How to Find Defensive Driving Courses in Missouri
In Missouri, completing an approved defensive driving course can help you avoid accumulating points on your license or save money on car insurance.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Alita Dark
In Missouri, taking a defensive driving course can help you avoid accumulating points on your license or brush up on your driving skills. However, many drivers choose to complete the course to get a discounted rate on
car insurance
. Accumulating too many points on your license is number one on the list of the 10 most common ways to get a
suspended license in Missouri
. Luckily, you may be allowed to complete a defensive driving course to avoid these points depending on your driving record and the offense. But not just any old course will do—the one you choose must be approved by the state. To find out more about approved courses, including how much they’ll cost and how long they normally take to complete, read on!Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds (Title in payload)
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversTaking a defensive driving course in Missouri could…
…allow you to avoid accumulating points on your driver’s license
If you’ve been ticketed for a moving violation, your county may allow you to complete a defensive driving course to avoid having points added to your driving record. While taking the course won’t dismiss your traffic ticket, it can help you avoid the points associated with it.
You may only complete a defensive driving course to avoid
driver’s license points
once every three years. Your eligibility to complete a defensive driving course in place of receiving points is determined by your county and the Missouri Fine Collection Center and is based on your specific violation and your driving record. To be considered for eligibility, you must:- Plead guilty to your violation
- Pay the citation associated with your violation
- Hold a non-commercial driver’s license
- Have been charged with a moving violation
- Have been convicted before enrolling in your course
- Complete your course within 60 days of your conviction
Within 15 days of completing your course, you’ll need to mail your completion certificate to:
Missouri Department of Revenue
Driver License Bureau
P.O. Box 200
Jefferson City, MO 65105
…earn you an insurance discount
Many auto insurance providers offer safe driver discounts not only for keeping a
clean driving record
but also for completing driver improvement courses. To see if your provider offers discounts to those who complete a defensive driving course, contact your insurance agent. Keep in mind that not all traffic improvement courses count toward earning these types of discounts. Courses may be online or in person, but they must also be approved by the state.
MORE: How to get car insurance discounts
…improve your driving skills
In addition to helping you
get a clean driving record
or earn an insurance discount, taking a driver improvement course is also just a great way to improve your driving skills. Whether you choose to take your course online or in person, approved programs generally cover topics including:- Safe driving techniques
- Defensive driving techniques
- How to share the road with motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers
- Avoiding and preventing car accidents
Even if your course doesn’t earn you a discount or help you avoid points, it can help you avoid the extra costs associated with additional tickets and car accidents.
MORE: The top 4 benefits of taking a defensive driving course
How to find Missouri defensive driving courses
Finding defensive driving programs in Missouri is as simple as doing a quick Google search. But remember, if you’re taking the course to satisfy court requirements or to earn an insurance discount, not just any old course will do. To simplify things, the
Missouri Safety Center
has compiled lists of both in-person and online courses that have been approved by the state. Both in-person and online courses are designed to be completed in anywhere from four to 12 hours, but online programs offer you the convenience of completing the course at your own speed. Once you purchase access, you can complete the course in one sitting or over the course of several days—whatever works best for you.
How much is a defensive driving course in Missouri?
The cost of your defensive driving program will depend on the provider you choose, as well as the duration of the course you select. A four-hour course may cost as little as $15, while some 12-hour courses cost up to $90 or more.
How long is a defensive driving course in Missouri?
Defensive driving courses in Missouri generally take four to 12 hours to complete.
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