by Brandon Myers
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Last Updated: January 13, 2021 Indiana drivers can complete a driver safety program to improve their driving skills with better safety and knowledge. Many Indiana drivers will complete a driver safety program to fulfill a court order, reduce driver’s license points, or get a car insurance discount.
Defensive Driving Courses in Indiana
Indiana state law requires that drivers who have committed multiple traffic offenses or have been involved in motor vehicle accidents complete a Bureau of Motor Vehicles approved driver safety program. Alternatively, driver safety programs are available to drivers who have accumulated points on their record and want to receive credit.
Indiana assesses a point value for moving violations and convictions, and the value relates to the seriousness of the offense. For example, speeding 1 to 15 miles per hour over the speed limit or failing to use a turn signal results in a two-point violation, while following too closely or speeding 26 miles per hour or more over the speed limit has a six-point violation. Points stay active on Indiana driving records for two years from the conviction. Earn too many points on your driving record (18 in a two year period), and your license will be at risk for suspension. But of course, you can use the driver safety program to reduce the number of points on your record and avoid a suspension.
Unlike many other states, Indiana does not allow for the use of driver safety programs to defer or remove moving violation convictions from your record. However, you can remove the resulting points from your record with a driver safety program course.
Indiana Defensive Driving Course Eligibility
If you’re required to complete a driver safety program due to multiple traffic offenses or accident involvements, you will be notified by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles that you will need to complete the course within 90 days. Indiana drivers who complete the course voluntarily to reduce points are typically eligible with few exceptions. The only exception to eligibility is:
- drivers who have previously completed the course within the past three years
However, keep in mind that additional eligibility requirements may apply in certain situations. It’s best to contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles before enrolling in a voluntary driver safety program to verify that you’re eligible for a points reduction by completing the course.
Indiana Traffic Ticket Dismissal with Defensive Driving
Indiana does not allow for traffic ticket dismissal with defensive driving. However, drivers concerned about accumulating points as a result of traffic tickets can use the driver safety program to reduce points. Every three years, Indiana drivers can voluntarily complete a driver safety program course to reduce their driving record points by four.
Defensive Driving Courses Available in Indiana
Indiana offers driver safety programs in the classroom, correspondence, or online, approved by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This course teaches Indiana drivers about driving safely, including a review of traffic laws, defensive driving, and safe driving techniques. The curriculum will depend on the traffic school, but most programs offer instruction in:
- Indiana traffic laws and regulations
- defensive driving techniques
- the dangers of alcohol and driving
- avoiding aggressive driving and road rage
- the impact of speed and following distance on safety
- adjusting driving for weather and traffic conditions
Defensive Driving for Car Insurance Discounts in Indiana
Traffic school is available to drivers who have not been involved in an accident or moving violation. Senior drivers can enroll in a collision prevention course to earn a renewable car insurance discount. This course will teach life-saving information for seniors and provide a lesson in safe driving.
Indiana Defensive Driving Insurance Discounts
Indiana drivers may be interested in completing a driver safety program even if they haven’t had any moving violations. Some insurance companies in the state offer a discount on auto insurance premiums for safe drivers who voluntarily complete a driver safety program.
Indiana Defensive Driving Insurance Discount Eligibility
Eligibility for a defensive driving insurance discount in Indiana will vary depending on individual insurance company policies. If you’re interested in earning this discount, contact your insurance company and other competing companies to find out what’s available.
Insurance Defensive Driving Courses Available in Indiana
Driver safety program courses are offered voluntarily in Indiana, and insurance courses include the same curriculum in the course for traffic violators and those seeking a points reduction. The course is designed to teach drivers how to be safer on the road, avoiding collisions, moving violations, and other dangers. Curriculum typically includes:
- collision avoidance techniques
- the basics of defensive driving
- limiting distractions while driving
- using safety restraints
- avoiding drunk driving
- current Indiana driving laws and regulations
Enroll in an Indiana Defensive Driving Course
Fulfill a court order, reduce points on your driving record, or get a discount on your auto insurance today. Contact a Bureau of Motor Vehicles approved driver safety course program to enroll and get started.