Requirement of Texas Driving Record for Defensive Driving Completion

_{December 18, 2023 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Education}

Do I need a Texas driving record to complete a defensive driving?Understand whether a Texas driving record is necessary to complete a defensive driving course. Explore the relevance of a driving record in this context.

Do I need a Texas driving record to complete a defensive driving?

In Texas, it's not a standard requirement to submit a driving record to complete a defensive driving course for ticket dismissal or insurance reduction purposes. However, there are instances where you might need your driving record:

For Ticket Dismissal: When taking a defensive driving course to dismiss a traffic ticket, you may need your driving record to submit to the court. Some courts might request a certified copy of your driving record to verify eligibility for ticket dismissal.
For Insurance Discount: When taking the course for an insurance discount, your insurance provider might request a copy of your driving record as part of their process to apply the discount.

Before enrolling in a defensive driving course, it's advisable to check with the court (if for ticket dismissal) or your insurance provider (if for an insurance discount) to confirm if they require a copy of your driving record. If so, you can request a copy of your Texas driving record from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to provide the necessary documentation.

Is a Texas driving record a prerequisite for completing a defensive driving course?

Whether a Texas driving record is a prerequisite for completing a defensive driving course in Texas depends on your specific reason for taking the course:

For traffic ticket dismissal:

Most courts in Texas require you to submit a copy of your driving record when requesting defensive driving course approval for ticket dismissal. This allows the court to verify your eligibility and ensure you haven't taken a similar course for a previous violation within the required timeframe.
Some courts might waive the driving record requirement in specific cases, like first-time offenders or minor violations. However, it's always best to check with the relevant court for its specific requirements.

For insurance discounts:

Some insurance companies in Texas offer discounts to drivers who complete approved defensive driving courses. They might ask for your driving record to verify your eligibility for the discount and assess your overall driving risk.
However, not all insurance companies in Texas require a driving record for their defensive driving discount programs.

For personal improvement:

If you're taking a defensive driving course for personal improvement or to fulfill a requirement for employment, a driving record is typically not required. You can simply enroll in any approved course offered by a licensed provider.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

Always choose a defensive driving course approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS). Only approved courses will qualify for ticket dismissal or insurance discounts.
Check with the course provider or the court about their specific requirements and procedures.
You can obtain your driving record online or by mail from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

I hope this clarifies the relationship between Texas driving records and completing defensive driving courses in Texas. Remember, it's always best to check with the specific court or course provider for their unique requirements to ensure you meet all necessary criteria.