Ohio-Approved Defensive Driving Courses Compared
If you need a state-approved defensive driving course in Ohio, you need one the state recognizes for the 2-point credit. Not every driving course qualifies. Finding the right one starts with knowing where to look and what format fits you.
Ohio offers two approved formats for Adult Remedial courses: in-person or mixed through Adult Remedial Schools, and fully online through Adult Remedial Online. Both count for the same 2-point credit. This guide shows you how to find approved courses, how the two formats differ, and what to do after you finish.
How to Find Ohio-Approved Defensive Driving Courses
The Ohio Department of Public Safety runs an online registry of approved driving schools. The ODPS Driver Education and Testing System (DETS) portal is the only source you can use to find a course that qualifies for the 2-point credit.
Using the ODPS DETS Portal
The DETS portal is a search tool. You can find every approved Adult Remedial course school in Ohio.
To search the DETS portal:
- Go to apps.dps.ohio.gov/DETS/public/schools
- Under “Program Type,” pick one of these:
- Adult Remedial Schools for in-person or mixed courses
- Adult Remedial Online for fully online courses
- Filter by county or zip code to find nearby options
- Review the list of approved providers
The portal shows the school name, contact info, format, and approval status. Every school listed meets the minimum ODPS standards.
Important note from ODPS: The state regulates these programs and checks that schools meet minimum standards. ODPS cannot recommend one school over another. You pick the school.
Two Course Formats: Adult Remedial Schools and Adult Remedial Online
Ohio law recognizes two formats for Adult Remedial courses under Ohio Revised Code Section 4510.037(L). Both offer the same 2-point credit. The format differs.
Adult Remedial Schools
These courses offer in-person teaching or a mix of in-person and online learning. You attend sessions at a physical location. Some schools combine classroom time with remote modules.
When to choose Adult Remedial Schools:
- You prefer face-to-face teaching
- You learn better in a classroom
- You need a fixed schedule to stay on track
- Your internet is not steady
Adult Remedial Online
These courses deliver all teaching online. You complete the entire course online through a web platform. You do not attend any in-person sessions.
When to choose Adult Remedial Online:
- You need open scheduling
- You prefer to work at your own pace
- You want to skip driving to a location
- You have steady internet
Both formats became available under House Bill 74, which took effect on June 30, 2021. The law allows ODPS courses to be taught fully in person, through any mix of in-person and online, or fully online. All three count the same for the 2-point credit.
What About Mature Driver Courses?
The DETS portal also lists Mature Course Providers. These are not the same as Adult Remedial courses. Mature driver courses are for drivers age 60 and older. They help you get a car insurance discount.
Key differences:
- Mature driver courses give you an insurance rate cut, not points off
- Adult Remedial courses give you a 2-point credit, not a rate cut
If you are under 60 or you want to cut points on your license, you need an Adult Remedial course. You do not need a Mature Course Provider. Ohio’s insurance discount program is covered in the Ohio Defensive Driving Insurance Discount article.
How the 2-Point Credit Works
The 2-point credit is available to any Ohio driver who finishes an ODPS-approved Adult Remedial course. The credit cuts your current point total by two points.
What the 2-point credit does:
- Lowers your total driver license points
- May help you avoid suspension if you are near the 12-point limit
- Can be used once every three years
What the 2-point credit does not do:
- It does not dismiss or remove a traffic ticket from your record
- It does not promise a car insurance discount (that depends on your insurer)
- It does not erase a conviction
The 2-point credit applies to your overall point total. If you have six points and finish an approved course, your total drops to four points. The credit does not change the ticket itself. It does not stop the violation from showing on your driving record.
How to Apply for the 2-Point Credit After You Finish
Finishing an ODPS-approved Adult Remedial course does not update your record on its own. You must apply to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to get the 2-point credit.
Application Steps
- Finish the course. The provider gives you a certificate.
- Get proof you finished. Your certificate should include the course name, provider name, the date you finished, and your driver license number.
- Download the BMV form. The registrar sets the form you need for the 2-point credit application.
- Send the form and proof to the BMV. Follow the steps on the form. Some forms need to be mailed. Others allow online submission.
- Wait for BMV approval. The registrar reviews your application and proof, then approves the credit. Processing time varies.
Important: The course school does not tell the BMV on your behalf. You must file the form and send proof. If you do not apply, the credit will not show on your record.
What Happens After the BMV Approves Your Credit
Once the BMV registrar approves your form, the 2-point credit applies to your record. You can check the updated point total by ordering a driving record from the BMV.
The credit stays valid as long as the points were active when the BMV approved it. If points have already expired, the credit does not cut past totals.
Common Questions About Ohio-Approved Courses
Can I take any defensive driving course for the 2-point credit?
No. Only courses listed in the ODPS DETS portal under Adult Remedial Schools or Adult Remedial Online qualify. Courses from schools not approved or generic online programs do not count.
Do all Adult Remedial courses cost the same?
No. Pricing varies by school. The DETS portal does not list course fees. Contact schools directly for cost info.
How long does an Adult Remedial course take?
Course length varies by school and format. Most Adult Remedial courses meet Ohio’s minimum rules. Total hours may differ. Check with the school before you enroll.
Can I take the course if I have a court order?
Court-ordered courses are a separate type. If a judge requires you to attend a defensive driving course as part of a ticket settlement or sentence, confirm with the court which schools and course types satisfy the order. The voluntary 2-point credit program and court-ordered programs may have different rules. See the Ohio Traffic School for Ticket Dismissal article for more on court needs.
Will the 2-point credit dismiss my ticket?
No. The 2-point credit cuts your overall point total. It does not remove the ticket or the conviction from your record. Some courts offer ticket dismissal or deferral programs that require finishing a defensive driving course. Those run separately from the voluntary 2-point credit. See the Ohio Traffic School for Ticket Dismissal article for more on dismissal options.
Can I get a car insurance discount from an Adult Remedial course?
Maybe, but not on its own. The 2-point credit program is separate from insurance discount programs. Some insurers may offer a rate cut if you finish a defensive driving course. That depends on your insurer’s policy. Drivers age 60 and older may qualify for a discount under Ohio’s mature driver program. That program uses Mature Course Providers listed in the DETS portal. Adult Remedial courses do not promise insurance discounts. See the Ohio Defensive Driving Insurance Discount article for more on how courses affect rates.
How often can I take an Adult Remedial course for the 2-point credit?
You can get the 2-point credit once every three years. Finishing extra courses within that period does not earn more credits.
What if I move out of Ohio after finishing the course?
The 2-point credit applies to your Ohio driving record. If you transfer your license to another state, the credit does not transfer. Other states have their own point programs with different rules.
Key Takeaways
Finding an Ohio-approved defensive driving course for the 2-point credit starts with the ODPS DETS portal. Search under Adult Remedial Schools for in-person or mixed courses, or Adult Remedial Online for fully online courses. Both count for the same credit.
After finishing an approved course, you must apply to the BMV with proof. The school does not tell the BMV on its own. The 2-point credit cuts your total points. It does not dismiss your ticket. It does not promise an insurance discount.
Pick the format that fits your schedule, how you learn, and your access needs. Make sure the school shows in the DETS portal before you enroll. Apply for the credit right after finishing the course to see the benefit on your record.
Related Reading
- Ohio defensive driving course overview
- Ohio 2-point BMV credit
- Ohio traffic school and ticket dismissal
- Ohio defensive driving insurance discount
- Is online traffic school legit?
Sources
- Ohio Department of Public Safety, Driver Education and Testing System (DETS) — Find A Driving School portal. Accessed September 22, 2026. https://apps.dps.ohio.gov/DETS/public/schools
- Ohio Revised Code § 4510.037(L)(1)(a)–(c), (L)(2) — Remedial driving course delivery formats. Effective June 30, 2021. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4510.037
- Ohio Revised Code § 4510.037(C)(1) — Application for two-point credit. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4510.037
Last updated: September 22, 2026
