Taking a Driving Safety Course is an option that will keep your violation from being reported as a conviction on your driving record. If all terms are successfully met, your citation will be dismissed.
However, if any requirements are not met and you cannot provide a satisfactory reason at a hearing before a Judge, you may be found guilty and a conviction may be reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The following are the standard eligibility requirements for approval to take defensive driving regardless of how it is requested:
If you prefer not to request online or appear in-person, the following options are available for submitting a completed Driving Safety Course Affidavit*, copy of your valid Texas driver's license, and copy of your current insurance:
Upon approval, you will be granted 90 days to complete the course and to obtain a certified copy of your driving record online from the Department of Public Safety. Upon successful completion and returning of your documents to the court within 90 days, your citation will be dismissed, if all the criteria are met.
Driver Record from the Texas Department of Public Safety (Required; select Type 3A)
Finding the Right Course
The court is not allowed to recommend a specific defensive driving course school. You may refer to the yellow pages (telephone directory) or do an online search. It is important to ask if the course is approved for the dismissal of a traffic citation.
**Mail/Fax
Find your inspector