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State Cert Guide

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Do I need a defensive driving course in Texas?

Generally yes, if you want to dismiss a ticket or get an insurance discount. That's what TDLR, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, says. For a ticket, the Texas court system must first tell you that you're eligible. So call your court before you pay. You still pay the fines and fees on the ticket.

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The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
6That's the course any licensed provider may offer for ticket dismissal or insurance discounts.
Verified. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation · Taking a Driving Safety Course (opens state website) · checked Nov 12, 2026
Who needs it
Drivers dismissing a ticket, once the court says they're eligibleAnyone can take the course, but using it for a ticket has legal requirements. Read the court's notice, or call the court.
Same source and date as above
Online accepted
Depends on the providerSome providers offer online courses and others need you in person. Contact the provider to find out which.
Same source and date as above
Free certificate copy
Ask within 30 days of finishing the courseThat's if your certificate never came or has errors that are the provider's fault. If you lose it, the provider may charge for a copy.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Ask your court before you pay. TDLR says that to dismiss a ticket you must first get notice from the Texas court system that you're eligible. Read the notice the court sent you, or call the court. If the court says you can't use the course for this ticket, don't buy one for the ticket.

  2. Step 2. Look for a provider. Ask whether it teaches online or in person. Then check the provider's license status with TDLR's license search tool. TDLR says that is a good idea.

  3. Step 3. Take the course by the date the court gives you. TDLR says the court will typically set that date. Ask the provider how long you have to finish.

  4. Step 4. Watch for your certificate of completion. TDLR says you should get it within 14 days of finishing. Then send it to the court or your insurance company. TDLR says that is your job.

Before you pay

Call your court first. TDLR says a ticket course needs the court's notice that you're eligible. The court decides, not the course website.

Ask the court what else it needs from you. Ask the provider what the price covers and whether the certificate costs extra.

Check the provider's license status with TDLR before you pay.

Questions

Do I need a copy of my driving record to dismiss a ticket?

Maybe. That is a court's rule, not a course website's. The Friendswood municipal court says that before the end of its 90-day period you must give the court a copy of the Course Completion Certificate and a 3A copy of your driving record from the Department of Public Safety. We haven't confirmed that every Texas court asks for it, so ask yours.

How does my certificate reach me?

By mail or electronically. TDLR says the Texas Education Code requires that.

Does TDLR recommend a provider?

No. TDLR says it cannot recommend a specific provider.

What to do next

Call your court before you pay. Then read TDLR's page and check any provider with its license search tool.

www.tdlr.texas.gov

Sources we read