Do I Need a Letter from the Tennessee DSHS to Take the Course for Point Reduction?
Yes. You must have received an eligibility letter from the Tennessee DSHS before you can use the Driver Education Course for point reduction. You cannot self-apply for point reduction — the DSHS must notify you of your eligibility first.
What the DSHS Letter Says
The DSHS eligibility letter notifies you that you have been convicted of a qualifying speeding violation and that you may be eligible to have points removed from your driving record by completing an approved Driver Education Course. The letter will include:
The conviction details
Your eligibility for point reduction
The number of points that may be removed
Instructions for completing and submitting the course
What If I Did Not Receive a Letter?
If you did not receive a DSHS letter, you are not currently eligible for the point reduction program. This could mean:
Your conviction does not qualify for point reduction
The DSHS has not yet processed your conviction
The letter was mailed to an outdated address
If you believe you should have received a letter, contact the Tennessee DSHS directly to inquire about your eligibility.
Can I Still Take the Course Without the Letter?
Yes. You may take the course voluntarily for an insurance discount or personal improvement without a DSHS letter. However, your completion will not result in point reduction if you have not received the DSHS letter.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
DSHS letter required for point reduction | Yes |
Can you request point reduction without it | No |
Can you take the course without it | Yes — for insurance discount or voluntary purposes |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive the DSHS letter after a conviction? Processing times vary. If you received a speeding conviction and have not received a letter after several weeks, contact the Tennessee DSHS.
Can I use the course for point reduction if my insurer sent me a letter instead of DSHS? No. A letter from your insurer about a discount is different from a DSHS eligibility letter. Only the DSHS letter qualifies you for the point reduction program.