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Defensive Driving

Driver Safety Course (DSC)

In some cases, the Defendant may be able to complete a Driver's Safety Course (DSC). You may be eligible if:

  1. You have been charged with a traffic offense under the Subtitle C, Transportation Code;
  2. You have not taken a DSC within the last 12 months prior to the date of the traffic offense;
  3. You have a valid Texas Class C Non-Commercial driver's license;*
  4. You have proof of financial responsibility (Insurance)
  5. You are not currently taking a course for another violation;
  6. Your offense did not occur in a construction zone with workers present
  7. You have not committed one of the following offenses:
    1. Speeding 25 mph over the speed limit;
    2. Failure to give information at the accident scene;
    3. Leaving the scene of an accident;
    4. Fleeing or attempting to elude police officers;
    5. Reckless driving; or
    6. Passing a school bus.

*If you are active military or a dependent of an active military person, you may provide your military ID and a non-commercial DL from your state of residence. As of 9/1/2003, you are not eligible for Driver Safety Course if you possess a Class A or B Commercial driver's license, even if you are in a personal vehicle.

If you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, you may request to dispose of your citation by completing the Driver's Safety Course (Request for Driver's Safety Course) on or before your appearance date. You will lose the option to take a driver's safety course if you do not make the request by your appearance date. You must pay the court costs and an Administration Fee at the time of the request. You may not attend a Driver's Safety Course until your request has been granted by the Court.  It is the Defendant's responsibility to verify that the Court received any documents that have been mailed, emailed, or faxed to the Court.

If granted, your case will be suspended for 90 days for you to attend a DSC, obtain a copy of your driving record from the State and return your driving record and course completion certificate to the Court. You may mail the Driving Record Request to the State to obtain your driving record or you may request a copy online here (record type 3A only). There is a $10.00 fee to obtain your record from the State ($12.00 fee for obtaining a copy online). You may attend any class that is approved by the Texas Education Agency.  To locate a class visit www.tdlrapproved.com. 

If you do not complete the course and/or return the forms by the due date, you will be required to appear at the show cause hearing date on your approval paperwork to explain why you failed to complete the requirements of judgment. The Judge may extend the time to complete the course if good cause is shown. If you fail to appear at this Court date, it will result in a warrant for your arrest.