Driving Safety Courses

If you are charged with a traffic offense, you may be eligible to take a Driving Safety Course (DSC) to dismiss the charge.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this option, you must meet the following conditions:

• Have a valid Texas Drivers License, or if part of an active military family with valid drivers license from another state.
• Have not requested and or have taken a driving safety course or motorcycle operator course for a traffic offense within the last 12 months of the infraction date for any other court.
• Are not currently taking the course for another traffic violation, in any other court.
• Are not currently holding a Commercial Drivers License (CDL).
• Have not been issued a citation for one of the following offenses:
  • Failure to give information at accident scene
  • Leaving scene of accident
  • Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer
  • Reckless driving
  • Passing a school bus
  • An offense in a construction maintenance zone when workers are present
  • Speeding 25 miles per hour or more over limit

Requirements for Submitting Request

At the time of the request, you must do the following:

• Present a valid driver’s licenses (CDL holders are not eligible)
• Present proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance);
• Plead guilty or nolo contendere

Course Information

Information regarding the driving safety course may also be found on the back of your copy of the citation. If you were operating a motorcycle, you must take a motorcycle operator’s training course.

Approved Cases

Once approved, the case will be postponed for 90 days to allow you time to complete the course. You must attend a driving safety course that has been approved by the Texas Education Agency or a motorcycle operator’s course approved by the Department of Public Safety.

Note: The request to apply for defensive driving may be made in person at the court window or by sending the information by mail:

• A copy of the driver’s license and current insurance of the defendant
• Court Costs*:
  • Moving Violation: $144
  • School Zone Moving Violation: $169

*In certain instances, additional costs may be assessed.  Please contact the Municipal Court to verify the amount.

Not Taking the Course

If you do not take the course in the time required and/or fail to present the court with a certificate of completion within 90 days, the court will notify you to return to court and show cause as to why you failed to show proof of completion. If you have a good reason why you were unable to present your proof within the time required, the judge may, but is not required to, grant you an extension. 

Your failure to be present at that hearing will result in a warrant for your arrest being issued. An additional charge may also be filed. For more information regarding Defensive Driving, please visit our Defensive Driving page.