Who Is Eligible to Take the Tennessee Driver Education Course (Traffic School)?
Eligibility depends on why you are taking the course. The course is available for three purposes, each with different requirements.
For Ticket Dismissal
To take the course for ticket dismissal, you generally must:
Hold a valid, non-commercial Tennessee driver's license
Have received a minor, non-criminal moving violation
Have your court's permission to take a traffic school course
Court permission is granted on a case-by-case basis and requirements vary by court and county. Contact your court before enrolling to confirm you are approved.
For Point Reduction (Speeding Convictions Only)
To take the course for point reduction, you must:
Hold a valid, non-commercial Tennessee driver's license
Have been convicted of a speeding violation
Have received a letter from the Tennessee DSHS specifically notifying you of your eligibility
Complete the course within 90 days of your conviction date
You cannot use this course for point reduction without first receiving the DSHS eligibility letter. Up to 5 points may be removed. This benefit is available once every 4 years.
For Insurance Discount (Voluntary)
To take the course voluntarily for an insurance discount, you must:
Hold a valid Tennessee driver's license
Confirm with your insurance provider that they offer a discount for completing an approved driver education course
No court permission or DSHS letter is required for voluntary enrollment.
Who Is Generally Not Eligible
CDL holders — commercial driver's license holders are generally excluded from ticket dismissal and point reduction through this course. Contact your court or the DSHS for guidance.
Drivers without a Tennessee license — the course applies to Tennessee driving records only.
Drivers seeking point reduction without a DSHS letter — you must have received the DSHS eligibility letter before enrolling for this purpose.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Ticket dismissal | Court permission required first; non-CDL TN license; minor moving violation |
Point reduction | DSHS letter required; speeding conviction; 90-day deadline; once every 4 years |
Voluntary / insurance | No pre-approval needed; confirm with insurer |
CDL holders | Generally not eligible for ticket dismissal or point reduction |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my court will accept this course for ticket dismissal? Contact the court listed on your citation before enrolling. Ticket dismissal is granted on a case-by-case basis in Tennessee and differs from court to court.
What if I did not receive a DSHS letter but want to reduce points? You are only eligible for point reduction through this program if you have received a letter from the Tennessee DSHS. If you did not receive one, you cannot use the course for point reduction. You may still take it voluntarily for an insurance discount.
Can I take the course even if I have a valid ticket dismissal option but also want an insurance discount? Yes. One course completion can serve multiple purposes if all eligibility requirements are met. Check with your insurer and your court about their specific requirements.
Does it matter how old my ticket is? For ticket dismissal, your court sets the deadline. For point reduction, you must complete the course within 90 days of your speeding conviction. If you are past these deadlines, contact your court or the DSHS before enrolling.