If you've recently gotten a traffic ticket in Texas or you're just looking to save a few bucks on your car insurance, taking a state-approved defensive driving course online can be a smart move. But with so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Which courses are legit? Which ones are fast, affordable, and accepted by Texas courts?
This guide cuts through the noise and gives you a clear look at the top online defensive driving courses that actually work — not just on paper, but in real life.
What You Should Know Before Choosing a Course
Before we dive into specific options, it helps to understand what makes a course acceptable under Texas law. Not all courses you find online are approved — and if your course isn’t on the official list, your time and money won’t count for anything.
Here are the basics:
The course must be approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
It needs to be six hours long. Some courses let you break this up into shorter sessions.
After completing the course, you’ll receive a certificate. You’ll need to submit this to the court (for ticket dismissal) or your insurance company (for a discount).
If you're dismissing a ticket, you may also need to submit your Texas driving record.
Now, let’s look at the best options out there in 2024.
1. Aceable
Aceable stands out for its modern approach. It's designed primarily for mobile users and is easy to navigate from a phone or tablet. The content is delivered in short, digestible pieces with a good mix of video and text, making it easier to stay engaged — especially if you're not the type to sit through hours of slides.
It’s a great choice for younger drivers or anyone who prefers learning through a clean, app-style interface.
What to expect:
Approved by TDLR
Digital certificate available
Course is self-paced
Driving record bundle available
2. iDriveSafely
iDriveSafely has been a reliable option in Texas for years. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done. The platform is simple, which is actually a plus for many people who want to move through the material quickly without extra distractions.
If you're looking for a course that works well on both desktop and mobile and has been tested by thousands of Texans, this is a safe bet.
What to expect:
TDLR-approved
Offers a driving record bundle
24/7 customer support
Good reputation for timely certificate delivery
3. DefensiveDriving.com
This course is known for being fast and straightforward. It’s based in Texas, so the content feels more relevant and focused on the kinds of situations Texas drivers actually face.
One of the biggest advantages here is the speed of certificate delivery. If your court deadline is coming up soon, this provider may be your best bet.
What to expect:
State-approved
Fast certificate shipping options
Covers Texas-specific traffic rules and laws
Clean, text-based format
4. Comedy Defensive Driving
For drivers who want a bit of entertainment while checking off their course requirement, this is one of the few options that tries to make the material funny. The video format includes comedians explaining the content in a laid-back way.
This won’t appeal to everyone — humor can be hit or miss — but for some, it’s more bearable than reading slides for six hours.
What to expect:
TDLR-certified
Video-based format
Available in English and Spanish
Slightly more expensive than some others
How to Choose the Right One for You
All of the options listed above are legal and approved, but your choice depends on your personal preferences:
If you want the easiest mobile experience, Aceable is a strong pick.
If you just want to get it done with no fuss, iDriveSafely or DefensiveDriving.com will work.
If you’re the type who prefers humor over textbooks, Comedy Defensive Driving might keep things more interesting.
Whatever you choose, just make sure you complete the course before your deadline — especially if you’re using it for ticket dismissal. Many courts in Texas give you 90 days from the time your request is approved to finish the course and submit the certificate.
Don’t Forget Your Driving Record (If Required)
Some Texas courts also ask for your certified Type 3A driving record when you're submitting your certificate. This record shows your complete history and proves you haven’t taken defensive driving in the past year.
You can order it from the Texas DPS website for a small fee. Some course providers offer it as an add-on, which can be convenient if you're short on time or don't want to deal with the paperwork yourself.