Slip-ups happen, but defensive driving courses help you get back on track. If you've gotten too many points on your record or want to dismiss a ticket, traffic school is for you. Enrolling could even lower your insurance premiums. Now, you just need to learn how and where to take a defensive driving course in Raleigh, North Carolina.
How to Take a Defensive Driving Course in Raleigh
Before you can sit in on a defensive driving lesson, there are some things you need to do.
1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements
First, you need to meet the eligibility requirements. Not everyone can take this course. You can only enroll in a defensive driving curriculum if:
You hold a valid non-commercial North Carolina driver's license.
You did not commit an alcohol-related violation.
You have not taken traffic safety classes in the past five years.
Are you eligible? If so, you can move on to the next step.
2. Apply for a Hearing
Then, you need to apply for a hearing before the court. You should get specific instructions on where to go, but this will likely be located at:
Court Room 101
300 S Salisbury St
Raleigh, NC 27601
There, you will ask the judge to allow you to enroll in a defensive driving course.
If you have seven or more points on your driving record, you should receive a letter from the Raleigh DMV with instructions. If you want to dismiss a recent traffic citation, you may not receive a letter even if you're eligible.
Either way, to apply for a hearing you need to fill out a form and pay a $40 fee to the DMV. If you're looking to voluntarily take a defensive driving course to lower your insurance rates, you don't need to go to court.
If your application is successful, the judge will give you a deadline. You should complete all the classes and get your end-of-course certification by then. If you do, your ticket will be dismissed, and you will get three points knocked off your record.
3. Enroll in a Course and Complete It
Finally, you need to enroll in a course to start taking classes. This is the fun part, right?
Once you finish the course, you will get a certificate of completion, which you should submit to the Raleigh DMV. After a few days, check your driving record to ensure the points were erased.
Where to Take a Defensive Driving Course in Raleigh
You have two options when it comes to taking a defensive driving course in Raleigh: in-person or online.
In-Person Classes
You can find defensive driving classes at Raleigh community colleges and private traffic schools. They're available at different price points, so make sure to check the rates before enrolling.
The good thing about this type is that you get the in-person school experience. If you like learning in a classroom, this is a plus.
There are downsides to it, though. For starters, you need to find a school with a schedule that works for you. If you're in college or work shifts, this can be hard. Plus, you do need to drive to these classes and be on time, or else risk failing the course.
Online Classes
The other option is taking online defensive driving classes. Make sure to choose a well-reviewed reputable school. I Drive Safely, for example, offers North Carolina-approved online classes at a very affordable rate.
As you might have guessed, the main perk of online courses is that they're flexible. You can take classes whenever and wherever you want. Go at your own pace and do it all without needing to leave the house. As long as you meet your court-mandated deadline, you should get your certificate without a problem.
Go the Easy Route for Your Raleigh Defensive Driving
Ready to enroll in defensive driving? The most convenient yet effective option out there is I Drive Safely's four-hour defensive driving course. The program was designed specifically for Raleigh drivers and includes all you need to know about becoming a better driver. With it, you can lower your points, erase a ticket from your record, and keep auto insurance costs down.
