How Often Can You Take Defensive Driving in Texas? (2026 Rules)

"In 2026, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) continues to enforce the 12-month rule for ticket dismissal. If you are wondering 'how often can I take defensive driving in Texas', the answer depends on whether you are doing it for a court requirement or an insurance discount."

What Is Defensive Driving in Texas?

Defensive driving is a professional training that is designed to educate drivers on how to react to situations in the road environment. This program in Texas is formally known as the Driver Safety Course. It is meant to lessen accidents, instill good driving behaviors, and make drivers realize their roles on the road.

Through the program, drivers are able to:

• Get a traffic ticket off their record.

• Enhance their driving competencies.

• Save up to 10% on your auto insurance premiums.

It should be mentioned that the defensive driving school in Texas should be approved by TDLR, i.e., it should correspond to state standards of the curriculum and certification. By studying the program with a recognized provider, your studies will be rewarded.

How Often Can You Take Defensive Driving for Ticket Dismissal?

According to Texas law, a driver may also take a defensive driving course Texas after every 12 months to dismiss a traffic ticket. This is a serious limit that is being followed to the letter to avoid abuse. In the event of trying to take the defensive driving multiple times Texas or more and dismiss tickets a year, the court will not accept it.

To have the right to dismiss a ticket, one should include:

• The driver is required to possess a non-business Texas license.

• The offense should be qualified, typically less serious violations such as speeding or running a red light.

• Sequential offenses like DUI, reckless driving, or racing cannot be availed.

In case your ticket fulfills these qualifications, then the court will be obliged to grant you your request before you join the program. You can only present your defensive driving certificate to the court so that you can remove the ticket from your record.

Sign Up for the Official $25 Texas Defensive Driving Course (2026 Approved)

Defensive Driving to Take an Insurance Discount

Besides dismissing the tickets, defensive driving can also help drivers decrease their car insurance premiums. In Texas, there is a tendency to provide defensive driving courses at a discount every three years to insurance companies.

Notable details regarding defensive driving insurance discount Texas:

• No ticket is required

• Any program in Texas approved by TDLR as defensive driving may be chosen.

• Discounts depend on the company, but in most cases, there is a definite savings.

It is always important to confirm with your insurance company before you enroll to make sure that your program is eligible. Defensive driving is a good idea, especially to avoid a ticket; good defensive driving would allow someone to have a clean driving record and save money at the same time.

Eligibility Regulations and Limits

A defensive driving course cannot be attended by all drivers in order to dismiss the ticket or get insurance benefits. Here’s what you need to know:

• Type of license: Need to possess a Texas driver's license that is non-commercial.

• Type of offense: Minor offenses, such as speeding or traffic violations, are allowed.

• Other Ineligible Offenses: DUI, reckless driving, racing, or commercial vehicle offenses.

• Rules of Frequency: ticket dismissal 1 time in 12 months; insurance discount 1 time in 3 years.

Before enrolling, drivers are always expected to ensure that they are eligible with the court or insurance company. This is so that your efforts go to waste and you do not get the desired benefits.

How to do the Defensive Driving Program

To complete a defensive driving course Texas is not very hard, provided you do the following steps:

Get Court Approval

• Clearance Verify: Before enrolling in the program, make sure that your ticket is eligible to be dismissed. Ask the court to allow, and inquire about special instructions.

Complete a TDLR-Approved Program

• The programs are typically 6 hours in duration, and they can either be done on the internet or in person. Ensure that the provider is approved.

Complete the Program

• Complete modules, quizzes, and necessary exercises. Keep your certificate safe.

Submit Certificate to Court

• Include the certificate you have filled out and your driving record. After being accepted, your ticket can be canceled and removed from your record.

Through these steps, it is possible to make sure that your defensive driving Texas course is included in the list of getting ticket dismissal or insurance benefits.

Changes to Texas Traffic Laws (2023–2026)

New for Sept 1, 2026: Mandatory Work Zone Training > Starting September 1, 2026, every TDLR-approved defensive driving course must include a specific section on the dangers of driving in construction and maintenance work zones. This update ensures drivers are fully aware of the increased penalties and safety risks in these areas.

Expanded Move Over/Slow Down Law

• The 'Move Over or Slow Down' law now includes utility and service vehicles, not just emergency responders. The maximum penalty is a fine of up to 1,250 dollars on the first offense and injury may result in punishments. When passing such cars, drivers should never rush over or pass without slowing down.

Non-Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspection Dropped

• "Beginning November 1, 2026, Bexar County will officially join the list of emissions-testing counties. San Antonio drivers will need to pass an emissions test before renewing their registration."

Variable Speed Limits

• TXDOT is now mandated to impose temporary speed limits in case of construction, road maintenance, or extreme weather. The drivers are required to observe the number of limits posted either in the form of digital numbers or signs. Breaking of these temporary limits will result in fines.

Distracted Driving Enforcement

• Driving legislation has been highly applied, particularly the use of phones while driving. The use of phones by drivers can only take place when the vehicle has been stopped. Defensive driving schools also underscore the need not to be distracted at all when using the road.

Holiday Enforcement

• Law enforcement also steps up patrols during holiday times, such as the Memorial Day or Thanksgiving holidays, to enforce the seat belt law, speeding, and Move Over laws. Repeat offenses at such times can lead to increased fines.

Voluntary Defensive Driving

You can also take voluntary defensive driving Texas in case you do not have a ticket. The advantages of voluntary courses are:

• Enhancing driving skills and knowledge.

• Available insurance reductions.

• Keeping pace with Texas traffic regulations.

This plan is ideal with active drivers who are keen on having a clean driving record and also improving road safety.

Pro Tips to Select a Defensive Driving School

• Make sure TDLR Approval: It is only the approved programs that are accepted by the state.

• Check Online Options: Online programs are convenient and flexible.

• You must hang on to Your Certificate: You will have to present it to the court or insurance company.

• Enroll Early: The sooner the program is enrolled, the better, after obtaining court approval.

Selecting the correct program is one way of enjoying the fruits of defensive driving without being tangled in it.

You are about to own your driving record. Sign up today for a defensive driving Texas course and acquire safe driving habits, besides having the possibility of dismissing tickets or gaining insurance discounts.

FAQs

How often can you take defensive driving in Texas?
You can take a defensive driving course once every 12 months for ticket dismissal and once every 3 years for an insurance discount in Texas.

Can you take defensive driving twice in a year in Texas?
No, Texas law only permits one course completion for ticket dismissal within a 12-month period.

Who is eligible for defensive driving in Texas? 
Drivers with a non-commercial Texas license and minor traffic violations are eligible, provided they haven't taken a course in the last year.

Does defensive driving remove a ticket from your record?
Yes, completing an approved course ensures an eligible ticket is dismissed and does not appear on your permanent driving record.

How long is the Texas defensive driving course?
The TDLR-approved course is a mandatory 6 hours long, which can be completed online or in a classroom.

Can I take defensive driving for an insurance discount if I already used it for a ticket? Answer: Yes, even if you dismissed a ticket recently, many insurance providers allow you to take the course specifically for a premium discount.

What happens if I take defensive driving twice within 12 months?
If you take a second course for ticket dismissal within a year, the court will not accept the certificate, and the ticket will remain on your record.