The Tennessee Driver Education Course point reduction program lets you remove up to 5 points from your Tennessee driving record if you complete an approved course after receiving a Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security eligibility letter.
If you are convicted of a speeding violation in Tennessee, you may have the chance to reduce points on your driving record. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security offers a point reduction program for eligible drivers. Understanding the requirements and process can help you take advantage of this opportunity.
How the Tennessee Driver Education Course Point Reduction Program Works
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) reviews driver records and sends eligibility letters to drivers with qualifying speeding convictions. If you receive a letter, you can enroll in a state-approved 4-hour Driver Education Course. After completing the course, you must submit your certificate to the DSHS within 90 days of your conviction date. The DSHS will then remove up to 5 points from your record, as specified in your letter. This benefit is available once every 4 years. The conviction remains on your record, but the points are reduced. For more details, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s traffic school page.
Point Reduction vs. Ticket Dismissal
Point reduction and ticket dismissal are separate programs in Tennessee. Point reduction removes points from a conviction already on your record and requires a DSHS eligibility letter. Ticket dismissal prevents a ticket from becoming a conviction and needs court approval. Some drivers may qualify for both programs, but each applies to different situations and violations.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Who administers it | Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) |
| Who is eligible | Drivers who received a DSHS eligibility letter for a speeding conviction |
| Points removed | Up to 5 |
| Deadline | 90 days from conviction date |
| Frequency | Once every 4 years |
| Conviction removed | No — only points removed |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss the 90-day deadline on my DSHS letter for the Tennessee Driver Education Course?
You need to contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security directly. Extensions are not available through Driving Logic.
Does the Tennessee Driver Education Course point reduction apply to violations besides speeding?
No. The point reduction program is only for speeding convictions where you have received a DSHS eligibility letter.
How do I know how many points are on my record?
You can check your Tennessee driving record by following the process described in the relevant article or by contacting the DSHS.
Can I enroll in the Tennessee Driver Education Course for point reduction without a DSHS letter?
No. You must have an eligibility letter from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to enroll for point reduction.
How often can I take the Tennessee Driver Education Course for point reduction?
You can use the point reduction program once every 4 years.
Does completing the course remove the conviction from my record?
No. Completing the course only removes points from your record. The conviction will still appear.