[edit] TRAFFIC SCHOOLS
In the state of South Dakota, traffic schools offer to as ‘Defensive Driving Courses' (DDC). There are two reasons why people enroll in the Defensive Driving Courses:
- After a traffic violation where demerit points were awarded, the court may order the driver to take a course at a traffic/driving school to improve their safe-driving skills.
- To receive insurance discounts.
This program is designed to help you to learn defensive driving techniques that will make you a safer driver. The DDC is an eight hour course and there are various locations and online clinics offered in South Dakota. If the clinic has been court-ordered, please ensure that the court will accept a certificate of completion from an online course, before enrolling in a computer based DDC.
[edit] BENEFITS
Any driver can enroll in a Defensive Driving Course at any time to receive the following benefits:
- Insurance Benefits - some insurance companies may offer premium discounts. Please check with your insurance representative to see if you qualify for this discount.
[edit] WHEN IS IT MANDATORY?
Either the court or the DMV (when notified by the courts) may order you to successfully complete a defensive driving course when you have been convicted of a moving or traffic violation. It is under the court's discretion as to whether or not you will be mandated to take one of these courses.
[edit] FEES
Depending on the location, the 8 hour clinics or online courses can cost up to $85.00.
[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- If you are looking for information on how to get your license or permit, see Driver's Education.
- Please click on defensive driving schools for details about other safe driving courses.
- When studying for your driver's license/permit, use the driver's manual to help you learn about safe driving techniques and traffic laws.
- For more licensing and safe-driving information for beginning drivers, see learner's permits.