North Dakota Defensive Driving Course (Point Reduction) questions, answered plainly

Three, once every twelve months, capped at nine points in any three-year period. The reduction applies to points that were on your record before you completed the course, not to points added later.

A choice you make at court when you post bond for a violation worth five points or fewer: complete an approved course and the points are never entered on your record. The bond is still forfeited. You must get your certificate to NDDOT within 30 days of the election, and you can only use the option once every twelve months. It is not a dismissal.

No. State law says electing a course in lieu of points forfeits the point-reduction option, without saying for how long. Call NDDOT at 701-328-2604 and ask how they will apply it to your record.

No. At twelve or more points North Dakota suspends the license, seven days for each point over eleven. The reduction applies only after the suspension is served. Take the course anyway so the reduction is ready when you are eligible.

Four hours, self-paced. Most people finish in one or two evenings. There is no state deadline for the course itself; only the in-lieu election carries a 30-day submission deadline.

Twenty-five questions, eighteen correct to pass. Unlimited retakes with different questions and no waiting period.

Email it to drs@nd.gov or mail it to the Driver License Division. Step-by-step instructions are in our help center. North Dakota has no provider reporting system, so this step is yours.

Yes. The certificate, unlimited retakes and support are inside that number. There is no processing fee and no upgraded version of the course.

Yes, in full, at any time before you complete the course. After you pass the quiz and the certificate is issued, no refund is available.

No. This is North Dakota’s point reduction course: it takes 3 points off your record, or keeps a small ticket’s points off it. The insurance premium reduction course is a different course, and we offer that one too: North Dakota insurance premium reduction course.

Yes. The course and exam work on a phone, and your progress saves the moment you leave.

No. NDDOT approves courses offered by private providers. We are a private company; our approval status is shown at the top of every page, and you can confirm it with NDDOT at 701-328-2604. Compare all 22 NDDOT-approved courses.