Indiana Defensive Driving: Completing the DSP Course

Brandon Myers | Last Updated: June 23, 2021 |

Indiana defensive driving is known as the driver safety program or DSP. This course is necessary when the court orders it or when you want to keep four points off your driving record. You can even use it for a potential car insurance discount.

Maybe you received a traffic ticket recently. If so, you can avoid driver’s license suspension and higher car insurance by using the defensive driving course in Indiana. When you complete a DSP course, you’ll gain the knowledge and necessary skills to be a safe driver.

Attending Mandatory Defensive Driving in Indiana

In some cases, you don’t have a choice. You will have to complete the Indiana defensive driving course if:

You have received two traffic citations or more within the past 12 months
You’re under 21 years of age and have received points on your driving record

If you fit one of these two situations, you will need to complete the DSP course in 90 days. Those drivers that haven’t completed the course in the past three years will see four points come off their driving record.

Voluntarily Attending the Indiana DSP Course

Maybe you haven’t been court-ordered to complete the course. You’re allowed to take the defensive driving course in Indiana voluntarily once every three years. If you do, you will watch four points disappear from your driving record. Usually, it takes around ten days for the BMV to receive your information and update your driving record.

If you complete the course before you’ve accumulated too many points, you can keep your driver’s license from getting suspended.

Online Indiana Defensive Driving Compared to Sitting in a Classroom

You can take your DSP course online in Indiana. It’s also possible to take the course in a classroom. If you prefer to work on the course from home and at your own pace, the online version is the best option.

With the right online defensive driving course in Indiana, you’ll gain many benefits. You can take the course from anywhere you can connect to the internet. It’s also possible to start and stop as you please. Most online courses will allow you to pick up where you left off, even if you switch devices.

If you choose to take the course in a classroom, you’ll have to drive to the location. Then, you’ll need to sit through the course all in one sitting. The online version allows you to take your time or finish in one day.

5 Things to Consider When Choosing an Online Driver Safety Program

1. Approved by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Some national providers may not be approved in the state of Indiana. Make sure you choose an online defensive driving program in Indiana that the BMV approves.

2. Get a Same-Day Certification Option

An online program that reports your completion to the BMV the same day you finish is preferred. This will help you avoid delays. Of course, if you complete the course on the weekend, it won’t be reported until Monday.

3. Free Certificate Reporting

Many of the best online DSP courses will report your certificate to the BMV for free. It’s not fun to worry about getting your certificate submitted. If you have to handle it yourself, it can be stressful. The BMV only accepts certificates of completion from an accredited provider.

4. Cross-Device and Mobile-Friendly

You want a course available online from your computer or mobile device. It’s also a good idea to choose an Indiana defensive driving course that saves your place. When you switch from a computer to a mobile device, you should be able to pick up where you left off.

5. All-Inclusive Traffic School Fees

Many traffic schools offer Indiana defensive driving at a very low cost. However, this low fee might not include everything. Make sure you understand what you’re getting for the cost when comparing Indiana defensive driving courses.

Along with these five things to look for, it’s a good idea to choose a provider giving you 24/7 access to the course. You should also consider a provider that gives you interesting content. Indiana defensive driving courses can be boring. If you choose one with better content, it won’t be so boring.

Eligibility for Indiana Defensive Driving

There are many reasons why you might decide to take the Indiana defensive driving. If you need to fulfill a court order or a requirement from the BMV, you may need to take the course. It can also help keep points from a violation off your driving record.

Sometimes, taking the defensive driving course gives you an auto insurance discount. If you’re worried about eligibility, the requirements are pretty simple:

You must have a non-commercial Indiana driver’s license, and it must be valid
The violation you’re trying to get dismissed needs to be a minor moving violation
Have no outstanding violations on your record
You cannot have a revoked or suspended driver’s license

You can take the course voluntarily for an insurance discount. However, most of the time, Indiana defensive driving is mandated by the court or the BMV.

Details About the DSP Course in Indiana

The defensive driving course in Indiana will cover many topics, including:

Highway safety
State traffic laws
Handling driving emergencies
How to properly share the road
Impaired driving, including alcohol and drugs
Defensive driving techniques

What to Expect with Indiana Defensive Driving

When you need to take the defensive driving course in Indiana, it’s necessary to know what to expect. You’ll need to enroll in the Indiana DSP course first. You can choose an online version or a classroom version.

After you enroll, you will need to complete the course on time. When the BMV orders you to take the course, you will have 90 days to complete it. If you volunteer to take the course, you may have even more time, depending on the provider.

If you don’t complete the course in 90 days, you will have your license suspended. It will remain suspended until you complete the course.

After completing the DSP course in Indiana, you want to check your driving record. It usually takes 7 to 10 days for your driving record to be updated. An un-printable version of your driving record is available for free on the Indiana BMV website.

Benefits of an Online Defensive Driving Course in Indiana

You’ll gain many benefits from an Indiana defensive driving course. Aside from the ability to fulfill the BMV requirement, you’ll also gain the following benefits:

Remove four points from your driving record
Keep your license from being suspended
Gain a discount on your insurance rates
Become a safer and better driver

The biggest benefit is the knowledge you will gain. It can save you thousands as you avoid future tickets and accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Defensive Driving

How much does the online Indiana defensive driving course cost?

The cost of the defensive driving course online will average about $35. You can get a version on DVD for a higher price, however. Some courses will cost a little more, while others may be a little lower in cost.

How long will it take to complete the defensive driving course in Indiana?

The state requires all DSP courses to be at least four hours long. With an online Indiana defensive driving course, you can work at your pace. It may take more than four hours to complete the course online, depending on your pace.

Does the online version of the DSP course need to be completed in one sitting?

No. You can take the course at your own pace. As long as you complete it by the deadline given to you by the course, you’ll be just fine.

What do I need to do to receive an insurance discount?

Before you voluntarily take the Indiana DSP course, you want to check with your agent. They will let you know if you will receive a discount for completing defensive driving in Indiana. After you’ve found out what the discount will be, enroll in the course.

You will need to complete the course and get a certificate of completion. Just forward this certificate to your insurance company. They will provide an insurance discount once it has been processed.

How quickly will I get my certificate of completion?

With some defensive driving programs, you’ll need to wait for the certificate to show up in the mail. However, with the best online Indiana defensive driving courses, you’ll be able to print it as soon as you’re done.

Getting faster access is a great way to speed up the process. Whether you’re completing the course for the BMV or an insurance discount, you want your certificate fast.

When you need to take an Indiana defensive driving course, it’s a good idea to choose the right one. There are several online provides to consider. Make sure you choose an approved course with 24/7 access. This will allow you to work at your own pace.

Brandon Myers is a Drivers Education and Safe Driving enthusiast. After a rollover vehicle crash and DUI, Myers has dedicated his life and career to the Drivers Education industry. Believing safe driving techniques save lives, Myers has spent over 5 years improving the industry with IDriveSafely, Aceable, and DriversEd.com.

Indiana Defensive Driving