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Can a driver education course take points off my Tennessee license?

If you were convicted of speeding, you may be eligible to remove points from your Tennessee driving record by taking an approved Driver Education Course within 90 days of the conviction. If a court ordered the course, ask the court whether it accepts the one you choose. We haven't confirmed whether an insurer discounts the course or a court dismisses a ticket for it.

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The rule, fact by fact

Who needs it
Drivers with points from a speeding convictionThe Tennessee page covers points that come from speeding.
Verified. www.tn.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Course hours
Up to 5 points off, with a 4-hour course within 90 daysThe 90 days run from the date you were convicted, so count them before you enroll.
Same source and date as above
Valid for
One speeding conviction in a four-year periodLook back four years before you enroll.
Same source and date as above
Rule
Providers send your certificate to the Department within 30 daysProviders must also explain how the points come off, so ask at the end.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check that the points come from speeding and that you are inside the 90 days. The credit can apply to only one speeding conviction in a four-year period.

  2. Step 2. Take an approved Driver Education Course. If a court ordered you to attend, confirm that the court will accept the course before you register for an online one.

  3. Step 3. Finish the course. The provider must submit your certificate of completion to the Department within 30 days and must explain how points are removed from your record.

Before you pay

Count the days from the date you were convicted of speeding: the 4-hour course must be completed within 90 days.

Check that you have not used the credit on another speeding conviction in the last four years.

If a court ordered the course, ask the court whether it accepts the course before you pay for an online one.

Questions

Does the course erase the speeding conviction?

No. The Department says only the points will be removed and the conviction will remain.

What if I am headed for a hearing?

Drivers who reach 12 or more points within any 12-month period get a notice of proposed suspension and a chance at a hearing. In most cases a driver who requests the hearing may take a defensive driving class in lieu of suspension or for a reduction of suspension time, within 90 days of the letter and once every 5 years to receive credit.

Can I be required to take an 8-hour school?

A driver may be required to attend an 8-hour Defensive Driving School, or may have driving privileges suspended, once the driver has exceeded the number of points allowed.

What to do next

Count the days since you were convicted, then read the state's page on removing speeding points.

www.tn.gov

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