Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Billy Forte
A Delaware defensive driving course is a course approved by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and finishing one can bring a 3-point credit on your driving record and, when you take it by choice, a 3-year cut in part of your auto insurance premium. The two courses covered here are a Basic course of at least 6 hours and a Refresher course of at least 3 hours. The credit applies only to future violations in certain circumstances, so it does not lower the points already on your record.
Key Facts
- Two courses: the Basic course runs at least 6 hours, and the Refresher runs at least 3 hours. See Basic and Refresher.
- Two formats: online, or classroom, and a classroom course may be held in a virtual setting. See formats.
- Point credit: a 3-point credit that is “only applied to future violations, in certain circumstances.” See the 3-point credit.
- Insurance: a 3-year reduction of 10% on part of your premium; a Refresher can bring 15% under the Regulation 607 timing rules. See the insurance reduction.
- Approval: only courses approved by the DMV count, and the DMV posts its lists online. See finding an approved course.
- Proof: the provider reports your completion to the DMV and gives you a free certificate. See after you finish.
What Is a Delaware Defensive Driving Course?
A Delaware defensive driving course is a driver safety course that the DMV has approved, and Regulation 2224 sets the rules every course must follow. State law calls it a “motor vehicle accident prevention course” (18 Del. C. 2503(a)(6)).
The DMV has approved courses since March 11, 2015, when SB 178 moved that job from the Department of Insurance. The Department of Insurance still oversees the insurance discount.
Finishing a course can do two separate things:
- On your driving record: a 3-point credit under Regulation 2208, the Problem Driver Program.
- On your auto insurance: a premium reduction for 3 years under 18 Del. C. 2503(a)(6) and Regulation 607.
Both benefits need a course that is approved by the Delaware DMV. A course from an unlisted provider does not count. The DMV defensive driving page says, “If you are a driver of a motor vehicle and complete an approved Defensive Driving Course,” you can get these benefits.
Basic and Refresher Courses
Regulation 2224 defines five course types. This guide covers two of them. The Basic course is the first course, and the Refresher is a shorter course for drivers who already took one.
Regulation 2224 sets the minimum time in section 4.2.1.2:
- Basic course: at least 6 hours of instruction.
- Refresher course: at least 3 hours of instruction.
- Each hour: an average of at least 50 minutes of instruction.
- Registration: time spent registering does not count as instructional time.
The DMV defensive driving FAQ says the same minimums apply to online courses. It adds, “The defensive driving course provider has the flexibility to choose how to allocate the time.”
| Course | Minimum time | Who it is for | What it can do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 6 hours | A driver taking a first course | 3-point credit and 10% on part of the premium |
| Refresher | 3 hours | A driver whose first course was 2.5 to 5 years ago | 3-point credit; 15% on part of the premium under Reg 607 4.2 timing rules |
The Refresher has a timing window. The DMV FAQ says it “can be completed no less than two years and six months after the initial defensive driving course” “but no more than five years after the initial course.” Our guide to the Refresher course vs. the Basic course explains that window and the topics each course covers.
Online, Classroom and Virtual Formats
Regulation 2224 sets rules for online courses and for classroom courses.
- Online. The rule defines it as “instruction provided online or offline through the use of a computer.” An online course ends with a final exam of at least 25 questions, and you need 80% or better to pass.
- Classroom. A classroom course “may be offered in a virtual setting or environment.” Virtual sessions are recorded, attendance is confirmed by sight, and the provider keeps recordings for 3 years.
Both formats lead to the same benefits when the course is approved. For the online rules, read our guide to the Delaware defensive driving course online. For in-person and virtual classes, see Delaware defensive driving classes.
What Finishing a Course Can Do
An approved course can bring two benefits, each with its own rules and limits.
The 3-Point Credit
Under Regulation 2208, section 4.2.2, the DMV enters a 3-point credit on your driving record after you finish an approved course. The credit is effective on the date of course completion.
The credit has clear limits. The DMV’s Point and Speed System page says, “The three-point credit is only applied to future violations, in certain circumstances.” It also says, “This does not decrease your overall point values.”
A few other rules apply:
- The credit “will not be applied retroactively once an action item is in effect” (Regulation 2208).
- The course “remains valid for three years from the completion date,” per the DMV.
- The credit does not change the 8-point advisory letter.
- The credits “shall not be considered when determining the eligibility of a school bus operator” (Regulation 2208, section 4.2.3).
For the full detail, read how to get points off your license in Delaware.
The Insurance Premium Reduction
State law requires a rate reduction for 3 years for a driver who voluntarily finishes a DMV-approved course (18 Del. C. 2503(a)(6)). Regulation 607 sets the amount.
- 10% on your bodily injury liability, property damage liability and personal injury protection (PIP) premiums.
- Prorated: the 10% is prorated when not every operator named on the policy finished a course.
- 15% after a Refresher taken in the 180 days before the 3 years end. A Refresher finished within 2 years after the end also brings 15%, from its completion date.
The Department of Insurance describes it as “up to a 10 percent discount” “off a portion of” your auto insurance for three years. Our insurance discount guide covers timing, proration and late Refreshers.
Voluntary Courses vs Required Courses
Taking a defensive driving course on your own is voluntary. A court or the DMV can require a course in some cases.
The DMV also has a separate course that it can require. The two are not the same.
The DMV-required course is the Behavior Modification course. Under Regulation 2208, the DMV can require it when a driver reaches 12 points.
The law also requires a behavior modification course after an aggressive driving conviction. Our guide to the Behavior Modification course explains that program.
The reason matters for insurance. A course ordered by a court does not earn the premium reduction, and neither does a course the DMV requires for a Title 21 violation (18 Del. C. 2503(a)(6)d).
How to Find an Approved Course
Only courses approved by the DMV count for the credit and the discount. The DMV defensive driving page has two lists, “Classroom Courses” and “Online Courses.” Check those lists before you pay for any course.
The DMV page also says, “Please contact a course provider for a list of classes being offered.” Approval does not last forever. Under Regulation 2224, section 4.5, a course certification expires three years after its approval date.
For course questions, two official pages give contacts:
- Email: the DMV page lists DMV-DefensiveDriving@delaware.gov.
- Phone: the Department of Insurance page gives (302) 744-2566 for the DMV.
Our guide to the Delaware DMV defensive driving course shows how to read the lists and check a course.
After You Finish: Reporting and Your Certificate
The provider reports your completion to the DMV. You do not send it yourself. Regulation 2224, section 4.2.4, says the provider must notify the DMV “within fourteen days of the course completion.”
The DMV FAQ gives a shorter time. It says your completion “will be electronically loaded to your driving record within 48 hours of completing the course.”
You also get a certificate. Under Regulation 2224, section 4.4.5, it is free for students with a valid Delaware driver license or ID card. It shows:
- your full name and the completion date;
- the provider name and the course name;
- an authorized signature from the provider.
If you lose it, the DMV FAQ says to contact the provider, and “there may be a cost.” Regulation 607 makes the certificate conclusive proof for your insurer. See our certificate guide for more.
What We Found on the Official Pages
On the DMV pages we checked on October 28, 2026, the defensive driving page listed 6 classroom and 23 online course listings. The page also gave a contact email for course questions.
Two official sources give different reporting times. Regulation 2224 sets 14 days as the limit, and the DMV FAQ says 48 hours. Both say the provider handles the report.
Common Mistakes
These mistakes go against the official rules:
- Taking a course that is not on the DMV list. Only DMV-approved courses count.
- Expecting existing points to drop. The credit applies to future violations, in certain circumstances.
- Thinking a court-ordered course earns the discount. Section 2503(a)(6)d excludes it.
- Mixing up the two DMV courses. The Behavior Modification course is a separate, required program.
- Taking the Refresher too early. The DMV FAQ sets a window of 2 years and 6 months to 5 years after the first course.
- Not telling your insurer. Under Regulation 607, the discount starts at the policy start or the first renewal after you apply.
How Requirements Can Vary
Delaware’s point system, defensive driving course rules and insurance discount come from state law and state regulations (Regulations 2208, 2224 and 607, and section 2503 of Title 18 of the Delaware Code) and apply statewide. How your ticket is handled is up to the court on your ticket. The fines in the Delaware Code do not include court costs and assessments, so the amount due is on your ticket.
Laws, regulations and DMV fees can change. Check your ticket, any DMV letter, the Delaware DMV website and the Delaware Code before you take a course or pay a ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a defensive driving course required in Delaware?
Taking a defensive driving course on your own is voluntary. A court or the DMV can require a course in some cases.
The Behavior Modification course the DMV can require is a different course. A court order or a DMV letter tells you if a course is required in your case.
How long is the Delaware defensive driving course?
The Basic course is at least 6 hours, and the Refresher is at least 3 hours. Each hour averages at least 50 minutes of instruction. The DMV FAQ says the same minimums apply online.
Does a defensive driving course take points off my record?
No. The 3-point credit is “only applied to future violations, in certain circumstances,” and it “does not decrease your overall point values,” per the DMV. For your own record, call DMV Driver Improvement at 302-744-2509.
How much is the insurance discount?
Regulation 607 sets 10% on the bodily injury, property damage and PIP premiums for 3 years. The 10% is prorated when not every named operator finished. A Refresher on time, or within 2 years after the end, brings 15%.
Can I take the course online?
Yes, if the online course is on the DMV list. An online course has a final exam of at least 25 questions, and you need 80% or better to pass. You also confirm your identity with an online affidavit.
Who reports my completion to the DMV?
The provider does. Regulation 2224 gives it 14 days, and the DMV FAQ says completion loads within 48 hours. The provider also gives you a free certificate if you have a Delaware license or ID card.
Does a court-ordered course count for insurance?
No. The law excludes a course ordered by a court and a course the DMV requires for a Title 21 violation (18 Del. C. 2503(a)(6)d).
Conclusion
A Delaware defensive driving course approved by the DMV can bring a 3-point credit for future violations and a 3-year reduction on part of your auto insurance premium. If you need a course now, choose one from the DMV’s approved classroom or online list. The Delaware defensive driving course at Driving Logic is coming soon.
Related Articles
- Delaware Defensive Driving Refresher Course vs. Basic Course
- Delaware Defensive Driving Course Online: How It Works
- Delaware Defensive Driving Insurance Discount: 10% vs. 15%
- How to Get Points Off Your License in Delaware
- Delaware Defensive Driving Classes: Classroom and Virtual
- Delaware Defensive Driving Certificate: Reporting and Proof
- Delaware DMV Defensive Driving Course: How to Check Approval
- Aggressive Driving Course Delaware: Behavior Modification
Sources
- Delaware DMV — Defensive Driving Courses
- Delaware DMV — Defensive Driving FAQ (PDF)
- 2 DE Admin Code 2224 — Defensive Driving Course, Providers and Instructors
- 2 DE Admin Code 2208 — Driver Improvement Problem Driver Program
- Delaware DMV — Point and Speed System
- 18 DE Admin Code 607 — Motor Vehicle Accident Prevention Course Discount (PDF)
- Delaware Department of Insurance — Defensive Driving Discount
Billy Forte is the owner of Driving Logic, an online driver education course provider serving drivers in several U.S. states.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Delaware course rules, point values, fines and penalties depend on your ticket, court, DMV notice and case facts, and they can change. Use official Delaware DMV, Delaware Code and court sources, and consult a qualified Delaware attorney for advice about your own case.