defensivedriving.com

January 16, 2026

What DefensiveDriving.com Is and What It Does

DefensiveDriving.com is an online provider of defensive driving courses used primarily in the United States. It’s been operating since about 2000, offering state-approved online defensive driving education that many courts and insurance companies accept for traffic ticket dismissal or insurance discount purposes. The business is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and is accredited with an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating.

At its core, it’s a state-approved defensive driving school online — in several states (like Texas, Florida, and New Jersey) courts allow drivers who get minor traffic tickets to take this type of course instead of paying fines or getting points on their license. Completing one of these courses often qualifies you to dismiss a ticket in court and sometimes can be used to lower your auto insurance premiums (up to around 10% in some cases).

Here’s how it works in practice: if you get a minor traffic violation, the court might give you the option to take a defensive driving course. You register on DefensiveDriving.com, complete the required curriculum at your own pace online, and then submit a certificate of completion to the court. Many companies advertise that their courses are accepted statewide, and DefensiveDriving.com claims that its courses are accepted by all courts in Texas where this option is available.

The Courses: Format, Duration, and Delivery

The courses are entirely online and self-paced. You don’t need to show up in person, and you can log in and out as you like — the system picks up where you left off. A standard defensive driving course under this program takes about 6 hours (that’s a state requirement, such as in Texas).

The curriculum usually mixes short instructional text, videos, and sometimes interactive elements. At the end, you’ll complete a multiple-choice exam (for example, in Texas there’s a 20-question final you must pass). After you successfully complete everything, you receive a certificate of completion, which you submit to your court or insurer.

You can also usually choose between text-based or video-based versions of the course, depending on what you find easier or more engaging.

Cost and Pricing Transparency

One of the biggest talking points — and sometimes complaints — about DefensiveDriving.com is the cost and how it’s presented.

In states like Texas, there’s a legal minimum price a defensive driving course must charge (about $25) for it to be state-approved. That’s what DefensiveDriving.com often advertises: a $25 defensive driving course, which is the lowest allowed by law.

However, some students report that while the core course is $25, additional fees — such as for instant certificate downloads or expedited delivery — aren’t always clearly disclosed upfront on third-party listings. Some court paperwork or customer reviews have mentioned hidden or unexpected fees, especially for quicker certificate delivery options.

In short:

  • Base course price: typically around $25 (minimum state requirement).
  • Certificate and delivery fees: may apply if you want faster handling.
  • Exam and course access: included in the price.

Where the Courses Are Accepted

DefensiveDriving.com’s core offering is primarily geared toward state-approved defensive driving courses. The most commonly referenced state is Texas, where the company claims to provide a course accepted by every court in the state for ticket dismissal.

In addition to Texas, they offer courses in Florida and New Jersey, which are also approved for similar purposes: ticket dismissal and sometimes insurance discounts.

Always double-check your court order or insurance provider’s requirements before paying, because acceptance can vary by jurisdiction and insurer.

Pros and Cons Based on User Experience

Pros

  • Courses are fully online with no need to attend in-person classes.
  • Self-paced — you can spread out the six hours across multiple sessions.
  • Many users find the content straightforward and easy to follow.
  • The company has a strong track record with millions of customers served and high reviewer counts on third-party sites.
  • Approved by courts in states where defensive driving is an option.

Cons

  • Pricing transparency issues: some people report not realizing extra fees until later in the process.
  • Mixed customer review profiles: high scores on some platforms but lower on others, including complaints about customer support.
  • Not always the most entertaining or engaging course content compared to some competitors, though effective for meeting requirements.

Customer Satisfaction and Public Reputation

Most customers seem generally satisfied with their experience. On ShopperApproved, the company often rates around 4.6–4.7 out of 5, based on tens of thousands of reviews.

However, not all review sources agree. On Trustpilot, for instance, the company’s overall score from a smaller pool of reviewers can be much lower, with some pointing to issues around service and transparency.

User feedback also shows that while many find the course easy to complete, some have negative experiences with fees and customer support responsiveness.

Who Should Consider DefensiveDriving.com

You might consider DefensiveDriving.com if:

  • You need a state-approved defensive driving course to dismiss a traffic ticket.
  • You want the flexibility to complete the course online at your own pace.
  • You value an established provider with years of experience and a large user base.

Be cautious if:

  • You need very clear pricing upfront without optional extras.
  • You expect high-touch customer support — experiences vary widely.

Key Takeaways

  • DefensiveDriving.com is an online defensive driving school that provides state-approved defensive driving courses used for ticket dismissal and insurance discounts.
  • The courses are fully online and self-paced, typically lasting about six hours.
  • Pricing often starts around $25, but optional fees for faster certificate delivery or extras may apply.
  • Accepted primarily in states like Texas, Florida, and New Jersey for court and insurance purposes.
  • User reviews are mixed on service quality and transparency, though many find the courses useful.

FAQ

Is DefensiveDriving.com legitimate?
Yes. It’s a legitimate online defensive driving course provider accredited with the Better Business Bureau and approved in multiple states for traffic ticket dismissal.

Can it dismiss my traffic ticket?
Yes — in states where defensive driving is allowed as an alternative to fines (like Texas), completing the course can dismiss eligible tickets.

How much does the course cost?
The base course often starts around $25 (the legal minimum in some states), but there may be additional fees for expedited services.

How long does the course take?
About six hours of instructional content, typically on your own schedule.

Will it lower my insurance?
It might. Some insurers offer up to about a 10% discount if they accept the defensive driving certificate. Always check with your insurer first.