Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements for Defensive Driving School
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Your violation must be on the approved list. You can click the link below to view the Supreme Court's list of eligible violations.
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List of Eligible Violations
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If you were cited for multiple violations, you can complete a defensive driving program for one violation only.
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You must complete your class at least 7 calendar days prior to your scheduled court date including any court date extensions you may have received.
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If you require an extension, please contact the court that holds jurisdiction over your citation. See the List of Courts and their Continuance Rules link below to find your court's continuance rules.
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List of Courts and their Continuance Rules
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Your citation must not indicate that there was any serious injury or death as a result of a collision.
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If you hold a commercial driver license you may be eligible for the defensive driving program. Please see the section below for commercial driver license holders.
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You cannot attend class if you were driving a commercial vehicle when you were cited.
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If you are court ordered to attend as part of a sentence you must provide the written court order from the judge to attend class.
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You can only attend a defensive driving course for violation dismissal once per year.
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If you are under the age of 18 you must see the court of jurisdiction on your citation and receive written permission to attend.
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For more information on the defensive driving program you can use the link below to go to he Arizona Supreme Court Defensive Driving website, or call the toll free information line at 1-888-334-5565
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Arizona Supreme Court Defensive Driving website
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Full payment must be received prior to the start of your class.
Commercial Driver License Holders
Effective September 1, 2019, commercial driver license holders may complete a defensive driving course under the following conditions:
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Your class date is on or after September 1, 2019.
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You were driving a vehicle requiring a Class D or Class M license.
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The vehicle was not being used for commercial purposes.
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You meet the other defensive driving eligibility requirements for non-commercial driver license holders.
After successful completion of an Arizona-certified defensive driving program, the court is required to forward the record of judgement to Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, however no point are assessed to the driver's record.
Non-Arizona Residents
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You must complete your class at least 7 calendar days prior to your scheduled court date including any court date extensions you may have received.
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Pursuant to ACJA 7-205 F(26)(a) A school shall coordinate the defensive driving attendance and completion of eligible offenders who receive an Arizona violation and are authorized by a court to attend an out-of-state program. Coordination shall include:
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Verification of the individual’s eligibility prior to attendance;
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Collection and retention of all student data and an affirmation of eligibility;
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Reporting registration information pursuant to subsection (F)(25);
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Collection and disbursal of court diversion fees, state fees and state surcharges as required by this section;
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Reporting of required data to the defensive driving database for an out-of-state student who completes a defensive driving course pursuant to subsection (F)(25);
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Notification to the jurisdictional court of the student’s completion and any other reports required by that court in connection with a student attendance; and
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Providing each out-of-state student with information regarding the student’s responsibilities regarding attendance requirements authorized by a court to attend an out-of-state program. Coordination shall include:
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Alternatively, you can take the class online if you take it through an Arizona Certified School.
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All other rules are the same as for Arizona residents.