Defensive driving course

New York

On the NY DMV PIRP page, approved courses come from private providers. A classroom course is 320 minutes. Online and other delivery methods are also allowed. Fees vary by provider. This page does not list a price.

Completing the course does not remove a violation, conviction, or the points from the driving record. For a suspension calculation, up to 4 points are subtracted for violations in the 18 months before completion. The tickets stay on the record. That point reduction can be used once in 18 months. DMV points and an insurer’s own points are separate.

The 10% discount applies to TLC policies. DMV describes a 10% reduction of the base rate of auto and motorcycle premiums for three years. Only the principal operator receives it. Show the certificate within 90 days of completion. Take the course again every 36 months to keep the insurance reduction.

The course sponsor notifies DMV within 10 weeks. DMV’s page links the approved course list. This page does not endorse a provider.

New Jersey

NJ-licensed drivers can read the voluntary defensive driving course on the NJ MVC driver programs page. It is not a substitute for the Probationary Driver Program.

MVC says two points may be removed from the points currently on the license. The credit is only for a state-approved New Jersey defensive driving course. A driver may receive that two-point reduction once every 5 years, and only if points are on the record when the course is completed. The provider notifies MVC within 7 to 10 business days. A certificate from the license holder is not accepted.

MVC also says you may qualify for an insurance rate reduction and to contact your insurance agent. This page does not state a New Jersey percentage or a course price.