Driving Safety Course

Request for Driving Safety Course (Defensive Driving)

Under the laws of the State of Texas, you may be able to request that one traffic violation charge be dismissed upon satisfactory completion of a driving safety course. You must first obtain permission from the Court prior to taking a driving safety course.

Requirements for Requesting a Driving Safety Course

To request permission to take a Driving Safety Course, you must:

  • You must make your request and payment within twenty (20) calendar days from the date your citation was issued or by your appearance date in person or by mail.
  • You must enter a plea of Guilty or No Contest and complete a Driver Safety Course Application
  • You must have a valid Texas Drivers License.
  • You must have proof of financial responsibility (insurance).
  • You cannot have taken a driving safety course for ticket dismissal within the past twelve (12) months prior to the date of your citation. You are required to sign a legal affidavit stating you are in compliance with this condition.
  • You must pay $144.00 ($169.00 for school zone offenses), which includes state court costs and administrative fees. This amount is subject to change according to State law.
  • You must submit proof of completing a Texas-approved driving safety course within 90 days from the date of payment.
  • You must obtain and submit to the court a certified copy of your driving record.
  • You must sign an affidavit stating you are in compliance with all eligibility requirements for DSC as set forth in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Sec.45.051 (c)(3).
  • You must return all required documentation to the Court within 90 days from the date of payment. See below for required documentation.

Postponement of Prosecution

Once you make the request, the prosecution of your traffic offense will be postponed for 90 days to give you time to complete the driving safety course. The course you attend must be approved by the Texas Education Agency.

Course Completion Requirements

Before the end of the 90-day period, you must submit the following to the court:

•    A Course Completion Certificate.

•    A 3A copy of your driving record from the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Eligibility Requirements

You are eligible to request the Driving Safety Course if:

•    You are not currently taking the course for another traffic violation.

•    You have not committed the following offenses:

o    Speeding 25 mph or more over the speed limit.

o    Failure to give information at the accident scene.

o    Leaving the scene of an accident.

o    Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.

o    Reckless driving.

o    Passing a school bus.

o    Moving violation in a construction zone with workers present.

If you meet these conditions, you may be eligible to take the defensive driving course and have your ticket dismissed upon successful completion.