Course Features
Driving Safety Course Eligibility
If you got a traffic citation in Texas, taking a driving safety course is one of the most common ways to keep it off your record. But not everyone qualifies. Before you enroll, check the requirements below to confirm you're eligible, and see what disqualifies a driver from this option.
Who Qualifies
You can take a driving safety course to dismiss your ticket if you meet both of these conditions:
- You hold a valid driver license or permit.
- You carry auto insurance or another acceptable form of financial responsibility.
That's the baseline. The court listed on your citation still has the final say on whether you're allowed to take a course for your specific case, so the conditions below matter just as much.
What Makes You Ineligible
A court will typically not allow a driving safety course if any of the following apply to your citation:
- You were driving more than 25 mph over the posted speed limit.
- You already completed a driving safety or defensive driving course within the past 12 months. This rule resets from your most recent course completion date, not your citation date, so check your last certificate if you're unsure.
- You were charged with reckless driving rather than a standard moving violation.
- Your citation involved a hit and run.
- You were charged with passing a stopped school bus.
- Your citation occurred in a construction zone while workers were present.
- You hold a commercial driver license, since CDL holders are not eligible for ticket dismissal through a driving safety course in Texas.
If any of these apply, the court may still offer other options such as deferred disposition, so it's worth asking the court directly rather than assuming the ticket is unavoidable.
When You Need to Enroll By
Texas courts generally give you a set window from the date of your citation to complete a driving safety course and submit your certificate, often around 90 days, though the exact deadline is printed on your citation or set by the court. Missing that deadline usually means losing the option to dismiss the ticket this way, so it's worth enrolling as soon as you confirm you're eligible rather than waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to ask the court for permission first?
In most cases the court grants permission automatically when you receive your citation, but some courts require you to request it directly. Check the paperwork from your citation, or call the court listed on it, to confirm.
What if I'm not eligible?
You can still complete the course for general defensive driving education, but it will not dismiss the ticket. Contact your court to ask about other options, such as paying the fine directly or requesting deferred disposition. You can also check our FAQ page for more on how the process works.
Does the 12 month rule apply per court or statewide?
It applies regardless of which Texas court issued your citation. If you completed a driving safety course anywhere in Texas within the last 12 months, you are not eligible to use it again until that period passes.
Can I take the course if I'm not sure I'm eligible?
Yes. You're welcome to register and complete the course either way. We recommend confirming eligibility with your court first, since dismissal ultimately depends on their approval, not just meeting the general requirements above.
Once you've confirmed you're eligible, you can get started right away. See why our course is considered the shortest, easiest, and best option in Texas.
Permission to take a driving safety course is granted by the court listed on your traffic citation. If you have questions about your eligibility or about Texas law as it applies to your situation, it's best to consult an attorney or contact the court with jurisdiction over your case.