In Nebraska, drivers take defensive driving for several different reasons. Many complete the course for points credit, reinstatement of licenses, points accumulation for drivers under the age of 21, employment driving permits, and a reduction in auto insurance rates.
Defensive Driving Courses in Nebraska
If you’ve received a moving violation in Nebraska, you’ll have several points added to your driving record. Points range from 1 point for offenses such as speeding 1 to 5 miles per hour over the speed limit, or 12 for motor vehicle homicide or a third driving under the influence offense.
Drivers who have accumulated 12 or more points within a two year time period will be subject to a driver’s license revocation. If your license is revoked due to points, you’ll have to wait six months for a first-time offense, but if your license is revoked a second time within five years, you’ll be without a license for a three year time period.
If there are no other open suspensions, revocations, or impoundments on your record, you can apply for an employment driving permit that will allow you to drive to and from work. You’ll be required to take a defensive driving course within 60 days of authorization of the permit.
If you want to avoid revocation, you can enroll in a Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles approved driver improvement course. This course will grant you a two-point credit and can be taken once every five years.
Additionally, drivers who are under the age of 21 who receive six or more points within a 12 month time period will be subject to suspension. The Nebraska DMV requires that, in this case, you complete a defensive driving course. You’ll be required to complete the course within three months of the date that the Department of Motor Vehicles sends you a notice about your points accumulation.
Nebraska Defensive Driving Course Eligibility
If you’d like to enroll in defensive driving to earn a credit on your driver’s license points, you can do so once every five years. There are, of course, specific eligibility requirements that you’ll need to meet. Nebraska requires that drivers meet the following eligibility for a points reduction:
- drivers must have fewer than 12 points assessed against their driving record
- drivers can only reduce the number of points on their record; negative balances will not be issued
- drivers can only reduce points once every five years
- the course must be completed before the date of violation that would add a 12th point to your driving record
It’s important to verify your eligibility to reduce points with defensive driving before enrolling in the course. Check with the Nebraska DMV to ensure that you’re eligible to take part in this program. If you enroll in or even complete your defensive driving course before verifying eligibility, you may not get credit for the course or receive a points reduction.
Nebraska Traffic Ticket Dismissal with Defensive Driving
In some Nebraska counties, you may be eligible to have your traffic ticket dismissed by completing defensive driving. In this case, no points will be assessed against your driver’s license, and you will avoid having the violation added to your driving record — which can help you avoid an increase in auto insurance rates.
Traffic ticket dismissal with defensive driving in Nebraska is often granted on a case by case basis and may be subject to certain restrictions based on moving violations and eligibility. In general, defensive driving dismissals will only be valid for minor traffic violations. Additionally, drivers can only take a ticket dismissal class once every three years.
You will need to receive permission from the court to enroll in defensive driving, and you must pay attention to deadlines and other requirements. If you do not meet these requirements, your traffic ticket may not be waived, and you’ll miss out on the benefit of having your ticket and points dismissed. Additionally, you may not receive a refund for taking the class.
Defensive Driving Courses Available in Nebraska
Your Nebraska defensive driving course will teach you how to become a more defensive, safe driver. You’ll learn skills that can help you avoid accidents and tickets in the future and be more courteous on the road.
Nebraska’s defensive driving courses are four hours long or eight hours long, depending on your needs. For traffic ticket dismissals, the course is usually four hours long, and all others will typically enroll in the eight-hour course. Some courses must be taken in the classroom, but others are available online. Most schools, both online and in the classroom, will offer you the option to take the course in a single session or multiple sessions.
The actual curriculum will vary between different schools, but most Nebraska defensive driving courses include instruction in topics such as:
- defensive driving techniques
- collision avoidance
- establishing safe driving habits
- avoiding dangerous driving situations such as drunk driving, drowsy driving, distracted driving, and road rage
- driver expectations and responsibilities
- road hazards such as speed, traffic, weather, construction, and accidents
- predicting driver actions
- safe speed and following distance
- proper use of vehicle safety features including seat belts, airbags, and anti-lock brakes
- Nebraska’s current traffic laws and regulations
Defensive Driving for Car Insurance Discounts in Nebraska
In addition to enrolling in defensive driving for traffic violations, Nebraska drivers can take defensive driving to improve their driving skills and knowledge. If you enroll in defensive driving voluntarily and unrelated to a ticket or points reduction, you may be eligible to earn a discount on auto insurance premiums.
Nebraska Defensive Driving Insurance Discounts
Nebraska’s auto insurance companies will offer drivers a discount on auto insurance for completing a defensive driving course. Most discounts will range from 5% to 20%; however, most companies offer a discount of 10% for the typical driver.
Nebraska Defensive Driving Insurance Discount Eligibility
Nebraska makes defensive driving insurance discounts available to all drivers. But that doesn’t mean that insurance companies offer a discount to every driver. Auto insurance companies may offer defensive driving discounts to all drivers or restrict discounts to age groups such as elderly drivers or new teenage drivers. Some companies will also restrict the discount to drivers who have a safe driving record.
You’ll need to contact your insurance company directly to determine if you’re eligible for a discount on your auto insurance with defensive driving. Ensure your eligibility for this discount before enrolling in the course, or you may not receive credit for completion –, and no refunds will be issued. If your auto insurance company doesn’t offer defensive driving discounts, consider contacting other companies to learn if they can extend a discount to you.
Insurance Defensive Driving Courses Available in Nebraska
Students who enroll in a defensive driving course for insurance discounts in Nebraska will take the same potentially life-saving course as traffic violators. In this course, you’ll learn how to improve your driving skills, avoid traffic violation tickets, and remain accident-free. You will also brush up on your driving knowledge and get an update on current Nebraska traffic laws. While curriculum will vary depending on the school you’re enrolled in; you can expect to learn about topics including:
- establishing safe driving habits
- the dangers of drunk driving
- collision avoidance and defensive driving
- predicting the actions of other drivers
- proper speed and following distance
- recognizing and avoiding road rage and aggressive driving
- the dangers of distracted driving, including texting while driving
- current Nebraska traffic laws including the right of way, emergency vehicles, and speed limits
- staying safe around pedestrians and bikers
- using vehicle safety restraints including seat belts and car seats
Enroll in a Nebraska Defensive Driving Course
Become a safer driver and enjoy the benefits of completing a defensive driving course. Get started today by finding a state-approved defensive driving school in our directory.