How to Take a Voluntary Defensive Driving Course in Washington
Your process for taking our Washington defensive driving course can be different depending on your circumstances and reasons for taking them. Whether you need to defer a minor traffic ticket, fulfill a court order to take a defensive driving course, or earn a discount on your auto insurance rates, there are specific steps you’ll need to take before your goals are met.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of requirements for each circumstance. Find the scenario that best fits you, and follow the steps to traffic school success.
How to Fulfill a Court Requirement
How to Earn a Discount on Monthly Insurance Rates
How to Defer a Traffic Ticket
The state of Washington does not dismiss traffic tickets, but you may be able to prevent the court from reporting your citation to the Department of Licensing (DOL), which would raise your insurance rates and stay on your driving record. You may only defer a traffic ticket once every 7 years.
1. Contact your court before your appearance date and request to defer your ticket with a defensive driving course.
To be eligible:
- Your ticket must be for a minor moving violation.
- You must NOT have deferred a ticket within the last 7 years.
- You must NOT have any other citations pending.
2. Enroll in and complete your I Drive Safely Washington Level 1 4-hour defensive driving course.
3. Submit your completion certificate to your court by the deadline given.
Your particular court may allow you to mail your certificate of completion, or they may require you to bring it in person. Clarify your court’s specific procedures.
4. Check your driving record.
After the court processes your course completion, wait a few weeks and request a copy of your Washington driving record from the DOL. You should see a ticket deferral listed in conjunction with your defensive driving course. This will also ensure that your ticket isn’t reported to your insurance company.
How to Fulfill a Court Requirement
1. Attend your court date and state your intention to complete an online defensive driving course.
Based upon your conviction and driving history, your court will refer you to take one of two different courses:
- The Level 1 4-hour defensive driving course, for first-time minor offenders; or
- The Level 2 8-hour defensive driving course, for habitual or serious violators
2. Enroll in and complete your I Drive Safely Washington defensive driving course.
3. Submit your completion certificate to your court by the deadline given.
Your particular court may allow you to mail your certificate of completion, or they may require you to bring it in person. Clarify your court’s specific procedures.
4. Check your driving record.
After the court processes your course completion, wait a few weeks and then request a copy of your Washington driving record from the DOL. You should see a ticket deferral listed in conjunction with your defensive driving course. This will also ensure that your ticket isn’t reported to your insurance company.
How to Earn a Discount on Monthly Insurance Rates
1. Contact your insurance provider and determine your eligibility for a discount.
2. Enroll in and complete your I Drive Safely Washington voluntary defensive driving course.
Since this course is being taken voluntarily, you don’t need to worry about meeting any sort of court deadline. Take your time!
3. Submit your completion certificate to your insurance company.
Depending upon your company’s requirements, you may either mail in your I Drive Safely certificate of completion, or bring it to your insurance agent.
4. Enjoy your reduced insurance premium!
