How to Submit a Defensive Driving Certificate in Texas
- Step 1: Make Sure You are Eligible for a Defensive Driving Course.
- Step 2: Pay Your Traffic Ticket.
- Step 3: Complete Your Defensive Driving Course on Time.
- Step 4: Provide the Defensive Driving Certificate to the Court.
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What should I do with my defensive driving certificate?
- Keep all receipts concerning the defensive driving course in a safe place. This includes proof you took the course, payment receipts, and receipts from the clerk of the court that the documents were received. Confirm that the court has received your certificate of completion and confirm the dismissal of the ticket from your record.
How do you get permission from court to take defensive driving?
Contact your court and request permission to take a defensive driving course. You may do this by phone, in writing (on the back of your citation), or in person. You have until the appearance date on your citation to request permission. At that time, you must plead guilty or no contest to your violation.
Where do I send my defensive driving certificate in Houston?
3) Submit your certificate or completion of the course (court’s copy), the certified copy of your driving record, and a signed and notarized DSC affidavit to the court or the DSC window, at 1400 Lubbock. If you deliver in person, the clerk will certify the affidavit.
Does traffic school send certificate directly to court?
Once the course is complete, the certificate should be sent to the court. Some traffic schools offer to send the certificate directly to court. You should determine if the online traffic school you choose is licensed and approved by the court that issued your citation.
Do I have to go to court if I take defensive driving?
No, you may go to court or you may attend a defensive driving school, not both. One of the purposes of the defensive driving program is to reduce court caseloads. You must complete a defensive driving school at least 7 days before a hearing is scheduled.
Is it better to go to court or pay the ticket?
Even if you know you’ll be found guilty, going to court may be a better option than paying the ticket. Chances are, you’ll find that you still must pay court costs and fees for the course, making the process almost as, if not more, expensive than simply paying the ticket without going to court.
What is a DSC affidavit?
This affidavit is used for requesting permission to take a Defensive Driving/Driver’s Safety course or Motorcycle Operator’s Training Course, if applicable.
What is DSC in court?
Often referred to as “defensive driving,” DSC dismissal is a process where a defendant can get a criminal case dismissed by taking a class on driving safety. • The court must advise the defendant of their right to dismiss their case via DSC if they are eligible and come into court to dispose of their case.
Can you take defensive driving without a license in Texas?
The state of Texas allows you to take defensive driving under the following conditions: You haven’t taken a defensive driving course in the past 12 months. You don’t have a commercial driver’s license.
How do I send traffic school certificate?
Faxing and mailing is the final way that an online traffic school certificate can be submitted to the courts. Usually, you will find the mailing address or the fax number on the courtesy notice from the court. No matter what you do, it is necessary that you send the Certificate of Completion on time.
Does 1 point affect insurance?
One point is unlikely to affect a driver’s insurance costs, if it is the only point on the driver’s record. One point is assigned for a minor violation, like driving with broken taillights or an expired license, which the insurance company might not even hear about it.
How long do points stay on your driving record?
Points remain on a driving record for two years from the date of conviction.
Is it worth taking defensive driving?
Defensive driving is worth it because it can save you 5-10 percent on your auto insurance premiums. Good drivers are less likely to file a claim, and defensive driving lowers car insurance by reducing your level of risk to the insurance company.