The Tennessee Driver Education Course is a 4-hour online program approved by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security that may help you dismiss a ticket, reduce points, or qualify for an insurance discount.
If you have received a traffic ticket in Tennessee or want to lower your auto insurance premium, you may be eligible to take the Tennessee Driver Education Course. This course is also known as Tennessee Traffic School or a defensive driving course. It is approved by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and is completed entirely online. Understanding the course purpose and eligibility can help you decide if it is right for your situation.
What Does the Tennessee Driver Education Course Do?
The Tennessee Driver Education Course can help you in several ways:
- Dismiss a traffic ticket: If your court allows, you may take the course to keep a violation off your record.
- Reduce points from your driving record: If you receive a letter from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), you may be eligible to remove up to 5 points from a speeding conviction.
- Qualify for an insurance discount: Many insurance companies offer lower rates to drivers who complete a DSHS-approved course. Contact your insurer to confirm eligibility.
Who Can Take the Course?
You are eligible if you have a valid Tennessee driver license and:
- The court gives you permission for ticket dismissal, or
- You receive a letter from the Tennessee DSHS for point reduction, or
- You want to take the course voluntarily for an insurance discount or personal improvement.
Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders are usually not eligible for ticket dismissal or point reduction. If you are unsure about your eligibility, contact your court or the Tennessee DSHS. For more details, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s traffic school page.
How Does the Course Work?
The course is 4 hours long and completed online. It is divided into 8 chapters, each ending with a quiz. You must pass each quiz to unlock the next chapter. There is a final exam at the end of Chapter 8. Page timers ensure you spend at least 4 hours in the course, as required by Tennessee law. You cannot finish the course faster than the minimum time.
Quick Facts About the Tennessee Driver Education Course
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Approved by | Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) |
| Course length | 4 hours |
| Chapters | 8 |
| Online | Yes — no classroom required |
| Eligible drivers | Tennessee license holders (CDL generally excluded) |
| Cost | USD 29.97 |
| Use cases | Ticket dismissal, point reduction, insurance discount |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tennessee Driver Education Course considered defensive driving or traffic school in Tennessee?
Yes. The course is also called defensive driving, traffic school, or driver education. The official state name is Driver Education Course.
Is the Tennessee Driver Education Course approved statewide in Tennessee?
The course is approved by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. For ticket dismissal, you must confirm acceptance with your specific court.
Can I take the Tennessee Driver Education Course without a traffic ticket?
Yes. You may take the course voluntarily for an insurance discount or personal improvement. Check with your insurance company to confirm they accept this course.
Is this the 4-hour or 8-hour course?
This is the 4-hour Driver Education Course. Tennessee also offers an 8-hour Driver Improvement Program for certain drivers with higher point totals.
How is the Tennessee Driver Education Course structured?
The course has 8 chapters and a final exam. Each chapter ends with a quiz, and you must complete all quizzes and the final exam to finish the course.
Are commercial drivers eligible for this course?
Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders are generally not eligible for ticket dismissal or point reduction through this course. Contact your court or the Tennessee DSHS for details.