Learn How to Remove Points from your NC Driver's License

When it comes to your driver's license, getting points isn't a good thing. The more points you have as a driver, the worse you're doing. It takes some time and effort to knock points off of your NC driver's licensePoint Reduction Defensive Driving, but it's well worth it. You'll save money on insurance premiums and lower the likelihood of a suspension. If you do get points on your license, learn how to remove them with this handy guide.

Steps to Get Points off Your North Carolina Driver's License

If you have at least four points (on the eight-point scale) or seven points (on the 12-point scale) on your license, you may be eligible to attend a driver improvement clinic to remove some points. You can attend one of these every five years. Follow these steps to start the removal process.

1. Schedule a Hearing

If you qualify for a driver improvement clinic, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) will send you a letter in the mail. If you receive one, the first step in getting points off of your license is by scheduling an eligibility hearingOffices Services Administrative Hearings Pages Default.aspx Dmv. You can request a hearing online, by mail, or in person. There is a $40 driver improvement clinic eligibility fee. The NCDMV will notify you of your hearing date within 30 days.

2. Attend the Hearing

The hearing is an informal proceeding that takes place in front of an administrative hearing officer. They'll listen to the evidence you provide and determine whether or not you meet the requirements to have three points deducted from your driving record.

If you meet the requirements, you have to take a driver improvement clinic. If you wish to take an online driving course instead of the state-sponsored in-person one, you must get permission from the officer at your hearing. 

3. Complete the Clinic

Whether you opt for an online or in-person course, you need to successfully finish it. The in-person clinic run by the NCDMV costs $70 to attend. Online course options like those available onIDriveSafely.comNorth Carolina Defensive Driving are cheaper. Depending on the severity of your infractions, you'll need to complete either a 4-hourNorth Carolina 4 Hour Traffic Safety Defensive Driving or 8-hour defensive driving courseNorth Carolina 8 Hour Traffic Safety Defensive Driving. 

4. Submit Your Certificate

Upon completion of the required course, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion. You need to submit this to the NCDMV so they can remove your points. You can log in to the MyDMV pageMyDMV Account Login Edmv.ncdot.gov to check the status of your points.