A little preparation. A lot more confidence. Start practicing →
DMVZoneBlog
Practice for free
The blog / Texas · Courses
Courses

Using a Texas driving safety course to dismiss a ticket

Texas lets most drivers dismiss one ticket a year with a state-approved driving safety course. Who qualifies, which tickets are excluded, the court fee, and the 90-day deadline.

DMVZone editorial · November 12, 2026 · 6 min read
Quick answer

Most Texas drivers can have one ticket dismissed every 12 months by taking a state-approved driving safety course. You ask the court first, by your appearance date, then finish the course and turn in the paperwork within 90 days. Speeding 25 mph or more over, passing a school bus and CDL holders are excluded.

How often
Once per 12 months
Deadline
90 days
Excluded
25+ mph over
Court fee example
$144
Four cars at an intersection with a stop sign on each approach, with white stop lines painted on the pavement in front of the cars.

In Texas the course does not just shave points. If you finish on time, the ticket is dismissed and does not count as a conviction, which matters because Texas suspends licenses based on the number of convictions.

Do you qualify?

You need

  • A valid Texas license or permit, or active military status
  • Proof of liability insurance
  • No course used for dismissal in the 12 months before the offense

Not eligible

  • Anyone who held a CDL at the time of the offense
  • Speeding 25 mph or more over the limit
  • Speeding 95 mph or more

Excluded tickets

  • Passing a school bus
  • Leaving the scene or hitting an unattended car
  • Construction zone offenses with workers present

Step by step

  1. Before your appearance datePlead guilty or no contest, ask the court for a driving safety course, and show your license and insurance.
  2. Wait for the court orderDo not start the course until the court allows it.
  3. Pay the court feeHarris County justice courts, for example, charge $144 for offenses on or after January 1, 2020.
  4. Finish within 90 daysTurn in the completion certificate, a copy of your driving record, and an affidavit that you had no course in the past 12 months.
  5. Case dismissedMiss the deadline and the court can enter judgment and require the full fine.
Good to know

Order your driving record from DPS as soon as the court approves the course. It can take time to arrive, and the court needs it with your certificate.

Check yourself3 questions

  1. How long do you have to finish a Texas driving safety course and turn in the paperwork?

    Answer: C. The court defers judgment for 90 days while you complete the requirements.

  2. Which ticket cannot be dismissed with a Texas driving safety course?

    Answer: C. Passing a school bus is excluded, along with 25+ mph over and several other offenses.

  3. How often can a Texas driver use the course to dismiss a ticket?

    Answer: B. You cannot have completed a course for dismissal in the 12 months before the offense.

Questions drivers ask about the course

Can I take the Texas course online?

Yes, as long as the provider is approved by the state. Many approved courses are online.

Does a dismissed ticket show on my record?

A dismissed ticket is not a conviction. Your insurer generally sees convictions, so dismissal usually protects your rate.

Can I start the course before asking the court?

No. Courts tell drivers not to start until the court has issued the order allowing it.

Sources

Checked against these pages on November 12, 2026. Laws change, so open the source before you rely on a number.

Rules and fees change. Always confirm the details with the official Texas DMV or motor vehicle agency before you act. DMVZone practice questions are written to teach the rules and are not copies of the real test.

Keep your curiosity moving.

All articles →
A woman walks across a striped crosswalk between two blue pedestrian signs while a white hatchback waits in front of it.
Courses

Impact Texas Drivers (ITTD) Certificate Guide

Impact Texas Drivers explained: who needs the ITTD certificate, how long the free DPS video takes, the 90-day rule and how to use it.

DMVZone editorial · 6 min read
A red car and a blue car approach a residential intersection with no signs or signals from two different directions.
Courses

Texas 6-Hour Adult Driver Ed Explained

Who needs the Texas 6-hour adult driver ed course, how long it takes, what it costs and how to finish it, with DPS rules checked.

DMVZone editorial · 7 min read
Four cars at an intersection with a stop sign on each approach, with white stop lines painted on the pavement in front of the cars.
Tickets and points

Does Texas Still Use Driver's License Points? How Tickets Can Suspend You

Texas ended the Driver Responsibility Program in 2019, so points no longer bring surcharge bills. But four moving violations in 12 months, or seven in 24, can still cost you your license.

DMVZone editorial · 6 min read