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Can a defensive driving course take points off my license in New Jersey?

A defensive driving course is voluntary in New Jersey, and it can take two points off your record. You get the credit only if you have points when you finish, and only once every 5 years. It has to be a State-approved New Jersey course, and the MVC lists approved online providers. The MVC page we read doesn't cover dismissing a ticket in court. Ask your court about that.

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The rule, fact by fact

Valid for
Two points may be removed, once every 5 years, and only if there are points on your recordIf you have no points when you finish, there is nothing to take off.
Verified. New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission · Driver programs and defensive driving (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Who needs it
The defensive driving course is voluntaryThe MVC calls it a voluntary course. You take it if you want the point credit.
Same source and date as above
Approved courses
Point credit is for the State-approved New Jersey course curriculum onlyCheck with the provider before you register that the course counts.
Same source and date as above
Online accepted
The MVC lists approved online course providersPick from that list if you want to take the course online.
Same source and date as above
Driver Improvement Program
A defensive driving course is not a substitute for the Driver Improvement courseIf you are in that program, a defensive driving course won't replace it.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Decide if you want the credit. The course is voluntary. It takes two points off your record, only if you have points when you finish and only once every 5 years. If you are in the Driver Improvement Program or the Probationary Driver Program, a defensive driving course is not a substitute for either course.

  2. Step 2. Pick a course the State has approved. The MVC gives point credit only for a State-approved New Jersey defensive driving course curriculum, so check with the provider before you register. The MVC lists approved online course providers on its page.

  3. Step 3. Take the course while you still have points on your record. The credit applies only if there are points when you finish, and you can use it once every 5 years.

  4. Step 4. Don't count on a paper certificate. The provider notifies the MVC that you finished, and the MVC says that happens within 7-10 business days. The MVC doesn't accept a certificate from the driver. Ask the provider to confirm it reported your completion.

Before you pay

Ask the provider if the course is a State-approved New Jersey defensive driving course for point credit.

Ask the provider to confirm that it reports your completion to the MVC.

Check that you have points on your record and haven't used the credit in the last 5 years.

Questions

Can I take it in a classroom instead of online?

Yes. The MVC also lists approved classroom course providers.

Is there a course for drivers 55 and older?

Yes. The MVC lists State-approved mature defensive driving courses. It says this course is designed for New Jersey drivers 55 years and older.

What is the Driver Improvement Program?

It is a classroom course from approved New Jersey-licensed providers. The MVC offers it in lieu of a 30-day suspension for drivers who accumulate 12 to 14 points in more than two years.

Will it lower my car insurance?

You may qualify for an insurance rate reduction. The MVC says to contact your insurance agent for more information.

What to do next

Check your points and ask the provider if the course counts. Then read the Motor Vehicle Commission's page on driver programs and defensive driving.

www.nj.gov

Sources we read