Reducing Points on Your License with a Defensive Driving Course in Selden

If you're a driver in Selden and have accumulated points on your license due to traffic violations, enrolling in a defensive driving course can be a smart and effective way to reduce those points. Not only can completing the course improve your driving habits, but it can also provide financial benefits like lower insurance premiums. This article will guide you through how a defensive driving course can help reduce points on your license and the steps to take in Selden.

What Are Points on a Driver’s License?

In New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assigns points to your driving record when you are convicted of traffic violations. Different violations carry different point values. For example:

Speeding (1-10 mph over limit) – 3 points

Failure to yield right-of-way – 3 points

Reckless driving – 5 points

Using a mobile phone while driving – 5 points

Accruing too many points within a specific time frame can lead to severe consequences, including:

License suspension: If you accumulate 11 or more points within 18 months, your license could be suspended.

Fines and fees: The more points you accumulate, the more likely you'll face hefty fines, surcharges, or fees.

Increased insurance premiums: Traffic violations and points on your record typically result in higher auto insurance rates.

Thankfully, New York offers a solution to reduce the impact of points on your driving record through a defensive driving course.

How Can a Defensive Driving Course Help Reduce Points?

In New York State, drivers can enroll in a DMV-approved Accident Prevention Course (commonly referred to as a defensive driving course) to reduce the points on their license. Here’s how it works:

Upon successful completion of the course, you can reduce up to 4 points from the total points on your driving record.

The point reduction applies to violations that occurred 18 months before the course completion date.

While the course won’t completely erase points or violations, it will offset the points that count toward a potential license suspension.

This point reduction is especially useful if you’re nearing the 11-point threshold that could trigger a suspension.

Who is Eligible for the Point Reduction?

Most New York drivers are eligible for the point reduction through a defensive driving course. However, there are a few conditions to keep in mind:

You can only take advantage of the point reduction once every 18 months.

The point reduction cannot be applied to future violations—it only applies to traffic violations that occurred before completing the course.

The course will not erase convictions from your driving record; it simply reduces the point total counted by the DMV for suspension purposes.

How to Enroll in a Defensive Driving Course in Selden

Selden offers several options for completing a defensive driving course, including in-person and online courses. Here’s a quick guide on how to enroll:

1. Find a DMV-Approved Course Provider

Ensure the course you choose is approved by the New York State DMV. Only DMV-approved courses will qualify you for point reduction. In Selden, some trusted providers include:

Suffolk Safety Program: Offers in-person classes, often held in nearby locations.

New York Safety Program: Provides an online option for those who prefer to complete the course at their own pace.

AAA Defensive Driving: Available to AAA members and non-members alike, with in-person and online formats.

2. Choose Your Format: Online vs. In-Person

Selden drivers have the flexibility to choose between online and in-person courses. Each option has its pros and cons:

Online courses: Convenient and flexible, allowing you to complete the course from the comfort of your home. You can log in and out at your convenience, which is great for busy schedules.

In-person courses: Typically held over a single day or two shorter sessions, these provide face-to-face instruction and group discussions.

Both formats usually take about 6 hours to complete.

3. Register and Pay the Fee

Once you’ve chosen your course provider and format, you’ll need to register. Most courses cost between $25 to $50 depending on the provider. You can usually register online or by phone, and payment is required upfront.

4. Complete the Course

The course covers topics such as:

Defensive driving techniques

Traffic laws and regulations

Avoiding accidents

Handling hazardous road conditions

By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to be a safer, more responsible driver.

5. Receive Your Certificate

After successfully completing the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. If you took the course online, the certificate may be emailed or mailed to you. For in-person courses, you may receive it immediately or by mail.

How to Apply the Point Reduction

Once you complete the course, the defensive driving school will automatically notify the New York DMV of your completion. You don’t need to submit the certificate to the DMV for point reduction. However, it’s always a good idea to keep a copy for your records.

The point reduction will be reflected on your driving record within a few weeks.

Remember, the point reduction does not apply retroactively to violations that occurred more than 18 months ago.

Additional Benefits: Lowering Your Insurance Premiums

Besides reducing points, completing a defensive driving course also offers financial incentives. Drivers in Selden can enjoy a 10% reduction on their auto insurance premiums for three years by submitting their certificate of completion to their insurance company. The discount applies to the base rate of liability, personal injury protection (PIP), and collision coverage.

Conclusion

Reducing points on your license through a defensive driving course in Selden is an easy and effective way to improve your driving record and potentially avoid license suspension. By taking just six hours to complete the course, you can protect yourself from future penalties and even save on car insurance. Whether you choose to attend an in-person class or complete the course online, the benefits of point reduction and lower insurance premiums make it a worthwhile investment for any Selden driver.