What Is the Tennessee Driver Education Course (Traffic School) Point Reduction Program?
Tennessee's point reduction program allows drivers who have been convicted of a qualifying speeding violation to remove up to 5 points from their Tennessee driving record by completing an approved 4-hour Driver Education Course.
How the Point Reduction Program Works
The Tennessee DSHS monitors driver records and sends eligibility letters to drivers who qualify for point reduction after a speeding conviction. If you receive such a letter, you may enroll in the Driver Education Course and submit your certificate to the DSHS to have points removed from your record.
Key details:
You must have received a letter from the Tennessee DSHS — you cannot self-enroll for point reduction without it
The course must be completed and the certificate submitted within 90 days of your conviction date
Up to 5 points may be removed — the exact number is stated in the DSHS letter
The benefit is available once every 4 years
The conviction remains on your record — only the points are removed
Point Reduction vs. Ticket Dismissal
These are two different programs:
Point reduction — removes points from a conviction already on your record. Requires a DSHS letter. Goes through the DSHS, not the courts.
Ticket dismissal — prevents the ticket from becoming a conviction at all. Requires court permission. Goes through your court.
Some drivers may qualify for both on separate violations.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Who administers it | Tennessee 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 if I received a DSHS letter but am now past the 90-day deadline? Contact the Tennessee DSHS directly. Driving Logic cannot extend state deadlines.
Does point reduction apply to violations other than speeding? No. This program applies specifically to speeding convictions for which the DSHS has sent an eligibility letter.
How do I know how many points are on my record? See the article on how to check your Tennessee driving record.