Defensive Driving

The Defensive Driving 8-hour course (DDC-8) is offered on select Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Registration Fee is $99. 

For a printable version of this information, download the brochure (pdf). 

POINT REDUCTION AND AVOIDING SUSPENSION 

SC law allows up to twelve (12) points against a Motor Vehicle Record before license suspension occurs. 

South Carolina drivers with points assessed against their Motor Vehicle Record can attend a Defensive Driving course to regain up to four points. Drivers will not be eligible to receive a point reduction again for three (3) years. 

South Carolina drivers seeking to avoid suspension by attending a Defensive Driving course must complete the course before the suspension begins. You will have 30 days from the date of the suspension notice until the date the suspension begins. Once the suspension begins, the point reduction will not cancel the suspension. 

Points may only be reduced once in a three-year period. Point reduction does not apply to any violations that occur after the course completion date and will not prevent suspension for additional violations after the course completion date. 

COMMUNICATION WITH THE SC DMV 

All technical college point reduction rosters are submitted weekly to the SC DMV. If time is critical in the point reduction process, the Completion Certificate should be hand-delivered to the Driver Service Window at 1630 Shop Road in Columbia, SC. 

To obtain a duplicate certificate, please contact the SC Chapter of the National Safety Council (NSC) at 800-733-6185. 

All questions regarding driver’s license status or violation information should be referred to Driver Service at 803-896-5000. 

NAME CHANGES 

SC law requires you to change your name or address on department records within ten days of your actual name or address change. When you change your name or address with the department, all of the vehicle and driver records that relate to you will be updated. 

LANGUAGE 

This course is taught in English. Students must understand English to take the class. No translators are permitted to accompany a student. 

ACCREDITATION 

• The Defensive Driving course does not reduce your auto insurance rates. Check with your insurance carrier about ways to obtain discounts. 
• This class does not have the power to dismiss a ticket. You should check with your district court about ticket dismissal. 
• Defensive Driving is NOT a class for Alcohol (DUI) or drug-related violations. Please call 864-467-3076 or visit www.daodas.sc.gov/services/treatment/dui-services/  
• This course is NOT a driver’s education course. 

• BE ON TIME! The classes start promptly at the scheduled time. You will find the door locked and admission denied if you are late. NO EXCEPTIONS. 
• ATTENDANCE AND ATTENTION ARE REQUIRED. We must ensure that the integrity of the course is maintained, and the full number of hours and full course content are delivered to all attendees. 
  • If you miss any portion of the class, you do NOT receive credit for the course, and NO REFUND is given. 
  • A person may be dismissed from class for sleeping, doing other work or showing a general lack of interest. 
  • If you wish to attend another Defensive Driving course after missing any portion, you are required to register, pay the tuition fee again and attend the entire course. 
• NOTICE FOR OUT-OF-STATE PARTICIPANTS: Individuals taking the DDC-8 Class for another state will be responsible for submitting any and all paperwork to that state. Neither the college nor the SC Chapter NSC office will handle any information pertaining to a Defensive Driving course being completed for another state other than South Carolina. 

• Before enrolling in this course, you must verify that you have points on your driving record by going to scdmvonline.com. 
• Registration must be completed in advance. Due to the administrative reporting associated with these classes, we cannot offer same-day enrollment. No walk-ins allowed. 
• Registration for Defensive Driving courses normally closes two days before the course start date.
• Once the course has reached maximum capacity, registration will close.

SPECIAL NOTE - REGISTRATION OF MINORS 

Minors must register in person accompanied by their parent/guardian at the Dreisbach/Anderson Student Success Center, Barton Campus Building 102, 506 S. Pleasantburg Drive, during our regular business hours, Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Minors who attempt to register online without prior consent will forfeit their seat in class AND lose their registration fee. No exceptions to this rule. 

TO REGISTER 

Review the current course options at Defensive Driving available courses (English and Spanish available) »

• ONLINE - Click on the course you want in the options above to register.
• BY PHONE - Call 864-250-8800 if you'd prefer to register over the phone.