- What is a Driving Safety Course?
- What requirements must I meet before I take the class?
- What do I need to bring to class
- What does you course consist of?
- Do I receive my certificate the same day I complete the class?
- Can I still get a discount on my insurance even if I take the class for ticket dismissal?
What is a
Driving Safety Course?
A Driver Safety Course is a six-hour course that is Texas
Education Agency approved under the Texas Driver and Safety Education Act
(article 4413-29C, Texas Civil Statues as permitted by State Legislation.) It is
a method of having your traffic citation dismissed after successfully completing
one of these Driving Safety Clases. you must, however, notify the court of your
intent to attend a Driving Safety Course and the court MUST give you permission.
You also need to meet all eligibility requirements of the court, pay any
required court costs and fees, take the Driving Safety Course before the time
limit set by the court has expired, and return all required documentation to the
court in a timely manner.
What requirements must I meet before I take the class?
You can only get one traffic ticket every 12 months. In
addition to having a driver license, several of the other requirements that you
must meet before being allowed to take a driving safety class for ticket
dismissal included: you must NOT possess a commercial drivers license (CDL); you must admit guilt or sign a statement that
you do not contest the citation (nolo contendere); and if your were speeding,
the citation must state that it was not more than 25 miles above the posted
speed limit. There are other criteria, and the court has the final decision on
whether you'll be permitted to dismiss the ticket by completing a driving safety
course. Some municipal court judges and justices of the peace require you to
contact the court before you take the driving safety course for purposes of
ticket dismissal. Be sure to obtain the court's permission first. By
contacting the court that is indicated on your traffic ticket, you may prevent
delays, added expenses, or a requirement that you repeat the course.;
What do I need to bring to class?
We ask that you bring the following to class: your drivers
license, a pen (black or blue ink only) to write with and either your traffic
ticket or paperwork from the court (if you are attending to dismiss a traffic
citation). We need the exact information on your citation when your certificate
application is filled out during class. also, if you are attending one of our
locations that serves a meal, please bring a gratuity for your wait person.
What does your course consist of?
Texas State Defensive Driving uses course materials that
involve the student in many aspects of the class. All classes are presented in a
relaxed and comfortable setting. Video presentations, other visual tools,
student workbooks and instructor led discussions are used in conjunction with
student participation. because of personal experience, a student may be able to
discuss driving situations differently from the instructor. This can be helpful
to other students in the class. Students also bring "real life" examples of
different traffic situations for everyone to share.
Do I receive my certificate the
same day I complete the class?
The instructor is NOT allowed to hand you the
certificate at the end of the course, and you cnnot download a completion
certificate after completing an online course. By state law, it must be
mailed to you. your certificate will normally be mailed to you by First
Class mail within 21 calendar days after you complete the course, so you'll
need to take the course well ahead of the deadline imposed by the court.
TSDD does offer an expedited (delivery in 10 days) and
courier (delivery in 5 days) of your certificate at an extra cost.
Can I still get a discount on my
insurance even if I take the class for ticket dismissal?
YES! The 10% vehicle insurance discount is valid
with all Texas insurance companies except (possible) county mutuals, regardless
of the reason that you took the course; i.e., whether you took the course for
pure education, insurance discount, or ticket dismissal. (Insurance companies
are not required to give you a discount - check with your agent.)
The envelope that you receive from the course provider
will actually contain two certificates: one for the court, and the other for
your insurance agent. we suggest that you make a copy of the insurance
certificate in case you change insurance companies because the 10% insurance
discount is valid for three years even if you switch insurance companies.
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