Defensive Driving

Can I Have My Case Dismissed Through Defensive Driving?
If you have not taken Defensive Driving in the last (12) twelve months, you may be able to require that one traffic citation be dismissed by taking a state approved driver’s safety course. However, you may lose that right if you do not provide written notice of your desire to do so and enter your plea of guilty or no contest to the Court on or before the appearance date. You are not allowed to take defensive driving for some offenses, including but not limited to speeding more than 24 miles per hour over the limit, passing a school bus, fleeing a police officer, and certain other offenses.
A defendant who is younger than 17 years of age must appear in Court with a parent, guardian, or managing conservator, to enter a plea and request to take a Driving Safety Course.

You must first receive permission from the Court prior to completing the course.
The course must be state approved. YOU are responsible for meeting the Court and State requirements for dismissal by the due date. If you fail to present proof of completion of the driver’s safety course by the completion due date, the court will require your appearance at a show cause hearing; and you may be assessed an additional fine. If you fail to appear for the show cause hearing a Capias Pro Fine Warrant may be issued for your arrest.

You may purchase a copy of your driving record here.

To apply for defensive driving, carefully read the instructions before completing the DSC Request Form (see below).

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