If you complete a defensive driving course in Maryland, you can knock off a couple of points from your license and reinstate your driving privileges. Not only that, but signing up and passing an approved driving course can also help lower Maryland car insurance
costs. Like many other states, Maryland uses a points system
to determine which drivers can stay on the road and which will have their licenses suspended
or revoked
. If you accumulate 12 or more points within a two-year period, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)
will revoke your license. Or, if you rack up five to seven points, you’ll be required to go to traffic school before you can drive again. And, if you find yourself needing to complete a Maryland defensive driving course, you’ve clicked on the right article. Below we’ve compiled everything you need to know about taking a defensive driving course in the Old Line State: the benefits
, where to find a course, and how much time and money you can expect to spend on it. 
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Taking a defensive driving course in Maryland could…
…keep your license after an MVA order
If the MVA issues you a notice to complete a defensive driving course, known in Maryland as a Driver Improvement Program
, you must surrender your driving privileges until you’ve finished the class. Typically, you’ll receive notice to complete the course if you’ve been referred by a judge, if you’ve accumulated between five and seven points on your license, or if you were granted probation for a moving violation while holding a provisional driver’s license. The MVA will send you a letter in the mail, which you will need to bring with you to your course. The letter will also include a deadline in the upper right corner: this is how long you have to complete your course. Once you’ve completed it and your course provider has noticed the MVA, you will be able to avoid points, fines, tickets, etc. on your license depending on the district court ruling.
…earn a discount on your car insurance
If you’ve got some downtime, why not sign up for a defensive driving course? Sure, going to traffic school is probably nobody’s idea of a great time, but saving some money on your car insurance
payments certainly is! Depending on your insurance provider and other factors like your age and driving record
, you could save between 5% and 15% on your car insurance premiums! But, before you get too excited, check with your provider to make sure you are eligible for the discount. If you are, you’ll also need to be careful when signing up for a course, as not all Maryland defensive driving courses will qualify you for a discount. State Farm
, for example, will not accept state-approved Driver Improvement Programs but does offer its own Steer Clear course for Maryland drivers under the age of 25. Bottom line? Before you sign up for the first course result you see on Google, contact your insurance provider first so you know that you’re not wasting your time.
…make you a better driver
Taking a defensive driving course isn’t all about skirting a ticket or saving a buck. Defensive driving courses are highly specialized and cover a wide range of topics in a short period of time, like niche traffic laws, how to drive in dangerous weather conditions, what to do when you’re surrounded by reckless drivers, and more. And, if it’s been a while since you last took your driver’s test, several traffic laws may have changed or been added over the years.
Online courses utilize animations, videos, and quizzes, while in-person courses tend to learn more through group discussions and hands-on experience. Regardless of which you choose to take, you’ll be sure to leave the class feeling more confident behind the wheel.
How to find Maryland defensive driving courses
Googling “Maryland defensive driving courses” will yield many results—but the key is to find one that suits your specific needs.
If you’ve been ordered by the MVA to attend and complete a Driver Improvement Program, you must take one that’s been approved by the administration. You can find an approved list of in-person and online on their website, which will help point you in the right direction. Just remember that you need to finish the course before the due date printed on the referral letter you received from the MVA!
Or, if you’re jonesing for an insurance discount, and there’s no court breathing down your neck, your options may be a little more open. Online-only courses allow you to go at your own pace (and stay in your pajamas), and generally tend to be more affordable. Go To Traffic School
has been offering courses since 2000, and is widely accepted by many Maryland car insurance providers. We know we’re beating a dead horse here, but be sure to check with your insurance provider before you sign up so you know that you’ll get the discount!
How much is a defensive driving course in Maryland?
Exactly what you pay for your defensive driving course varies, but generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $50 and $95.
How long is a defensive driving course in Maryland?
In-person defensive driving courses are typically about four hours long but can be up to eight hours if you need to get your license reinstated. Online courses can be completed much faster, usually between one and four hours.
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