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Can a defensive driving course take points off my North Dakota license?

North Dakota drivers are eligible to take a defensive driving course to reduce their total points by 3, once every 12 months. During a points suspension, points come off only after it ends. A course can also be taken in lieu of points for some violations with 5 or fewer points. We haven't confirmed whether a court dismisses a ticket for a course, so ask your court.

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The rule, fact by fact

Point reduction
A course takes 3 points off your total, once every 12 monthsCheck your point total before you sign up for one.
Verified. www.dot.nd.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
In lieu of points
A course can be taken in lieu of points for some violations with 5 or fewer pointsAsk NDDOT whether your violation is one of them.
Same source and date as above
Agency
The North Dakota Highway Patrol approves insurance premium reduction coursesAsk your insurer before you pay for a course.
Verified. www.insurance.nd.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Rule
At 12 or more points, privileges are suspended 7 days for each point over 11Know where you stand before the next conviction.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Count your points. At 12 or more points, your privileges are suspended for 7 days for each point over 11. A course can take 3 points off your total, once every 12 months.

  2. Step 2. Pick a course from the right list. NDDOT lists approved online courses for up to a 3 point reduction. For a lower insurance premium, the North Dakota Highway Patrol approves courses.

  3. Step 3. Take the course. It can reduce your total points by 3, once every 12 months. For some violations with 5 or fewer points, a course can be taken in lieu of points.

  4. Step 4. Send the course to NDDOT. NDDOT says these courses are submitted to DRS@ND.GOV.

Before you pay

Check which agency approved the course: NDDOT for points, the Highway Patrol for a lower premium.

Count your points. A course takes off 3, once every 12 months.

Ask your court whether it would accept a course for your ticket.

Ask your insurer whether it gives a defensive driving discount.

Questions

Do points come off without a course?

Yes. With or without a defensive driving course, 1 point is reduced for every 3 months a driver has not had any new point violations applied to their record. If you are serving a suspension or cancelation for point violations, points are not reduced until it is complete.

Will my insurer give me a discount?

North Dakota's Insurance Department says company discounts may include a defensive driving discount, and it tells you to ask your agent about discounts you may qualify for.

Do younger drivers have a lower limit?

Yes. For drivers under the age of 18, the driving license or privileges will be canceled upon an accumulation of 6 or more points.

How long does a Highway Patrol approval last?

Two years. The Insurance Department says each course must be renewed and reapproved every two years.

What to do next

Count your points first. Then read NDDOT's page on point reduction and the points schedule.

www.dot.nd.gov

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