How to Take Defensive Driving in South Carolina

Before you sign up for anything, figure out which problem you're solving: a ticket that's headed to court, or points already sitting on your record. The answer decides which course you need.

What a South Carolina Defensive Driving Course Does

With court permission, a defensive driving course can get the points from a South Carolina ticket dismissed. Separately, the DMV credits up to 4 points off your record when you complete an 8 hour course.

The Court Route

If you have a ticket and the court allows it, completing an online course can dismiss the points tied to that ticket. That's what I Drive Safely's South Carolina course is for.

The DMV Route

If you already have points, completing the National Safety Council's 8 hour Defensive Driving Course, or an equivalent at a DMV certified school in South Carolina, can reduce them by up to 4.

Insurance

Some insurers give a discount for a completed course and some don't. Call yours before you count on it.

Who Can Take It, and How Often

For the online course, you need a valid, non commercial South Carolina license, no defensive driving course in the past three years, and your court's permission.

The Online Course

Ticket dismissal is decided case by case, and every court sets its own rules. Get permission and your deadline from the court before you enroll.

DMV Point Reduction Rules

• You can reduce points only once in a three year period.
• The points have to be on your record before you take the course.
• Violations after your completion date don't count.
• If you're facing a suspension, finish before it starts; once it begins, the reduction won't cancel it.

The DMV explains the full point system on its site.

How the Online Course Works, Start to Certificate

It's 4 hours long, fully online, and you can start and finish the same day.

The Steps

1. Get your court's permission and deadline.
2. Enroll in the online course.
3. Work through the eight chapters on any device.
4. Pass the final exam.
5. Send your certificate to the court by the deadline.

Timing

State rules set the 4 hour length, so the course runs on timers. Whatever your court deadline is, you have 180 days from registration to finish. See exactly how it works.

Will It Help With a Ticket You Already Have?

It can, if your court accepts the course for your ticket. That's the first thing to confirm.

Ask Your Court First

If you received a ticket , contact the court and ask for approval before you enroll. Not sure what you're facing? Here are South Carolina's most common tickets.

If the Court Says No

You still have options: contest the ticket, or pay it and use the DMV's point reduction course later. Here's how to fight a ticket.