NEW YORK ONLINE DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSES

How can I lower my car insurance in New York?

Car ownership is expensive, from the initial purchase price to regular maintenance and paying for parking. It’s smart to look for discounts wherever you can find them.

The DriveSafe Online New York defensive driving course can save you up to 10% of your car insurance premium. The discount is typically applied to the base rate of the primary operator’s insurance. Check with your insurance agent to see if you qualify and to find out their requirements for a defensive driving discount.

Getting your New York Insurance Discount

Successful completion of our course may allow you to receive up to a 10% reduction on your auto insurance if you qualify. This discount is typically applied to the base rate of the primary operator’s insurance.

The discount stays in effect for three years after the course is completed. You can take the course at that time to renew the discount for an additional three years and continue your savings. Check with your insurance company to make sure you qualify and that our course meets their requirements.

After completing a New York Defensive Driving course, you will receive a completion certificate that can be printed or emailed to your insurance agent as proof that you passed the course. You can also have your certificate emailed straight to your agent so you can start saving right away!

How much does a defensive driving course save you in NY?

The most well-intentioned drivers may find themselves on the wrong end of a traffic ticket. This could mean a court date, fines, and points on your driving record that could lead to increased insurance rates.

But there may be another option. If your court allows it, you may be able to remove the violation from your driving record, and avoid points and fines, by completing the DriveSafe Online driver improvement course. Check with your court to find out what their course requirements are and to see if you qualify to take a course to help with your ticket.

New York’s Driver Violation Point System

Traffic tickets in New York are assigned points, which go on your driving record to help the DMV identify high-risk drivers. These points can increase the driver’s insurance rates. Drivers who accumulate more than 11 points within 18 months may have their licenses suspended.

Some of the most common traffic violations and their points include:

• Failure to signal – 2 points
• Speeding by 1-10 mph over the posted limit – 3 points
• Running a stop sign or red light – 3 points
• Failing to stop for a school bus or school vehicle – 5 points
• Improper cell phone use or texting while driving – 5 points
• Reckless driving – 5 points
• Speeding by more than 40 mph over the posted limit – 11 points

Additional violations and the points assigned to them can be found online.

Drivers can check their points using the MyDMV system.

New York DMV Information

Many motor vehicle services provided by New York DMV are available online. However, if you choose to conduct your motor vehicle business in person, it is recommended that you visit an office within your county. Office locations can be found on the DMV website. The website also allows you to make reservations to shorten your wait for services.

Residents of New York should also be aware of the Green Light law. This law, formally named the Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act, allows all New York residents age 16 and older to apply for a learner’s permit or standard license regardless of citizenship or lawful status in the United States. Licenses or permits issued under the Green Light law are non-commercial and not for federal use. For more information, including how to apply under the Green Light law, visit the New York DMV.

New York Driver’s License

New Drivers

New York residents who have never held a driver’s license in any state, and who are 16 years of age or older, will need to start with a learner’s permit. Applicants need to apply in person, provide proof of identity, and pass a written test, along with paying the applicable fee.

Drivers with a learner’s permit will need to complete a driver education course and have supervised driving experience prior to taking a road test. Once an evaluator approves the road test, the driver can obtain a standard driver’s license.

More information on the driver’s licensing process for new drivers, including acceptable forms of identification and fees, can be found on the New York DMV website.

New York License Renewal

Drivers with an expiring New York license can apply for renewal up to 1 year before and 2 years after the date of expiration. Keep in mind, however, that it is against the law to drive with an expired license and doing so may incur additional penalties and fees.

Renewal can be completed online if you are not changing your license class, don’t need an updated photo, and have had an approved provider give you a vision exam and report your results to the DMV. You can also choose to renew by mail or in person.

New York REAL ID

If you plan to use your driver’s license as proof of identity for boarding domestic flights in the near future, you will need to ensure that you have a REAL ID. The New York Online Document Guide can provide you with the documents you will need in order to obtain a REAL ID.