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State Cert Guide

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Is there a defensive driving course in Maryland that takes points off my license?

Maryland's MVA says points are not removed upon request. Its Driver Improvement Program is a 4 to 8 hour class. You may be assigned to it by a judge, at 5 to 7 points, or after a conviction or probation before judgment for a moving violation on a provisional license. We haven't confirmed whether a court dismisses a ticket for a course or whether an insurer discounts one.

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The rule, fact by fact

Rule
Points are not removed upon requestThe MVA's advice is safe driving over time.
Verified. mva.maryland.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Who needs it
Judge referral, 5-7 points, or a provisional-license moving violation conviction or PBJPBJ is probation before judgment, which the MVA lists next to a conviction.
Verified. mva.maryland.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Course hours
A 4-8 hour instructional programAsk the provider for the length of its own class.
Same source and date as above
Cost
Set individually by each program providerCall more than one provider before you book.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Find out why you were assigned. The MVA names a District Court judge referral, an administrative law judge referral, 5, 6 or 7 points on your record, and a conviction or probation before judgment for a moving violation while you held a provisional license.

  2. Step 2. Ask a provider about its fee before you book. Each provider sets its own cost, and you pay the provider directly.

  3. Step 3. Attend the class. The provider gives you a certificate of completion and separately notifies the MVA.

Before you pay

Check that the MVA assigned you the program, and find your referral letter.

Ask each provider for dates, times and the fee, because each sets its own cost.

If you were assigned a Young DIP class, sign up before the date on your letter.

Questions

When does the MVA letter arrive after a judge orders the program?

If a judge decides that you must attend, you will receive a letter from the MVA approximately 4-6 weeks after your hearing date.

What if I am assigned a Young DIP class?

You must sign up to attend before the date specified on your referral letter, or the MVA will suspend your driving privilege.

What happens at 3 to 4 points?

Within a two-year period, 3 to 4 points bring a warning letter from the MVA.

What to do next

Check the reason on your referral letter. Then read the MVA page on the Driver Improvement Program.

mva.maryland.gov

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