How do I know if I'm eligible for traffic school in Tennessee?
Noah Mitchell
Published Jan 16, 2026
Generally, you will be eligible if: You possess a valid, non-commercial Tennessee driver's license. Your violation is a non-criminal minor moving violation. Your license has not been suspended or revoked.
Does Tennessee have online traffic school?
Yes. Our 4-Hour Defensive Driving Course (also referred to as 4-Hour Driver Education Course or Traffic School) has been approved by the Tennessee Department of Safety. Is this course online? Yes, this is not a classroom course.
How many times can you go to traffic school in Tennessee?
How many times can you go to driving school in Tennessee? Driving school in Tennessee can be completed once every 12 months to keep points from being added to your record or to have a traffic ticket dismissed.
How do you get a speeding ticket dismissed in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, a judge can grant you permission to have your entire traffic citation dismissed by taking a traffic school course – the violation won't hit your driving record, you won't receive any points, and you won't have to pay the associated fines.
Does Tennessee have a defensive driving course?
Tennessee law requires online defensive drivers courses to be at least 4 hours in length. The DriveSafe Online Defensive Driving course is based on the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, so you see essential information outlined by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS).
34 related questions foundHow do I get points off my driving record in Tennessee?
If you find points listed there, you can remove them by taking a defensive driving class in traffic school or by taking courses as part of a state-sanctioned Driver Improvement Program. By removing points on your Tennessee driver's license, you can improve your chances of getting lower car insurance rates.
How long is Tennessee driving school?
Course Information
The course is designed to be about 15 hours.
How fast over the speed limit can you go in Tennessee?
You're right—you wouldn't get a reckless driving charge for going 10 over. However, driving 30 MPH over the speed limit is considered reckless driving in Tennessee. If you are caught going this fast, you'll be charged with a class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.
Does Tennessee report tickets to other states?
If you are licensed in a state other than Tennessee, Tennessee will report all convictions for Tennessee traffic tickets or citations, including speeding tickets, to your home state.
What happens if you get 12 points on your license?
If you reach 12 points on your licence, this is classed as “totting up”. When you tot up to 12 or more points on your licence, you automatically fall to be disqualified for 6 months. You will have to go to court for this offence.
Why shouldn't you start a road trip late in the night?
Why shouldn't you start a road trip late in the night? You'll be more fatigued the later it gets.
How many points can you have on your license in Tennessee?
As you accumulate points, you risk suspension of your driver's license. If you accumulate a total of 6 points within 12 months, the department will send you a point accumulation advisory. If you accumulate 12 or more points in 12 months, your driving privilege may be suspended.
How long is traffic school California?
The California traffic school course is approved as an 8 hour course. Your course material is broken down into single-subject units, which you can complete at your own pace. Therefore, how long the course takes is up to you!
Is 20 mph over reckless driving in Tennessee?
Driving 30mph over the posted speed limit is considered a reckless driving charge under Tennessee law.
Can you go 5 miles over the speed limit in TN?
There is no trick to how Tennessee's absolute speed limits work: If the absolute speed limit is 50 miles per hour and you drive faster than that, you've violated the law.
Can you go to jail for speeding in TN?
Generally, speeding violations are class C misdemeanors in Tennessee. A class C misdemeanor carries a maximum fine of $50 and up to 30 days in jail. Minor traffic violations like speeding don't typically result in jail time.
How can I lookup my driving record?
- In-person at a DMV field office: Complete a Request for Your Own Driver License/Identification Card (DL/ID) or Vehicle/ Vessel Registration (VR) Information Record (INF 1125) if requesting your own record(s). ...
- By phone: Request records by calling (916) 657-8098.
Does 3 points affect insurance?
However, bearing all that in mind, research suggests three points could raise a driver's car insurance premium by an average of 5%, while six penalty points could push the cost of insurance up by an average of 25%.
How much does drivers ed cost in Tennessee?
$425 for a 30-hour class per student. Workforce Essentials Driver's Ed instructors must pass Tennessee Bureau of Investigation background checks, as well as rigorous paper and driving exams administered by the Tennessee Department of Safety.
How old do you have to be to start drivers ed in Tennessee?
Must be at least 16 years of age. Must have held a valid learner permit for a minimum of 180 days. Must have 50 hours of behind the wheel driving experience (including 10 hours of night driving). A 50-Hour Certification form must be signed by your parent, guardian or driving instructor confirming this experience.
What is the meaning of defensive driving?
Defensive driving describes the practice of drivers who consciously reduce the dangers associated with driving. Defensive driving techniques reduce the likelihood of a collision or incident and can even save costs related to vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption, by driving smoothly and steadily.
How long do points stay on your license?
Points will be considered expired after three years. However, they will remain on your record for four — becoming removed beyond that period.