Expert Advice for Defensive Driving
All Articles on Defensive Driving
How to Find a Defensive Driving Course in California
Your DMV or insurance provider are able to provide you with a list of approved defensive driver courses, but there are also other options for you to consider.
Jerry
The Benefits of Taking a Defensive Driving Course
If you're considering taking a defensive driving course (or even if you're legally required to do so), here are some of the top benefits you may get from it.
Jerry
What Is the Virginia Driver Improvement Program?
The Virginia Driver Improvement Program rewards good driving and punishes bad driving. Here's what you need to know about its points system.
Jerry
All Questions on Defensive Driving
What should defensive drivers always expect when driving in traffic?
I haven’t taken a defensive driving course in a long time and I want to be sure that I’m being as safe as possible when driving in a congested area. What should defensive drivers anticipate while in traffic?
Kevin Martinez
What should you do when meeting a car with blinding headlights?
I have started driving at night for my new job and I keep encountering cars with extremely bright headlights. What should I do when meeting a car with blinding headlights?
Talullah Blanco
Where is the largest blind spot on your vehicle?
I often have trouble checking my blind spot because my peripheral vision isn’t great. To counteract this, I’m studying up on where to look for potential blind spots. To help me in this quest, I want to know: what’s the largest blind spot area on your vehicle?
Eric Schad
Can you take defensive driving for running a red light?
I received a ticket for running a red light about a week ago. I paid the fine because I was in the wrong, but my friend told me I could get the ticket dropped or points removed if I take a defensive driving class. Can I take a defensive driving course if I ran a red light?
Eric Schad
When do I use low beams?
I’m trying to become a better driver. I know that using your headlights correctly is important. While I know when to use my high beams, when am I supposed to use low beams?
Eric Schad
How do I get my driving record in Massachusetts?
I’m applying for a job as a valet, and my employer is requesting my driving record. I’ve never thought to look up my driving record before. How do I get my driving record in Massachusetts?
Melanie Johnson
Can I mail my defensive driving certificate to the court?
I recently received a traffic ticket and was required by the court to go to traffic school. Now that I have my certificate of completion, how can I submit it to the court? Can I send my defensive driving certificate in the mail?
Jacqulyn Graber
Is driving too slowly illegal?
I’m noticing more often lately that there are really slow drivers hogging the fast lane on the freeway. I get that everyone has the right to drive in whatever lane they want, but the fast lane is supposed to be for passing, and instead, we’re all held up going 55 mph behind a Prius. This can’t be legal. Can people be fined for driving too slowly?
Michelle Ballestrasse
How do I improve my driving confidence?
I recently got my driver’s license but just barely. I made a few mistakes on the driving test, and I very nearly failed. It’s sort of shaken my confidence in my driving, which wasn’t great to start with. Do you have any suggestions on how I can improve my confidence?
Michelle Ballestrasse
Can you take defensive driving for passing a school bus?
I got a ticket for passing a school bus when it had the stop sign out. Two years ago, I got a speeding ticket, but I could get a point reduction on my license by taking a defensive driving course. Can I do the same for passing a school bus?
Eric Schad
How do you gauge distance while driving?
I know I’m supposed to keep a certain amount of space between me and the person in front of me, but how am I supposed to gauge distance while I’m driving? Do I just make my best guess?
Liz Jenson
Can you take driving lessons after passing the exam?
I passed my driver’s license written exam and my road test, but I’m still not sure how confident I feel behind the wheel. Can I still take driving lessons after I pass these tests?
Eric Schad
What does the IPDE method of driving stand for?
My driver’s ed teacher told me that the IPDE abbreviation would be on an upcoming quiz. I must’ve missed that lesson because I have no clue what that is. What is the IPDE method of driving?
Eric Schad
What does awareness mean when you are driving?
I’ve been told that I need to be more aware while driving. I want to be a safe driver, but I’m not exactly sure what this means. What does awareness mean when you’re driving?
Rob Shapiro
What are the mirrors on the side of my car called?
I can’t remember what the mirrors on the side of my car are named. What are side mirrors on a car called?
Talullah Blanco
Can you take defensive driving for running a stop sign?
I was busted for rolling a stop sign in my neighborhood recently. While I accepted the fact that I was in the wrong, my dad told me I can get the points taken off my license if I take a class. Can I take a defensive driving course for running a stop sign?
Eric Schad
How do I avoid a head-on collision?
My father was in a head-on collision when I was young and he’s in constant pain as a result. I don’t want to end up the same way, so I want to ensure that I’m never in a head-on collision. What are some ways to avoid a head-on collision?
Eric Schad
What are some safe assumptions while driving?
I want to become a better driver. A buddy of mine told me that I can make some assumptions about what other drivers are going to do and it will make me a safer driver. What are some safe assumptions I can make?
Eric Schad
How can I learn to drive my car fast?
I’m 24 and I’ve never driven by myself. I just got my license and a used car, and I’d like to take a road trip in a few months. But I still don’t feel comfortable driving. What’s the best way for me to learn how to drive my car as fast as possible?
Eric Schad
Can you go to jail for reckless driving?
I’m a pretty aggressive driver and like to drive fast. While I have never caused an accident or gotten a traffic ticket, I am concerned that my need for speed could get me into trouble. Will I go to jail if I get caught reckless driving?
Drew Waterstreet
How many times can you take a defensive driving course?
Can you take a defensive driving class to get out of a ticket multiple times? I’ve done it once before but I would love to do it again if possible.
Liz Jenson
How many modules are in the defensive driving course?
I want to take a defensive driving course to lower my car insurance premium. I’ve never taken one of these classes before, so I know little about the length of the program or what’s included. How many modules are typically in a defensive driving class?
Eric Schad
Do I need to be worried about driving a darker color of car?
I live in California and am currently shopping for my first car. I tend to prefer cars with darker paint, but my family is telling me to avoid buying a dark-colored car, since they say it could increase my chance of getting into an accident. I've never heard this before, and I'm inclined to believe it's just a myth—but on the off chance it's not, should I be worried about the color of my car?
Emily Maracle
How can I impress my driving instructor?
Impress your driving instructor by making a good first impression, responding to their behavior, keeping them aware of your actions, and persevering.
Jason Tushinski
How dangerous is race car driving?
I’m a girl who likes to drive fast. I love whipping my Mustang around town. I’ve considered changing careers and becoming a race car driver, but my husband is opposed—he says it’s too dangerous. How dangerous is race car driving?
Melanie Johnson
What is threshold braking?
I was watching a car race on TV the other day and the announcer mentioned something called threshold braking. What is that?
Sarah Gray
Does defensive driving dismiss a ticket in Texas?
I received a speeding ticket outside of Austin for going 12 mph over the speed limit. While I was bummed about the ticket, I read on a blog that I might be eligible to take a defensive driving course. Will a defensive driving class dismiss a ticket in Texas?
Eric Schad
How do I gain confidence driving a car?
I was recently in a car accident. It wasn’t my fault, but it’s still left me shaken. My car was totaled and I ended up having to purchase a new Toyota Camry. Getting adjusted to the new car and becoming reacclimated to the road again has been challenging. Any tips on how to gain my confidence back while driving my car?
Drew Waterstreet
How can you help prevent rear-end collisions?
My son has a bit of a lead foot and has been in two rear-end collisions in the past year. While I’ve threatened to take away his driving privileges, I also thought teaching him how to prevent rear-end collisions would be equally as effective. How can you prevent rear-end collisions?
Eric Schad
Which of the Following Techniques Help Reduce Stress When Driving?
I was rear-ended a few weeks ago and am still dealing with the psychological repercussions. Even though my car has been repaired, I can’t shake the stress and anxiety I feel behind the wheel. What are some techniques to reduce stress when driving?
Melanie Johnson
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