Defensive Driving

State-Approved Courses

In order to take advantage of any of the below options, you must take a course from one of Delaware's approved defensive driving course providers.

Note that you may need to take a defensive driving course due to traffic violations and not just because you're interested in the benefits. If this is the case, refer to our Delaware Traffic Schools section for information about aggressive driving courses.

Ticket Dismissal and Point Reduction

You can get up to three points credited to your driving record once every three years. The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) determines who will be given the full three-point credit on an individual basis.

When it comes to traffic tickets, understand that completion of a defensive driving course will not remove the infraction, or the points, from your record. It will only give you credit.

Auto Insurance Discounts

Those taking the program for the first time are eligible for a 10% discount on their personal and liability insurance by completing the six-hour course. The discount is valid for three years from the class completion date. You may later take a three-hour "refresher" course, and boost your discount to 15%.

Cost and Other Considerations

The cost of the course varies according to the provider. Some providers offer state-approved Internet classes, which eliminates the need to take the program in a classroom. However, classes are not available on DVD or any other sort of media.

Get Started!

The Delaware Insurance Department oversees the defensive driving program. You may contact the organization by calling (302) 739-4251, or by writing to:

• Delaware Insurance Department

• 841 Silver Lake Blvd.

• Dover, DE 19904

Remember, besides possibly saving you money on your insurance and receiving a point credit, these classes offer important information that can help make you a better, safer driver.