique requirements for point prevention courses, with Florida and Texas offering distinct programs through approved providers. 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 driving record. As one approved provider, SafeDriver.com's Florida traffic school course is "100% online in the comfort of your home or office" and serves both voluntary enrollment and court-ordered requirements.

Texas requires a different approach with its state-approved Driving Safety Course for ticket dismissal. The Texas Defensive Driving Course available through SafeDriver.com is "100% State Approved" and meets all requirements for ticket dismissal across Texas municipalities. Drivers must first obtain court approval before enrolling, as Texas limits this option to once every 12 months.

Key requirements for both states:

  1. Eligibility Check: Verify you qualify for course election (no recent completions, non-serious offenses)
  2. Court Approval: Obtain permission from the court handling your ticket (required in Texas, recommended in Florida)
  3. Course Completion: Finish the state-approved program within the allotted timeframe

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 for its driving safety program. Both include interactive content, knowledge checks, and final assessments to ensure comprehension of defensive driving principles.

Upon successful completion, you'll receive a certificate to submit to the court or clerk's office for ticket dismissal. SafeDriver.com's Texas course even offers an option to have your certificate emailed directly for faster processing. The entire process is designed for efficiency, with most students completing their course in a single sitting or over multiple sessions according to their schedule.

Beyond Points: Additional Benefits of Defensive Driving

While point prevention is the primary motivation for most drivers, defensive driving courses offer several 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 insurance provider to determine exact savings potential in your state.

Perhaps more valuable than the financial benefits is the educational component. These courses refresh your knowledge of traffic laws, teach advanced defensive driving techniques, and help develop safer driving habits that can prevent future violations and accidents. The curriculum covers essential topics like following distances, hazard recognition, and collision avoidance strategies that benefit drivers of all experience levels.

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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 driving record. In Florida, the 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement course is for this purpose, while in Texas, a 6-hour driving safety course will dismiss the ticket and the associated points.

How to get points reduced off your license?

In Florida, you can get points reduced off your license by successfully completing a state-approved defensive driving course, such as the 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course, and submitting your certificate to the Clerk of Court, which withholds adjudication so no points are assessed.

How to remove points from license in FL?

You can remove points from your Florida license by successfully completing a state-approved Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course, which is a 4-hour defensive driving class available online. After completing the course, you must submit your certificate to the Clerk of Court. Source: https://www.safedriver.com/ticket/florida.html

How much will 3 points affect my insurance?

3 points on your license can increase your car insurance rates and make you more vulnerable to a license suspension, but the exact amount of the increase depends on your insurance company, your driving history, the specific violations, and the state you live in.

How much does a course typically cost?

The cost varies by course type: the initial BDI course starts at $5.94 plus fully transparent fees.