Who approves courses
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) approves providers and publishes online, classroom and 55+ provider lists.
New Jersey Defensive Driving: 2 Points Off and a 5% Insurance Discount
New Jersey's voluntary defensive driving course does two things: it takes 2 points off your record, and it earns a minimum 5% discount on key parts of your car insurance for 3 years. It will not dismiss a ticket, and the point credit has a 5-year limit.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026 against NJ MVC pages and the New Jersey Administrative Code.
New Jersey's course at a glance
Point reduction
2 points off your record, once every 5 years, and only if you have points when you finish.
Insurance discount
Insurers must reduce certain premiums, with a minimum of 5%, for 3 years after the course.
Course format
Online and classroom courses are both allowed. Providers describe the course as 6 hours.
Reporting
Your provider reports completion to MVC, usually within 7 to 10 business days. MVC does not accept certificates from drivers.
What it does not do
It does not dismiss a ticket or replace a court-ordered or MVC-required program.
Getting the credit, step by step
Step 1
Check you have points, or want the discount
The 2-point credit applies only to points already on your record when you finish. The insurance regulation does not list points as a requirement for the discount.
Step 2
Make sure 5 years have passed
If you took the course for point credit in the past 5 years, a new course will not remove points again.
Step 3
Pick an MVC-approved provider
Choose from MVC's online or classroom list. A course that is not on the list will not count.
Step 4
Finish the course
Complete every lesson and the final steps your provider requires. Online courses let you pause and resume.
Step 5
Wait for MVC and tell your insurer
The provider reports to MVC. Send your certificate to your insurer and ask when the discount starts on your policy.
How many points a New Jersey ticket adds
Points from N.J.A.C. 13:19-10.1. The course can take 2 off the total once every 5 years.
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding 1-14 mph over the limit | 2 |
| Speeding 15-29 mph over the limit | 4 |
| Speeding 30 mph or more over the limit | 5 |
| Failure to observe a traffic signal | 2 |
| Careless driving | 2 |
| Improper passing | 4 |
| Passing a school bus | 5 |
| Reckless driving | 5 |
| Tailgating | 5 |
| Hand-held phone, third or later violation | 3 |
When points start to cost you
- 6 or more points within 3 years: MVC insurance surcharge: $150 a year, plus $25 for each point over 6, for 3 years
- 6 or more points: Advisory notice from MVC
- 12 to 15 points within 2 years: 30-day license suspension
Points also fall off with time: 3 points for each 12 months in a row without a violation or suspension. Full points guide
Choosing a provider
Every MVC-approved course gives the same 2-point credit and insurance discount, so choose on price, what is included and whether you want online or classroom lessons.
Programs the course does not replace
Driver Improvement Program
MVC can offer this classroom program instead of a 30-day suspension to drivers with 12 to 14 points over more than 2 years. It removes up to 3 points and carries a $75 MVC fee plus the provider's fee.
Probationary Driver Program
For drivers in their 2-year probationary period with 2 or more moving violations totaling 4 or more points. It is a 4-hour class with a $75 MVC fee. The voluntary course cannot be used instead.
New Jersey defensive driving questions
How many points does defensive driving remove in New Jersey?
2 points, and only if you have points on your record when you complete the course. You can get the point credit once every 5 years.
Does New Jersey defensive driving lower insurance?
Yes. Regulations require insurers to give a rate reduction of at least 5% on the base premium for bodily injury, property damage, PIP and collision coverage, for 3 years. It applies to the car the course-taker mainly drives.
Can I take the New Jersey course online?
Yes. MVC publishes a list of approved online providers alongside classroom and 55+ providers.
Does the course dismiss a New Jersey ticket?
No. MVC describes a point reduction, not a dismissal. Handle the ticket itself with the municipal court.
Can I take it before I get points?
You can take it for the insurance discount, but the 2-point credit only applies to points already on your record at completion.
How long until the points come off?
Providers report to MVC, which MVC says takes about 7 to 10 business days. Check your record after that.
Can I lose the insurance discount?
Yes. The discount ends if the driver gets 4 or more points or a suspension during the 3 years.
Official sources
- NJ MVC: Driver programs and approved providers
- N.J.S.A. 39:5-30.9 (point reduction)
- N.J.A.C. 13:19-10.1 (point schedule)
- N.J.A.C. 11:3-24.3 (insurance reduction)
- NJ MVC: Surcharges
Defensive Driving Hub is independent and not affiliated with NJ MVC, any court or any course provider. This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Ask your insurer how the discount applies to your policy. Some course links on this site are affiliate links; see our affiliate disclosure.