Indiana Bmv Driver Safety Program
The Indiana defensive driving course, also known as the Driver Safety Program (DSP), is a program designed to help residents improve their safe driving skills. Traffic school is an optional program for any licensed driver in the state. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), however, may require motorists with certain traffic violations to participate.
The BMV does not offer a defensive driving class directly. Instead, the BMV has contracted with several third-party providers to deliver the program. Per state requirements, the class must include topics such as defensive driving techniques, required safety equipment and what to do in case of a collision. Motorists may take a class online or in person. Taking the class online gives students a convenient option to complete the program at their desired pace. Those participating in person receive classroom instruction led by a driving instructor. Costs for the program varies per training provider. However, the BMV caps the cost of the program at $55. Learn more about the many benefits of traffic school and how to register for a class.
Who can attend traffic school in Indiana?
IDriveSafely has been approved as an Indiana BMV certified online defensive driving course provider for many, many years. They have had more than 5,000,000 people go through their courses and still have an excellent online reputation, including an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. This is a real. NOTE: If you are taking the Driver Safety Program for point reduction purposes, whether voluntary or ordered by the BMV, you must take a BMV-Approved Driver Safety Program. You have come to the right place! Required Indiana Driver Safety Program. Completion of an Indiana Driver Safety Program may be ordered by the BMV and mandatory if: You are.
An Indiana defensive driving class is a valuable experience to anyone who wishes to improve safe driving skills and learn crash avoidance techniques. The Driver Safety Program (DSP) is open to any licensed driver in the state. Although in most cases the class is optional, the BMV may require motorists convicted of certain traffic violations to take it.
Defensive driving school may be required of anyone convicted of two or more traffic offenses within 12 months. The state also requires drivers under 21 years of age to participate if they meet the following conditions:
- Convicted of two or more traffic offenses
- Involved in two or more accidents
- Any combination of the above
Types of Defensive Driving Courses in Indiana
The BMV does not directly offer an Indiana driver improvement course but instead has approved several third-party providers offer the program. Residents may take course online or in a classroom setting. Some programs also offer the program of study in DVD format.
While most programs target the average driver, some target a specific audience. For example, some providers offer a teen safety program developed specifically for teen drivers. Some DMV approved traffic schools also provide a class for senior citizens to enhance their safe driving skills.
Classroom vs. Online Traffic School in Indiana
Residents may complete an Indiana defensive driving course online with no requirement to attend in person. The online traffic school course is a very convenient option as it may be completed at the student’s pace. Online plans require the student to watch slideshows, participate in games or take short quizzes.
Students who opt to take the class in person must complete their training in a classroom setting. A certified instructor leads the in-person courses. During class, students listen to presentations, participate in discussions and take quizzes. In many cases, the course can be completed in one session. However, some programs split the sessions across multiple days.
How to Enroll in an Indiana Defensive Driving School
Anyone looking to enroll in an Indiana defensive driving course must contact one of the BMV approved providers directly to determine enrollment procedures. Many offer traffic school registrations online while others may require students to register over the phone or in person. Those participating online may be required to create an online account with the provider to register. Most programs require students to pay a fee to enroll.
Benefits of Completing Traffic School in Indiana
An Indiana defensive driving class has a variety of benefits many of which impact a person’s driving privileges. The benefits of a driver improvement plan of study include the following:
- Avoid points on driving record.
- Obtain car insurance discounts.
- Fulfill a court order.
- Reinstate driving privileges.
- Learn safe driving skills.
Avoid or Remove Points on Your Driving Record
The state does not mandate a DMV defensive driving course for all motorists. However, those who elect to complete it will receive a four-point credit on their driving record. The credit can help offset points a driver may receive in the event they commit a traffic violation. Motorists may only apply for the credit once every three years. However, drivers who take an additional point reduction class will have their period extended an additional three years.
Obtain a Car Insurance Discount
Some auto insurance companies offer a driver safety course insurance discount to those who complete the training. Not all insurers offer this benefit, and thus drivers should check with their insurance company to determine if this option is available.
Fulfill a Court Order
In the state, a judge, at his or her discretion may impose a court order for any traffic-related offense. Motorists who complete the training will fulfill their court order. Also, if a driver completes the training at a BMV approved provider, they may receive the four-point reduction credit on their license.
Avoid Suspension a Drivers License
The court may require defensive driving training as a requirement to avoid suspension of a drivers license. Motorists have 90 days to complete the training. Failure to complete the training will result in suspension of their license.
Learn Safe Driving Knowledge and Skills
DMV traffic school teaches motorists valuable skills to protect themselves and other motorists on the road. The training gives students the knowledge needed to make smart decisions while driving.
Free Driver Safety Program
Indiana Defensive Driving Class Curriculum Details
Per BMV requirements, an Indiana driving safety course must cover a specific set of topics. The required topics help ensure students learn the skills necessary to avoid dangerous traffic incidents. The course includes a review of required safety devices such as seatbelts and other mandatory vehicle equipment. Drivers also learn defensive driving techniques and safe passing procedures. Lastly, each course must discuss how to handle driving emergencies and the steps one must take if involved in a collision.
Indiana Defensive Driving Certificates
An Indiana defensive driving certificate is required to show that a student has completed the training. Motorists may be required to present the document to the BMV or an Indiana court to satisfy specific requirements. Most courses award the certificate as soon as the student completes the program. Anyone who submits a certificate to the BMV will have their certificate processed within seven to ten days.
Indiana Traffic School Versus Drivers Education
In the state of Indiana, DMV traffic school and drivers education are two completely different courses. Drivers education courses are for new drivers who wish to learn basic driving skills. The state requires these general education courses of anyone who wants to get an Indiana drivers license.
Traffic school, on the other hand, is a specific type of training designed to teach safe driving skills. A safety course is usually optional, however, in some cases, the state may require the training for specific drivers. For example, those convicted of traffic-related offenses may be required to take the training.
Indiana Defensive Driving Course Fees
The cost for an Indiana driver improvement program varies between training providers. The BMV mandates a maximum fee for any approved DSP course. Students should contact the training provider to determine the exact amount.
Indiana Defensive Driving Course
Sources
- Driver Safety Program from IN.gov
- Points, Suspensions and Insurance Requirements from IN.gov
- Indiana Online Safety Program from IndanaOnlineDriveSafety.com
- Introduction to Indiana Defensive Driving from IndianaDriver.com
So you’ve received a traffic ticket in Indiana – now what? Unfortunately, the cost of a traffic ticket in Indiana doesn’t just end with paying the hefty fee. Not only are you given points against your driving record, those points can also lead to an increase in your monthly auto insurance rates. Thankfully, there’s a way to prevent these points from appearing on your driving record – complete a state-approved defensive driving course.
Indiana Defensive Driving Course – The Basics
Any licensed Indiana driver may take a defensive driving course for one of the following reasons:
- To satisfy a court or BMV order to attend traffic school
- To prevent violation points from appearing on your driving record
- To earn a 4-point safe driver credit on your driving record
You may also be able to take an Indiana defensive driving course voluntarily and earn a possible reduction on your insurance rates.
Online Indiana Defensive Driving School Makes it Easy
The best, most convenient way to complete an Indiana defensive driving course is to take a state-approved online course. An online defensive driving course is just as good as a classroom course, minus all the inconveniences that come with in-person classes.
- No more stuffy classrooms – study wherever you want
- No set schedules to get in the way – 24/7 access for round-the-clock studies
- No boring course material – short, easy-to-understand chapters
- No need to drive anywhere – less risk of getting yet another traffic ticket
Plus, with a variety of different courses online across a large number of formats, including streaming video and mobile courses, there’s an online course out there that’s custom-catered to everyone’s personal needs and preferences.
Lower Your Car Insurance
Even if you haven’t received a traffic ticket, you can benefit from taking an Indiana defensive driving Course. Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who voluntarily take the course – this can save you a considerable amount of money! Check with your insurance provider today to see if you qualify for a discount.