Whether you’re looking to deduct points from your South Carolina driving record or get a discounted rate on car insurance
, completing a defensive driving course can help. Just make sure the course you select has been certified by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. One of the 10 most common ways to get a suspended license in South Carolina
is by accumulating too many points on your driving record. Luckily, the Palmetto State offers drivers the option to complete a defensive driving course to remove up to four points from their record once every three years. As an added benefit, completing these courses can also earn you a discount on your insurance premiums. To find out more about approved courses, including how much they’ll cost and how long they normally take to complete, read on! 
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Taking a defensive driving course in South Carolina could…
…deduct points from your driving record
South Carolina is one of many US states that utilizes a points system to keep track of violations on drivers’ records. Accumulating 12 points or more will result in the suspension of your South Carolina driver’s license. However, completing a state-approved driver improvement course can help you remove points from your record.
South Carolina drivers may complete a defensive driving course once every three years and have up to four points deducted from their record upon each successful completion. To get points off your record by completing a South Carolina defensive driving course, you must:
Submit your completion certificate to the SCDMV
…dismiss a traffic ticket
Depending on the nature of the offense, drivers may be given the option to complete a defensive driving course to have a traffic ticket dismissed. If you’re given this option or you’re required to complete a course to satisfy a traffic conviction, the court will provide you with information about:
Which courses are available
The deadline for completing the course
Any fees or documents that must be submitted
…earn you an insurance discount
Completing a defensive driving course may also earn you a safe driver discount
with some South Carolina car insurance providers. To find out whether your policy is eligible for a discount and which courses are approved by your provider, contact your insurance agent. …improve your driving skills
Even if your goal in completing a defensive driving course is to get a clean driving record
or save money on insurance premiums, you’ll still be getting another benefit as well—you’ll be improving your driving skills. Approved online and in-person courses will cover topics such as: South Carolina traffic laws
Defensive driving techniques
Responsible driving behaviors
Alcohol/drug-related offenses and violations
How to find South Carolina defensive driving courses
Finding a South Carolina defensive driving course is easy. However, you need to be sure it’s one that the SCDMV or insurance provider approves if you're hoping to have points removed from your record or earn an insurance discount.
To simplify matters, the SCDMV maintains a list of SCDMV-certified driving schools
to help you choose a qualifying course. The list provides not only school information but also the types of uses the courses are certified for. If you’re looking to reduce points on your driving record, you should select a school that includes “Four-Point Deduction” among its certifications. If you’re looking for a discount on insurance, make sure that the school’s certifications include “Insurance Premium Discount.” How much is a defensive driving course in South Carolina?
Different providers offer their courses for different prices, but you should expect to pay between $25 and $40.
How long is a defensive driving course in South Carolina?
Defensive driving courses in South Carolina generally take four to 12 hours to complete.
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