Driving safety courses—also known as defensive driving or traffic school—are designed to improve a driver’s knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward driving a motor vehicle. Laws vary from state to state but in many states a driver who has been issued a traffic ticket or citation may have the ticket or citation dismissed upon successful completion of a driving safety course—whether online or in person.

In Tennessee, driving safety courses, commonly referred to as defensive driving or traffic school, serve as educational tools to enhance a driver's understanding and behavior on the road. Tennessee law allows for the possibility of dismissal of a traffic ticket or citation if the driver successfully completes a state-approved driving safety course. However, eligibility for ticket dismissal may depend on the nature of the traffic violation, the driver's driving history, and the specific policies of the court handling the citation. Some courts may require approval before a driver can enroll in a course for ticket dismissal purposes. Additionally, these courses can also be taken voluntarily to improve driving skills or to receive a discount on auto insurance premiums, as some insurance companies offer incentives for completing such programs. It's important to note that the availability of online versus in-person courses may vary, and drivers should verify with the court or the Department of Safety whether a particular course meets the necessary requirements for their situation.