Is taking a defensive driving class mandatory?

Defensive driving classes are mandatory in some cases, such as when the driver has had a traffic offense. Some county courts require these driving classes if someone has too many points on his driving record or gets a court order to complete the class.

There are also defensive driving programs that are optional, such as when someone has a traffic offense and wants to avoid having the offense go on his record. Attending traffic school helps to keep the driver's insurance premium at the same rate and keep a clean driving record. Whether mandatory or elective, the defensive driving class must be approved by the local court system.