Defensive Driver Class & Points

Understanding Defensive Driving and Points on a NY Driver’s License

If a New York driver receives a traffic ticket that results in points on their license, they often hear from police officers, lawyers, prosecutors, and even judges that taking a defensive driving course will “offset” four points. Websites advertising these courses also state things like:
➡️ “Reduces up to 4 points on your license.”

This leads many drivers to mistakenly believe that a 4-point reduction from the course cancels out a 4-point ticket.

The Reality: Points Do Not Disappear

Whenever I review a driver’s abstract after they have completed the class, the points from their ticket are still there—they do not vanish. Here’s what actually happens:

📌 New York DMV rules allow a driver to accumulate up to 11 points before facing suspension. However, completing the defensive driving course raises this limit to 15 points.

📌 The course does not remove points—it simply increases the threshold for suspension. This means a driver can receive more points on future violations before their license is suspended.

📌 Insurance Discounts: Many insurance companies offer a 10% discount on premiums if you provide proof of completing the defensive driving course. This discount applies once every three years.

Update as of 1/29/2025: Change in Point Review Period

Previously, points were reviewed over an 18-month rolling period, based on the ticket’s issue date. In November 2024, NY announced that this period would change to 24 months. However, as of now, the DMV is still working on updating its computer system, and it appears the 18-month rule is still in effect.

This clarification is important because many people misunderstand how defensive driving courses impact their records. If you’re considering taking the course, be sure you’re doing it for the right reasons—avoiding suspension and securing an insurance discount—not expecting points to be erased.