Who Is Eligible to Take the Texas Driving Safety Course (DSC)
Eligibility depends on whether you are taking the course for ticket dismissal or voluntarily. For ticket dismissal, both you and your violation must meet specific requirements. For voluntary enrollment, eligibility is much simpler.
Eligibility for Ticket Dismissal
You are eligible for ticket dismissal if all of the following apply:
You have a valid Texas driver license or learner permit that is not a Commercial Driver License (CDL)
You have a current auto insurance policy
You have not completed a driving safety course for ticket dismissal within the past 12 months — measured from your last course completion date
You are not currently taking a driving safety course for a different traffic violation
Your violation is an eligible moving violation (see below)
You have not already paid your traffic fine directly to the court
You must also obtain court permission before enrolling. See the article on getting court permission for details.
Violations That Are Not Eligible for Dismissal
Even if you otherwise qualify, certain violations cannot be dismissed with this course:
Speeding 25 mph or more over the posted speed limit
No insurance or failure to maintain financial responsibility
Leaving the scene of a collision
Passing a stopped school bus
A violation that occurred in a construction or maintenance work zone
If your citation involves any of the above, contact your court for other options.
CDL Holders Are Not Eligible
If you hold a Commercial Driver License (CDL) — Class A or B — you are not eligible for ticket dismissal through the Driving Safety Course, even if the violation occurred in your personal vehicle.
Eligibility for Voluntary Enrollment
If you are taking the course voluntarily for an auto insurance discount, there is no court permission requirement and no violation eligibility requirement. Any licensed Texas driver can enroll voluntarily.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Valid TX license or permit required | Yes (non-CDL) |
Current auto insurance required | Yes (for ticket dismissal) |
12-month waiting period | Yes — measured from last completion date |
CDL holders eligible for dismissal | No |
Court permission required | Yes — for ticket dismissal only |
Already paid fine to court | Not eligible for dismissal |
Voluntary enrollment (insurance discount) | No restrictions — any licensed driver |
Frequently Asked Questions
I hold a CDL but was driving my personal car when cited — am I eligible? No. CDL holders are not eligible for the Texas Driving Safety Course for ticket dismissal regardless of what vehicle they were driving at the time of the citation.
I completed a driving safety course 11 months ago — am I eligible? No. The 12-month period is measured from your last course completion date. You must wait until 12 months have passed before using the course for another dismissal.
I already paid my fine — can I still take the course for dismissal? No. Paying your fine directly to the court eliminates your eligibility for ticket dismissal through this course for that citation. Contact your court for other options.
Can I take the course voluntarily even if I am not eligible for ticket dismissal? Yes. Any licensed Texas driver can take the course voluntarily to qualify for an auto insurance discount. No court permission is required for voluntary enrollment.
What if I am unsure whether my violation is eligible? Contact your court directly. They will confirm whether your specific violation qualifies for dismissal through a driving safety course.