If you’re an El Paso resident, there are several reasons you may need to take a defensive driving class. You may have received a traffic violation or speeding ticket. You may also need to satisfy a court seat belt requirement, or maybe you’re seeking an insurance discount.
If you need to take a defensive driving class, you may wonder where you need to go and what you need to do. Here’s what you should know about how to find a defensive driving course in El Paso.
Enroll in Online Traffic School
Taking an online Texas Traffic Dismissal Course is the easiest way to take defensive driving education in El Paso. You’ll want a course that is fully approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). A quality class, like the one offered by I Drive Safely, is offered in text-based, audio read-along, or video formats.
Contact the Court First
If you are trying to get a traffic ticket dismissed, you’ll first want to contact the court to see if you are eligible to take a defensive driving class. The number to call is usually found on the back of your citation.
You have until your court appearance date on your citation to receive permission to take a defensive driving course. So, you’ll want to call as soon as possible. If given permission, you’ll need to also plead guilty or no contest to the violation, too.
In order for the court to consider you eligible for defensive driving school, you’ll need to verify a few things. You’ll need to show that you have:
A non-commercial driver’s license
A citation for speeding less than 25 miles per hour over the speed limit
Not completed a defensive driving course in the past 12 months
Not committed an infraction in a construction zone
In addition, you’ll also want to visit the court’s website to see about any additional paperwork you’ll need. Other things you may encounter include:
Needing a copy of your insurance policy
Having a signed citation admitting guilt
Your court fee (may need to pay it up front)
Other court-specific documentation
After you get all of this information, then you can move forward with taking the course.
Take the Class
Once you are cleared by the court, you can enroll in an online course. You can enjoy the convenience of taking the class on your own time and working through the information at your own pace. The six-hour class can be done all in one day, or you can take longer. With the I Drive Safely course, you can also retake chapter quizzes an unlimited number of times.
When you complete the course, you'll get a course completion certificate. You’ll also need a copy of your driving record. Some courses offer a combo package that allows you to order both your record and complete the class all for one fee.
Once you have your driving record, certificate, and all other required paperwork, follow the process set in place by the court to get your ticket dismissed. Some will want physical documents brought or mailed to them. You’ll also want to check to see if you need to pay any other fees associated with your case.
For Insurance Discounts
If you’re looking to take defensive driving to get an insurance discount, contact your insurance provider for eligibility details first. Some insurance companies offer a discount for taking a defensive driving course, while others don’t. It helps to know before you enroll.
If you are eligible for a discount, you should also ask how long the discount lasts and if you’ll need to take a class later to reinstitute the discount. Once you’ve completed the defensive driving course, send your certificate to your insurance provider to process your discount.
You’ll also want to ask your insurance company when the new rates go into effect. Some providers will wait for your next six-month renewal cycle to apply it. Others will apply it immediately.
Whether you need to dismiss a ticket received in El Paso, get an insurance discount, or satisfy a court-ordered seat belt requirement, the I Drive Safely online Texas Defensive Driving course has been trusted by millions of drivers. It’s simple, easy, and affordable. Sign up today!