Taking a defensive driving course can provide many benefits, such as improving your driving skills, reducing your insurance premiums, and even dismissing traffic violations. However, one question that often arises is how often should you take a defensive driving course? The frequency at which you should take a defensive driving course primarily depends on the reason for taking it. Let’s explore some common reasons why people take defensive driving course online in Texas and how often they should consider taking them.

Improving Driving Skills

One of the most common reasons why people opt for the online defensive driving course is to improve their driving skills. Defensive driving courses cover a wide range of topics, such as road rules, safe driving techniques, and hazard awareness. These courses can be especially beneficial for new or inexperienced drivers, as they provide essential knowledge and practical tips to help them become safer and more confident on the road.

If your goal is to continuously improve your driving skills, it’s recommended to take a defensive driving course every 3-5 years. This will allow you to refresh your knowledge and learn about any new laws or techniques that have been introduced since your last course.

Reducing Insurance Premiums

Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have completed a defensive driving course. These discounts can range from 5-20%, which can result in significant savings on your insurance premiums. However, it’s essential to note that these discounts usually have an expiration date.

If you’re looking to reduce your insurance premiums, it’s best to check with your insurance company and see how often they require you to take a defensive driving course to maintain the discount. Some companies may require you to retake the course every 3 years, while others may have a longer expiration period. It’s always best to confirm with your insurance provider to ensure you’re meeting their requirements and taking advantage of any available discounts.

Dismissing Traffic Violations

In some states, completing a defensive driving course can also help you dismiss traffic violations. This means that if you receive a ticket for a minor traffic offense, such as speeding or running a red light, you may be able to take a defensive driving course to avoid paying the fine and having points added to your license.

If you’re using a defensive driving course as a way to dismiss a traffic violation, it’s essential to check with the court or DMV in your state for their specific requirements. In most cases, you will only be allowed to take a defensive driving course every 12-18 months for dismissal purposes.

Conclusion

The frequency at which you should take a defensive driving course depends on your goals and reasons for taking the course. It’s recommended that you retake the course every 3-5 years to continuously improve your driving skills, check with your insurance company every few years to maintain any available discounts, and only use the course for traffic violation dismissal purposes when allowed by your state. Remember, even if you’ve taken a defensive driving course before, it’s always beneficial to refresh your knowledge and stay updated on any new laws or techniques that can help keep you safe on the road. So, consider taking a defensive driving course as an investment in your safety and the safety of others while on the road.