Defensive Driving vs Traffic School: What's the Difference?

If a judge said "traffic school" and a website says "defensive driving," don't panic. You're probably looking at the same thing. Here's what your state calls it and how to make sure you sign up for the version that counts.

What's the Difference Between Defensive Driving and Traffic School?

Usually just the name. Both teach safe driving and traffic law, and both are used to deal with tickets, points, or insurance. Find yours on our defensive driving and traffic school pages.

When the Name Changes the Purpose

Sometimes a state uses different names for different jobs. Florida's 4 hour basic driver improvement course is the "traffic school" for a ticket, while its 12 hour advanced course is for suspensions. North Carolina uses a 4 or 8 hour course depending on the county.

The Real Test

Don't sort by name. Sort by approval: is this course approved, in your state, for the reason you need it?

What Does Your State Call It?

Here's the name each state uses, what the course does there, and where to take it.

By State

• Texas: defensive driving; can dismiss an eligible ticket with court approval. Texas course
• Florida: basic driver improvement (BDI), often called traffic school; keeps an eligible ticket's points off. Florida course
• New York: Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP); reduces points for suspension purposes and insurance. New York PIRP
• New Jersey: defensive driving; removes up to 2 points and can earn an insurance discount. New Jersey course
• Virginia: driver improvement clinic; safe driving points, or court and DMV requirements. Virginia course
• North Carolina: defensive driving or traffic safety course; court approved for tickets. NC courses
• Ohio: remedial driving course; a 2 point credit. Ohio course
• Indiana: driver safety program; a 4 point credit. Indiana course
• Michigan: Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC); keeps an eligible ticket's points off. Michigan BDIC
• South Carolina: defensive driving; dismisses a ticket's points where the court accepts it. SC course

Not on the List?

Search for the exact name on your court notice or DMV letter, and confirm what it does before you pay.

Which One Do You Need for a Ticket?

The one your court or state names, approved for ticket purposes where you got the ticket.

Follow the Paperwork

Your ticket, court notice, or clerk will tell you which course counts and the deadline. If nothing says, call the clerk before you enroll.

Act Before the Deadline

Most ticket options only work before your court date or before the conviction posts. Here's how a ticket insurance impact if you wait too long.

Which One Can Lower Your Insurance?

Either one, if your insurer gives a discount for it. That's your insurer's call in most states.

Where It's Required

New York requires a 10 percent reduction on liability and collision premiums for three years after PIRP.

Everywhere Else

Ask your insurer which courses qualify and how much the discount is. Taking a course just for the discount is called voluntary defensive driving.

Can You Take Either One Online?

In most states, yes, as long as the online course is approved for your purpose.

Check Your State

Here's which states allow online defensive driving and what the course does in each one.