How Many Points Does the Tennessee Driver Education Course (Traffic School) Remove?
The Tennessee Driver Education Course can remove up to 5 points from your Tennessee driving record for a qualifying speeding conviction. The exact number is determined by the Tennessee DSHS.
How Tennessee Points Work
Tennessee uses a point system to track traffic violations. Points accumulate on your driving record when you are convicted of a traffic offense. Accumulating too many points can result in the DSHS requiring you to take a course, restricting your license, or suspending your driving privileges.
What the Course Does for Point Reduction
When you complete the course and submit your certificate to the DSHS, the points from one qualifying speeding conviction may be removed. The DSHS determines the exact number of points to be removed and states this in the eligibility letter they sent you.
Note: Only the points are removed — the conviction itself remains on your record.
Eligibility Requirements for Point Reduction
You must have received a letter from the Tennessee DSHS notifying you of your eligibility.
The qualifying conviction must be a speeding violation.
You must complete the course and submit your certificate within 90 days of your conviction date.
This benefit is available only once every 4 years.
What About Ticket Dismissal?
Ticket dismissal is a different process. If a court grants you permission to take the course for ticket dismissal, the entire violation may be kept off your record — not just the points. Contact your court for details about what dismissal means for your specific citation.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Points removed | Up to 5 (for qualifying speeding conviction) |
DSHS letter required | Yes |
90-day deadline | From conviction date |
Frequency | Once every 4 years |
Conviction removed | No — only the points are removed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the course remove points from violations other than speeding? No. The point reduction program through this course applies only to speeding convictions for which the DSHS has sent you an eligibility letter.
Can I take the course to remove points even without a DSHS letter? No. You must have the DSHS letter to use the course for point reduction. You may take the course voluntarily for an insurance discount without the letter.
How do I know how many points are currently on my record? See the article on how to check your Tennessee driving record.