Timing of New York Defensive Driving Course

Published on 12/27/2013 - Updated on 5/30/24

If you are a New York driver that is paying for car insurance, it is a good idea to take a defensive driving course every three years. In general, you are entitled to a discount on your insurance rates upon completion of a defensive driving course. Taking a course has an additional benefit in that it may help you avoid suspension. This is the link for approved online course providers: https://dmv.ny.gov/pirp/online

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Does a defensive driving course remove four points from my driving record?

Short Answer: No.

Long Answer: Contrary to what you may read online or what course providers tell you, in New York State, a defensive driving course does not “remove” points. The points that were on your driving record will remain on your driving record after you take the defensive driving course. In fact, if you have to pay a driver responsibility assessment fee for getting 6 points, you will have to pay the fee regardless if you complete a course.

In New York, a defensive driving course gives you a “credit” of four points. This works as follows: In New York you typically get suspended when reaching 11 points in 18 months. With a defensive driving course on your record, you can possibly avoid suspension up to 14 points because of the 4-point credit. For information about your specific situation, you should consult a competent traffic ticket attorney.

Question: Should I hold off on taking a defensive driving course until the conviction is on my driving record?

Short Answer: No.

Long Answer: There is one important requirement that is necessary in order to obtain the 4-point credit from a defensive driving course. That requirement is that the defensive driving course be taken not less than 18 months after the date of the violation. The date of conviction is not relevant. This means if you wait until after the conviction to take the defensive driving course, and the date of conviction is more than 18 months after the date of the violation, you will lose the opportunity to apply the 4-point credit appropriately.

If you have numerous points on your driving record or have multiple charges pending, the timing of the defensive driving course is very important. With multiple violations over a period of time the calculation for the timing of the course can be complex. It is imperative to consult with a competent traffic ticket attorney to know for sure when it is the best time to complete a defensive driving course. Taking the defensive driving course at the right time can make a difference between a suspension and being clear to drive.

Question: If I am not licensed in New York, should I take a defensive driving course in my state or New York?

Answer: If you are taking the course to avoid suspension in New York then you take a New York approved course. If you are taking the course for an insurance discount, then you take the course from your state.

Question: Is taking a defensive driving course a bad idea because it makes me look guilty?

Answer: No.

For more detailed information, you can contact the Benjamin Goldman Law Office. We are a New York State law firm whose primary area of practice is Traffic Law. Our team deals with suspension related issues every day. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office helps motorists across the state, in New York City, Long Island, Upstate New York, Hudson Valley, Capital District, North Country, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Finger Lakes, and Western New York. If you have a traffic ticket, there is a free consultation. If you are looking for information about taking a defensive driving course, there will be a minimal consultation fee.