What Is Voluntary Defensive Driving?

Nobody is making you take it, which is exactly why you should do the math first. A voluntary course is worth it when your insurer pays you back for it, or when your state lets it pull points off your record. Here's how to tell.

What Is Voluntary Defensive Driving?

It's a defensive driving course you choose to take, with no ticket, court, or DMV letter requiring it.

Why People Take It

The two big reasons are an insurance discount and point reduction. Some drivers also take it as a refresher after years behind the wheel.

How It Differs From Court Ordered

A court ordered course is about a specific ticket and comes with a deadline. A voluntary course runs on your schedule, and the benefits depend on your state and insurer. It's often the same course you'd find under traffic school.

Will a Voluntary Course Lower Your Insurance?

Only if your insurer offers a discount for it. In most states, that's the insurer's decision.

Where the Discount Is Required

New York requires a 10 percent reduction in the base rate of your liability and collision premiums for three years after a PIRP course. That makes New York PIRP one of the clearest wins for voluntary takers.

Everywhere Else

Many insurers offer a discount, but amounts and qualifying courses vary. Get the details before you pay, and compare the discount to the course cost.

Can a Voluntary Course Take Points Off Your License?

In some states, yes. Here's how it works where I Drive Safely offers a course.

States With Point Benefits

• New York: up to 4 points subtracted from your suspension total.
• New Jersey: up to 2 points removed. New Jersey course
• Virginia: 5 safe driving points added. Virginia course
• Ohio: a 2 point credit if you have 2 to 11 points. Ohio course
• Indiana: a 4 point credit. Indiana course

What It Won't Do

A voluntary course usually doesn't erase a conviction from your record, and it won't undo a suspension that's already started. Here's how to check your points first.

Is There a Discount for Drivers 55 and Older?

Often, yes. Many insurers discount premiums for drivers 55 and up who complete an approved mature driver course.

Mature Driver Courses

These courses refresh skills and rules for experienced drivers. See the Ohio mature driver or Alabama mature driver courses.

Confirm With Your Insurer

Ask whether the mature driver discount applies to your policy and how often you need to retake the course to keep it.

How Often Can You Take a Voluntary Course?

As often as you like, but the benefits come on each state's schedule.

Benefit Schedules

• New York: points once every 18 months; insurance reduction lasts 36 months
• Virginia: safe driving points once every 24 months
• Ohio: point credit once every three years, up to five times
• Indiana: point credit once every three years
• New Jersey: point removal once every five years; insurance discount renewable every three years

Plan Ahead

Time your course so the next one lines up with your insurance renewal and your state's schedule.

What Should You Ask Your Insurer Before You Enroll?

Four questions decide whether the course pays for itself.

The Checklist

1. Do you offer a discount for a defensive driving or mature driver course?
2. How much is it, and on which parts of my premium?
3. How long does it last before I need to retake the course?
4. Which courses qualify, and do you accept online courses?

Then Enroll

If the numbers work, pick your state's course on our defensive driving page. Here's how points affect insurance if you have some.