Driver Safety Courses

Traffic Offenses

If you are charged with a traffic offense, you may request in person, or writing, to take and complete an approved Driver Safety Course (defensive driving). If you were operating a motorcycle and request to take a driver safety course, you must take an approved motorcycle operator’s training course.

At the time of request, you must do the following:

  • Present proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance)
  • Plead guilty or no contest
  • Pay appropriate court costs and a $10 administrative fee
  • Present a valid TEXAS drivers license

Eligibility

Prosecution of your case will be postponed for 90 days to allow you time to complete the course. You will be required to attend a driver safety course that has been approved by the Texas Education Agency or a motorcycle operator’s course approved by the Department of Public Safety.

You are eligible to request driver safety if you:

  • Have not taken a driver safety course within the last 12 months
  • Are not currently taking a driver safety course for another traffic violation
  • Do not hold a Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
  • Have not committed the offense(s) of:
    • Speeding 20 mph or more over the speed limit in a regular zone
    • Speeding 15 mph or more in a Construction Zone with Workers Present
    • Failure to Give Information at the Scene of an Accident
    • Leaving the Scene of an Accident
    • Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer
    • Reckless Driving
    • Passing a School Bus
    • A serious traffic violation under Chapter 522, Transportation Code, which applies to drivers with commercial driver’s licenses

Requirements and Applications

You will have 90 days from the date of request to complete and return a certificate of completion and a copy of your driving record to the Court office. Your driving record may be obtained from the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you do not return both the certificate of completion and driving record to the Court within the 90 days, you will be required to appear before the Municipal Court Judge to show cause why you failed to show proof of completion. Your failure to appear at the hearing may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.