Driving safety courses—also known as defensive driving or traffic school—are designed to improve a driver’s knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward driving a motor vehicle. Laws vary from state to state but in many states a driver who has been issued a traffic ticket or citation may have the ticket or citation dismissed upon successful completion of a driving safety course—whether online or in person.
In North Carolina, driving safety courses, often referred to as defensive driving or traffic school, are available to drivers as a means to improve their driving skills and safety awareness. The state allows for the dismissal of certain traffic citations upon the successful completion of a driving safety course, although eligibility for such dismissal can vary based on the specific circumstances of the violation and the driver's history. These courses can be taken online or in person, and they must be approved by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NC DMV). It's important for drivers to check with the court handling their citation to understand if they are eligible for ticket dismissal through a driving safety course. Additionally, completing a driving safety course may also qualify drivers for a reduction in insurance premiums, as per North Carolina General Statute § 58-36-65, which mandates an insurance rate discount for eligible drivers who complete an approved course.