First Class Defensive Driving

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How old must I be to take a driver ed course?
A. To qualify to take a teen driver ed course (32 hours), you must be at least 15 years old. You may drive with a permit at 15. Those 18-24 must take a six hour adult driver ed course.

Q. When can I drive?
A. After the completion of the six hour of driver education class, you may take the permit test and upon passing with a score of 70 or above, you will receive a certificate to take to the DOS to apply for your permit to drive with a licensed driver over 21 (LOFS.)

Q. I have a ticket/citation. What do I need to do to take the driving safety (defensive driving) course for ticket dismissal?
A. You must have court approval before taking the course and a class reservation for ticket dismissal. By contacting the court prior to taking your class, you may prevent delays or added expenses. Most courts give 90 days from that time to complete the course and return your Uniform Certificate of Completion to the court.

Q. I need my certificate quickly! How long will it take to receive my certificate?
A. The Uniform Certificate of Completion is normally put in the mail within three to five days after course completion for ticket dismissal. Rush delivery is available; we will do all we can to get your certificate to you asap. Please allow time for the Uniform Certificate of Completion (for ticket dismissal) to be mailed to the student.

If you have taken the course for insurance only, you will receive your certificate at the end of the course on the very same day!

NEXT DAY MAIL DEPOSIT: If you have taken the course for ticket dismissal and wish to rush your Uniform Certificate of Completion, for $10 extra, it is put into the U.S. mail within 24 hours (by request.). Next day courier service is available for $25 (pick up is only Mon-Friday.)

Q. How do I sign up for a class?
A. To confirm your reservation, you may email us at firstclassdriver@yahoo.com or call us at 817 926 2896. Students must show a valid picture ID (drivers license, employee or school ID) and pay at the door, cash or check. You must know whether your ticket was issued from a city or county court and the name of that city or county if you are taking the class for ticket dismissal.

Q. Is First Class Defensive Driving approved by the State of Texas?
A. Yes. First Class Defensive Driving has been approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the agency responsible for licensing driving safety courses in the State of Texas. The Texas Education Agency can be contacted at 512-997-6500. FCDD Course Provider License number is CP661.

Q. I have court papers to be notarized. Can you help me with this
A. We try to have a notary available at each class for your convenience. Cost is $5 per notary.

Q. Will this course help me get a discount on my automobile insurance?
A. This course may qualify you for a discount on your automobile insurance, up to 10% and it is good for THREE years! Please check with your insurance office - most give the discount.

Q. What do I do after I receive my certificate?
A. What you do with your certificate will depend on your reason(s) for taking the course. If you are taking the course for traffic ticket dismissal, follow the instructions provided by the court issuing the ticket. If you are taking the course to receive a discount on your automobile insurance, mail the certificate for insurance discount to your insurance company. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.

Q. What if I take the class for the insurance discount and then get a traffic ticket?
A. If you take a driving safety class to receive an insurance discount and later receive a traffic ticket, you are permitted by Texas law to take another class to dismiss the ticket.

Q. How often can I take the class for ticket dismissal?
A. Texas state law allows you to dismiss one traffic ticket per year per class. Additional classes may be taken with court approval. Just ask the court. They almost always say yes. Also, those 25 and under must take a course to dismiss every moving violation received. The court allows multiple classes for these drivers.

Q. How can I become a driving safety instructor?
A. First Class Defensive Driving is a Course Provider (License CP661.) Training is available and includes 24 hours of classroom training; you will teach two "student teaching" classes with a licensed instructor after your classroom training. Training is $495. An additional fee of $75 covers your state license and is paid to the Texas Education Agency. A school license is $150. Continuing Education (a two hour state requirement) is conducted yearly; renewal of your license is $25.

We hope that we've answered your questions. If you still have questions or concerns, please call us at 817-926-2896 or write to Ms. DaMeanor at email: firstclassdriver@yahoo.com