Defensive Driving in Delaware: Learn About Courses & More
Defensive driving is about proactive anticipation of on-road situations, including adverse weather, road conditions, and the actions of other drivers. The objective is the mitigation of crash risks through better spatial awareness, consistent following the recommended distance, and reducing driver distractions. Delaware’s DMV promotes these programs as a fundamental tool for behavioral modification, aiming to transition drivers from reactive to conscious habits while on the road. Before you take the Delaware defensive driving course, below are things worth knowing.
The Delaware Point System
The DMV in Delaware assigns specific point values to traffic violations to identify problem drivers. Speeding 1–9 mph over the limit has 2 points, while speeding 10–14 mph over the limit has 4 points. Speeding 15–19 mph over the limit has 5 points. If someone is speeding 20+ mph over the limit, there are 5 points with potential mandatory DMV review. Disregarding a stop sign or red light has 3 points, while reckless or aggressive driving has 6 points. Points are calculated based on the date of the offense within a 24-month sliding window.
Benefits of Defensive Driving Programs
If you choose the right defensive driving course from a reputable option like ETS Traffic School, you have many advantages. ETS courses are self-paced, have no timers, and there is free instant DMV and court submission upon completion.
- Insurance Premium Reduction: Completing an approved Basic Defensive Driving Course gives you a mandatory 10% discount on the liability portion of auto insurance for three years, although you need to check with your insurance company. If you complete an approved Refresher course within 180 days of the three-year anniversary, the discount increases to 15% for the subsequent three years. Drivers can renew these discounts indefinitely by repeating the refresher course.
- The 3-Point Credit: The DMV in Delaware also gives a 3-point credit upon successful course completion, which serves as a buffer against future disciplinary actions. This credit does not remove existing points from a driving record, but can be used as a calculation offset for future penalty evaluations by the DMV.
Course Requirements and Eligibility
There are different options to choose from:
- Basic Course: This is a 6-hour program designed for first-time attendees.
- Refresher Course: This is a 3-hour program available to those who have previously completed a Basic course. You can register for this course after 2 years and 9 months of the last completion date.
Course providers will notify the DMV of completion. You should, however, retain the certificate of completion to provide to the insurance carrier to manually get the premium reduction.
Defensive Driving Techniques for Delaware
There are different techniques that are covered. The first is spatial scanning, which involves scanning far down the road rather than focusing solely on the vehicle ahead. This ensures a wider margin for error identification. There is also the technique of maintaining a minimum 3-second gap behind the car in front, which should be increased to 4-6 seconds in poor visibility. Also, drivers can learn how to actively scan intersections and blind spots for objects or vehicles obscured by light, color, or positioning to prevent common merging and intersection collisions.
Defensive driving is a cycle of continuous improvement, and you can know the benefits with the basic course. Also, consider the 3-year refreshers, as you can stay updated about state traffic laws and reinforce the muscle memory when driving through traffic.
