Drivers Ed vs. Defensive Driving: What Is The Difference?

While you are working to obtain your driver's license, you may get confused by some of the terms that are mentioned. Most states require new drivers to take a drivers education course. You may have also heard of defensive driving courses. And some states have no requirements at all! So, what is the difference between Driver's Ed and defensive driving? We take that on in drivers ed vs. defensive driving below!

What Is Drivers Ed?

During the drivers education course, students learn different techniques for driving a vehicle, as well as traffic regulations and laws, basic vehicle maintenance and safety precautions. This is a time for students to get fully prepared before heading to the DMV office to apply for their learners permit. Drivers education can be completed in a classroom setting or online. Both are for a set number of hours, which is based on your state requirements.

What Is Defensive Driving?

Defensive driving is a set of driving techniques that are designed to help drivers anticipate and respond to potential hazards on the road. The goal of defensive driving is to reduce the risk of collision and injury by being aware of your surroundings and making informed decisions about when and how to react to potential hazards.

Defensive driving techniques may include:

• Maintaining a safe following distance
• Checking your mirrors frequently
• Using proper lane positioning
• Avoiding distractions while driving
• Anticipating the actions of other drivers
• Adjusting your speed to road conditions
• Using proper signaling when changing lanes or turning

By using defensive driving techniques, you can increase your awareness of your surroundings and reduce the likelihood of being involved in a collision.

What Are Defensive Driving Courses?

Defensive driving courses are educational programs designed to teach drivers how to reduce the risk of accidents and make better decisions on the road. These courses typically cover a variety of topics, including driving laws and regulations, how to react to unexpected situations, and how to avoid common driving mistakes.

Many defensive driving courses are aimed at helping drivers avoid traffic violations and improve their driving skills, but they can also be helpful for those who want to reduce the risk of being involved in a collision or other accident. Some defensive driving courses are offered by state agencies or other government organizations, while others are offered by private companies or driving schools.

Drivers Ed vs. Defensive Driving Courses

When it comes to driver education courses and defensive driving courses, there is one big difference: requirements. As mentioned above, most states require new drivers to take a Driver's Ed course. However, defensive driving courses are typically offered as a voluntary option for drivers who want to improve their skills or fulfill a requirement for a traffic violation. Some states may require drivers to complete a defensive driving course as part of a plea bargain or court order in connection with a traffic citation. The specific requirements for taking a defensive driving course vary by state.

In some states, drivers may be required to take a defensive driving course if they have received a certain number of traffic violations or points on their driving record within a certain period of time. In other states, defensive driving courses may be required as part of a rehabilitation program for drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked.

It is important to check the laws and regulations in your state to determine whether you are required to take a defensive driving course. You can typically find this information on the website of your state's department of motor vehicles or by contacting the DMV directly.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.