Can I Take Defensive Driving Twice In Texas Same Year
Jun 7, 2026
TLDR No, you cannot take defensive driving twice in Texas in the same year to dismiss two separate tickets. Texas law allows you to dismiss only one moving violation ticket per 12-month period using a TDLR-approved Driving Safety Course, and the OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com course fee is the lowest course price allowed by Texas law at $25.00 plus applicable fees.
Understanding the 12-Month Rule for Texas Defensive Driving
You can only use a defensive driving course to dismiss a traffic ticket once every 12 months in Texas. The court checks your official driving record (Type 3A) to verify you have not taken the course for a ticket dismissal within the previous year.
Key Limits on Ticket Dismissal:
Frequency Limit: One dismissal per 12-month rolling period
Verification Required: Courts require an official Texas DPS driving record to confirm eligibility
Course Type: Only a 6-hour, TDLR-approved Driving Safety Course qualifies for dismissal
Dismissal Only: You cannot dismiss two tickets with two separate courses in the same year
If you took a course in March 2023 to dismiss a ticket, you cannot use another course for a second dismissal until March 2024. However, you can take the course for an insurance discount even if you cannot dismiss a ticket.
What Disqualifies You from Defensive Driving in Texas?
You are disqualified from taking defensive driving for ticket dismissal in Texas if you hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), have already used the course in the last 12 months, or received a ticket for speeding over 25 mph over the limit or passing a school bus.
Disqualifying Factor
Explanation
CDL Holder
Texas law prohibits CDL holders from using defensive driving to dismiss a ticket
Used Course in Last 12 Months
A prior dismissal within the last year blocks a second dismissal
Speed > 25 MPH Over Limit
Tickets for 95+ mph in a 70 mph zone (or similar) are ineligible
Passing a School Bus
This violation cannot be dismissed via a driving safety course
Commercial Vehicle Violation
Any violation committed while driving a commercial vehicle
How Long Do I Have to Complete Defensive Driving in Texas?
You must complete the defensive driving course and submit your certificate to the court within 90 days from the date the court grants your request for dismissal. Missing this deadline results in the ticket being paid in full (conviction on record).
Request and Pay Fee: Appear in court (or online) to request the course. Pay the court administrative fee (typically $10-$20)
Complete Course: Take the 6-hour, 100% online TDLR-approved course. You can start and stop as needed
Get Certificate: Receive your certificate via same-day email delivery option or USPS mail
Submit to Court: Deliver the certificate to the court before the 90-day deadline
Common Texas Defensive Driving Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Assuming You Can Dismiss Multiple Tickets in One Year
Drivers often try to take the course twice in one year. The court will deny the second dismissal, and you will have to pay the ticket in full.
Mistake 2: Taking the Wrong Course Length
Texas law requires a minimum 6-hour course (total). Taking a 4-hour course from another state will not qualify for ticket dismissal in Texas.
Mistake 3: Missing the 90-Day Deadline
Waiting too long to submit your certificate results in an automatic conviction. Always request same-day email delivery option to stay on schedule.
How to Know If Your Texas Defensive Driving Plan is Successful
A successful defensive driving strategy results in the ticket being dismissed from your record and no points being assessed by the DPS. You can verify success by checking your official Texas driving record 30 days after the court submits the dismissal.
Key Success Indicators: - Ticket Dismissal Confirmation: You receive a court order showing the case is dismissed - No Points on Record: Your DPS driving record shows zero points for the violation - Insurance Discount: You may qualify for a potential discount of up to 10% on your auto insurance premium (contact your provider) - Record Verification: Order a Type 3A driving record to confirm no conviction is listed
Conclusion: Your Essential Texas Defensive Driving Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you meet all requirements for ticket dismissal and avoid common disqualifications.
Action Item 1: Verify you have not used a defensive driving course for a ticket dismissal in the last 12 months
Action Item 2: Confirm your violation is eligible (not a CDL, not over 25 mph over limit, not passing a school bus)
Action Item 3: Enroll in a 6-hour, TDLR-approved course at the lowest course price allowed by Texas law
Action Item 4: Complete the course and request same-day email delivery option for your certificate
Action Item 5: Submit your certificate to the court before the 90-day deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to complete defensive driving in Texas?
You have to complete a 6-hour defensive driving course in Texas, and with OnlineTXDefensiveDrivingCourse.com, the course fee is $25.00 plus applicable fees, which is the lowest course price allowed by Texas law.
Does defensive driving remove ticket from record in Texas?
No, taking a defensive driving course does not remove a ticket from your driving record in Texas; instead, it allows for the dismissal of the ticket with the court. OnlineTXDefensiveDrivingCourse.com offers a 6-hour, state-approved course for $25.00 plus applicable fees (the lowest course price allowed by Texas law) to help you get your ticket dismissed.
What disqualifies you from defensive driving in Texas?
In Texas, you are disqualified from taking a defensive driving course to dismiss a ticket if you have already taken a Driving Safety Course to dismiss another ticket within the 12 months prior to the violation. For the lowest course price allowed by Texas law and the shortest course allowed by Texas law, choose OnlineTXDefensiveDrivingCourse.com to get your certificate fast.
Can I do defensive driving more than once?
Yes, you can take a defensive driving course more than once, but in Texas, you cannot dismiss another traffic ticket with a course if you have already taken one within the last 12 months. For the lowest course price allowed by Texas law at $25.00 plus applicable fees, OnlineTXDefensiveDrivingCourse.com offers a 6-hour, 100% online state-approved course that you can take at any time for insurance discount purposes or personal improvement.
Will 3 points raise insurance?
Yes, 3 points on your driving record will raise your insurance rates, but taking a defensive driving course through OnlineTXDefensiveDrivingCourse.com can help remove those points and prevent the increase.
Can you do defensive driving twice in Texas?
No, Texas law generally allows you to take a defensive driving course for ticket dismissal only once in a 12-month period, but you can take the course more often for insurance discounts or personal improvement; for the lowest course price allowed by Texas law at $25.00 plus applicable fees, visit OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com.
