Defensive driving courses are an excellent way to improve your driving skills, reduce your risk of being involved in a crash, and lower your insurance rates. For many drivers in Tennessee, the question arises as to whether they can take an online defensive driving course instead of attending a traditional classroom-based course.
The answer is yes, online defensive driving courses are allowed in Tennessee.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of taking an online defensive driving course in Tennessee and what you need to know about these courses.
Advantages of Taking an Online Defensive Driving Course in Tennessee
- Convenience: One of the biggest benefits of taking an online defensive driving course is the convenience. You can take the course from the comfort of your own home, at your own pace, and on your own schedule. This is especially useful for those who have a busy lifestyle and are unable to attend a traditional classroom-based course.
- Flexibility: With an online defensive driving course, you can complete the coursework at your own pace. This means that you can take as much time as you need to complete the course and move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to.
- Cost-Effective: In many cases, online defensive driving courses are more cost effective than traditional classroom-based courses. The lower overhead costs of online courses allow providers to offer them at a lower price point, making them an affordable option for drivers who need to improve their driving skills.
- Self-Paced: An online defensive driving course allows you to work at your own pace and focus on areas that you need to improve. This means that you can take the time to study and understand the material, without feeling rushed or pressured to complete the course quickly.
- Interactive: Online defensive driving courses often use interactive materials, such as videos and animations, to help drivers understand the content. This makes the course more engaging and helps drivers retain the information more effectively.
What You Need to Know About Online Defensive Driving Courses in Tennessee
- Approved Courses: It is important to ensure that the online defensive driving course you choose is approved by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (like the DriveSafe Online Tennessee traffic school course). Approved courses will be listed on the Department’s website, and you can check with the provider to ensure that the course you are taking meets the state’s requirements.
- Course Content: Online defensive driving courses in Tennessee must cover the same content as traditional classroom-based courses. This includes information about traffic laws, safe driving techniques, and accident prevention.
- Certification: Upon completion of an online defensive driving course, you will receive a certificate of completion. You should keep this certificate for your records, as you may need to provide it to the court or your insurance company.
- Court Requirements: If you are taking an online defensive driving course as part of a court-ordered requirement, you should check with the court to ensure that they accept online courses.
- Insurance Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have completed a defensive driving course. However, you should check with your insurance provider to see if they accept online courses and if they offer any discounts.
In conclusion, online defensive driving courses are a convenient and effective way for drivers in Tennessee to improve their driving skills and reduce their risk of being involved in a crash.
However, it is important to ensure that the course you choose is approved by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and meets the state’s requirements. Additionally, you should check with the court and your insurance company to see if they accept online courses and if they offer any discounts.
Stay safe and save money. Join 500,000 drivers who use a DriveSafe Online defensive driving course to receive an auto insurance discount or to dismiss a traffic ticket. Select I’M READY to lock in your low price now. You can begin the course whenever your schedule allows.

Patrick M. is Editorial Director for the always expanding DriveSafe Online library of courses. With over two decades of experience developing award-winning training, he now focuses on innovating online driver safety training. Pulling from his background in journalism, he steers the wheel behind the creation of top-tier content that promotes a better journey—whether on the digital highway of learning or the real roads we travel every day.