How to Find Defensive Driving Courses in Missouri

In Missouri, completing an approved defensive driving course can help you avoid accumulating points on your license or save money on car insurance.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Alita Dark
background
In Missouri, taking a defensive driving course can help you avoid accumulating points on your license or brush up on your driving skills. However, many drivers choose to complete the course to lower their
Missouri car insurance rates
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Taking a defensive driving course in Missouri could…

…allow you to avoid accumulating points on your driver’s license

If you’ve been ticketed for a moving violation, your county may allow you to complete a defensive driving course to avoid having points added to your
Missouri driving record
. While taking the course won’t dismiss your traffic ticket, it can help you avoid the points associated with it. 
You may only complete a defensive driving course to avoid
driver’s license points
once every three years. Your eligibility to complete a defensive driving course in place of receiving points is determined by your county and the Missouri Fine Collection Center and is based on your specific violation and your driving record. To be considered for eligibility, you must:
  • Plead guilty to your violation
  • Pay the citation associated with your violation
  • Hold a non-commercial
    Missouri driver’s license
  • Have been charged with a moving violation
  • Have been convicted before enrolling in your course
  • Complete your course within 60 days of your conviction
Within 15 days of completing your course, you’ll need to mail your completion certificate to:
Missouri Department of Revenue
Driver License Bureau
P.O. Box 200
Jefferson City, MO 65105

…earn you an insurance discount

Many auto insurance providers offer
safe driver discounts
not only for keeping a
clean driving record
but also for completing driver improvement courses. To see if your provider offers discounts to those who complete a defensive driving course, contact your insurance agent. 
Keep in mind that not all traffic improvement courses count toward earning these types of discounts. Courses may be online or in person, but they must also be approved by the state

…improve your driving skills

In addition to helping you
get a clean driving record
or earn an insurance discount, taking a driver improvement course is also just a great way to improve your driving skills. Whether you choose to take your course online or in person, approved programs generally cover topics including:
Even if your course doesn’t earn you a discount or help you avoid points, it can help you avoid the extra costs associated with additional tickets and car accidents.

How to find Missouri defensive driving courses 

Finding defensive driving programs in Missouri is as simple as doing a quick Google search. But remember, if you’re taking the course to satisfy court requirements or to earn an insurance discount, not just any old course will do. To simplify things, the
Missouri Safety Center
has compiled lists of both in-person and online courses that have been approved by the state. 
Both in-person and online courses are designed to be completed in anywhere from four to 12 hours, but online programs offer you the convenience of completing the course at your own speed. Once you purchase access, you can complete the course in one sitting or over the course of several days—whatever works best for you.

How much is a defensive driving course in Missouri?

The cost of your defensive driving program will depend on the provider you choose, as well as the duration of the course you select. A four-hour course may cost as little as $15, while some 12-hour courses cost up to $90 or more.

How long is a defensive driving course in Missouri? 

Defensive driving courses in Missouri generally take four to 12 hours to complete. 
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