Whether you need to get a traffic citation dismissed or you want an insurance discount, Maryland defensive driving courses online will help you get the results you’re looking for. You can learn how to become a safer driver and take care of that ticket at the same time.
The online driver improvement course in Maryland makes it very easy to complete the course and reach your goals. You don’t have to sit in a classroom for an entire afternoon or give up multiple evenings to complete the course. Instead, you can work on your schedule and from anywhere you want.
Three main Benefits of Defensive Driving in Maryland
1. Fulfill a Court-Ordered Requirements
If you have 5 to 7 points on your driver’s license in Maryland, you may be court-ordered to complete the online Maryland defensive driving course. This course will allow you to learn some of the main techniques to become a safer driver and keep you from losing your license or seeing your insurance rates go up.
2. Become a Better Driver
A benefit not only for you but also for everybody else on the road, when you complete a Maryland defensive driving course, you will likely become a better driver. This will keep you from getting in an accident or getting another traffic citation, which can help save you money and keep you from becoming injured or even killed.
3. Lower Insurance Premiums
As a safer driver, you can pay lower insurance premiums every year. If you voluntarily take the defensive driving course in Maryland, you’ll be able to gain a discount on your insurance premiums. Always speak with your agent first to find out how much the discount will be.
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When Defensive Driving in Maryland Becomes Necessary
The state of Maryland calls the defensive driving course the Driver Improvement Program or DIP for short. It’s a course intended to rehabilitate drivers. Typically, this course is assigned to drivers after they accumulate five, six, or seven points on their driving record. The District Court Judge will refer you to the course, or it could be an Administrative Law Judge that refers you.
If a judge has referred you, you may have been granted probation before judgment for a traffic violation. This could mean you hold a provisional driver’s license until you have completed the driver improvement program. Once you have been court-ordered to complete the program, you will receive a letter about four to six weeks after your hearing date.
It will be necessary to find a DIP provider, pay the fees, and take the class. Several online providers of Maryland defensive driving allow you to complete the course at home, at your own pace, and from anywhere with an internet connection.
Topics Found in the DIP Course in Maryland
The defensive driving course in Maryland will cover many different topics, including:
- Maryland road laws
- Ways to prevent accidents
- How to cooperate with others on the road
- Violations related to alcohol and drugs
- Good driving techniques
- Ways to become a more responsible driver
After you finish the course, you will need to take and pass a final exam. Once you’ve passed the exam, you will receive the defensive driving certificate you need for your insurance company and the courts.
Even if you have not been ordered to take the Maryland defensive driving course known as DIP, you can still take it. By taking it voluntarily, you can gain an insurance discount and become a better driver. As a better driver, you may be able to avoid future traffic violations and accidents.
How do I know the state approves an online Maryland defensive driving?
There is a complete list of program providers you can choose from on the state’s website found here. Most online providers will tell you they are state-approved and show proof, if necessary.
How long will the driver improvement program last?
The state requires the DIP course to last between 4 and 8 hours. Most online courses will meet the minimum requirement of 4 hours and won’t be much longer than 4 hours long.
How much of an insurance discount can I gain from taking defensive driving in Maryland?
Depending on the insurance carrier you choose, the discount you could gain can range from 5% to 15%. Some companies will provide a flat discount each term or may not provide a discount at all. Make sure to check with your insurance agent before taking the course for an insurance discount.
How much does the online defensive driving course in Maryland cost?
The cost for the online course fulfilling the DIP requirement in Maryland can range from $15 to $30. It depends on the provider you choose and the deal or discount they may provide.
Can I complete the online DIP course on my smartphone or tablet?
Most online DIP course options will allow you to complete the materials on any device you can connect to the internet. This means you can use a tablet, a smartphone, or a computer to complete the defensive driving course.
How often can I take the Maryland defensive driving course?
There is no set number of times you can take the Maryland defensive driving course. The courts handle it on a case-by-case basis, and you will need permission from a judge to use the course to remove points from your license.
Choosing to take the Maryland defensive driving course online means you’ll gain access 24/7, and you can complete the course at your own pace. You will be given plenty of time to complete the course, and there are several options to choose from if you want to take the driver improvement program course online.
Regardless of how you take the defensive driving course, you will gain an insurance discount and fulfill the court requirement.