Is taking a defensive driving course required for new drivers?

No states require drivers to take defensive driving courses to receive their licenses, although tests might include components taught in these courses, as of 2015. A driver who commits certain traffic violations, however, may be required to take a course to remove points from their license.

Drivers who receive a certain number of points on their licenses may have their licenses suspended. Defensive driving courses often let drivers remove some of these points. In addition, many state require insurers to provide insurance discounts to people who complete defensive driving courses. The state of New York, for example, lets a driver take a course and save 10 percent on insurance rates for three years.