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1. What is a Driver Safety Course?

A Driver Safety Course is six hours in length and taught by a provider that has received approval from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to offer instruction intended to improve a driver's knowledge, perception, and attitude about driving. If the Defendant successfully completes the course within a ninety day period and provides the Court will all specified items, the case will be dismissed.

2. What are the advantages of a Driver Safety Course?

Upon successful completion, the ticket will be dismissed, and a conviction will not be reported to the State.

3. Can a Driver Safety Course be taken for any violation?

No. The Driver Safety Course only applies to moving traffic violations as follows:

• Obeying Warning Signs, Section 472.022 TC
• Rules of the Road, Subtitle C, Title 7, Sections 541-600, TC
• Operation of Motor Vehicle By Minors, Section 7291(a)(3), TC

Non-moving traffic violations or non-traffic violations (i.e, alcohol, tobacco, criminal mischief, etc), do not apply. Should clarification be needed, please contact the Court.

4. What is required to apply for a Driver Safety Course?

Requirements for Driver Safety Course Applications

• The Defendant must appear in person or by mail and submit a Driving Safety Course (DSC) Application and Affidavit Form (PDF). This must be completed BEFORE or ON the appearance date
• Enter a plea of Guilty or No Contest
• Provide proof of a valid Texas Driver's License or permit with application (out-of-state military license acceptable with signed DSC affidavit)
• Proof of liability insurance card or other evidence of financial responsibility on yourself not vehicle with application
• Pay the Driver Safety Course Fee. The full amount must accompany the application

5. How much will a Driver Safety Course cost?

In most cases, the Driver Safety Course Fee due to the Court is $109. However, if the violation was issued in a school zone, the fee is $134. You must request to take a driver’s safety course with the court before enrolling in the class. The Defendant is also responsible for paying an additional fee directly to the driver safety course provider for enrolling in the actual course. The provider's fee range begins at $25.

In addition to the cost of the driver’s safety course, you will be required to obtain your driving record from Texas Department of Public Safety to prove eligibility at a cost of $12.

6. Who is not eligible to take a Driver Safety Course?

People Not Eligible to take a Driver Safety Course

• Defendant that has completed a Driver safety Course within the last twelve months preceding the date of the offense
• Defendant that held a commercial driver's license (CDL) at the time of the offense, regardless of whether the vehicle was a commercial or private vehicle
• Defendant that was cited for one of the following:
  • Speeding in excess of 25 miles per hour or more over the speed limit
  • Issued in a construction zone with workers present
  • Passing a school bus loading or unloading children
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • Accident involving damage to vehicle
  • Duty to give information and render aid

7. Where can a Driving Safety Course be taken?

While the Court cannot recommend a specific provider or location, it can direct Defendants to a complete list provided by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR), which governs all providers. Driving Safety courses are available in the classroom, but video or online. See the Driver Safety Course Locations for more information.

8. Where can a Specialized Driving Safety Seat Belt Course be taken?

Specialized Driving Safety Seat Belt Courses may also be located using the web. They are only available in the classroom or online. Video is not available.

9. What must be done once a Driver Safety Course is completed?

Once completed, the Defendant must return both the certificate of completion (signed) and a certified copy of a driving record from the Texas Department of Public Safety to the Court within the time set forth. The driving record will provide proof to the Court that a Driver Safety Course has not been completed within the last twelve months from date of offense. See the Driver Record Request (PDF) (Mail) or Driver Record Request (Online) form for more information. All paperwork should be mailed certified with return receipt.

10. What happens if the Driver Safety Course is not completed or all specified items are not submitted as ordered?

If all paperwork is not received in the Court by the due date, the violation will be reported to the State as a conviction on the Defendant's record, and the balance of the fine (original amount due - fee paid) will be due. Should arrangements not be made to pay the balance of the fine, a capias pro fine warrant will be issued for the Defendant's arrest.