Defensive driving classes should not be confused with driver's ed. Driver's education classes are designed to teach new, unlicensed drivers how to drive. Defensive driving classes are classes that help people who already know how to drive do so more safely. Consequently, driver's ed classes are much more in-depth, with 32 hours of classroom time, 7 hours spent watching someone else drive, and 7 hours of driving practice. Defensive driving courses, on the other hand, are only required to be 6 hours long and do not have the in-car section or a road test.

If you are looking for traffic schools in Texas, Driving University is a great choice because our classes use a state-approved curriculum. According to the Texas Education Code all courses are required to have the same educational objectives, including "promoting respect for and encouraging observance of traffic laws and traffic safety responsibilities of drivers and citizens; reducing traffic violations; reducing traffic-related injuries, deaths, and economic losses; and motivating continuing development of traffic-related competencies" (Texas Education Code, §176.1108). Driving University’s class accomplishes this objective with a interesting lessons that are easy to use and understand.

The exact curriculum requirements are developed by the Texas Education Agency, in conjunction with the Texas Department of Insurance. They include the following:

• Course introduction- The first 10 minutes of class are spent introducing students to the goals and objectives of the course, as well as the requirements for receiving credit.
• The traffic safety problem- Approximately 15 minutes of each course are spent discussing the causes and consequences of auto accidents in Texas. The goal of this section is to make the students aware that there is a problem and to motivate them to be part of the solution.
  
• Factors influencing driver performance- At least 20 minutes of the course will be spent discussing what influences the way we drive, including emotional states such as being angry or aggressive, knowledge of the rules of the road and the impact of physical states such drowsiness and inebriation.
• Traffic laws and procedures: This section consists of a 20 minute refresher on basic traffic laws governing tasks such as passing, right-of-way, railroad crossings and more. After all, if you haven't taken a driving class since you were 16, you could you probably use the review!
• Special skills for difficult driving environments: At least 20 minutes of the course are devoted to teaching students how to drive safely when the road gets tough. For example, this section offers techniques to help you keep control of your vehicle when the weather turns against you, as well as tips for driving safely in heavy traffic.
• Physical forces that influence driver control: A 15-minute or longer physics lesson that covers topics such as acceleration, deceleration, traction and inertia.
• Perceptual skills needed for driving: This portion discusses the physical and mental capabilities you need to be able to safely pilot a vehicle.
• Defensive driving strategies: This part of the course takes at least 40 minutes to complete, and will teach you strategies to lower your risk of being involved in an accident.
• Driving emergencies: This 40-minute section will help you learn what to do when things go wrong on the road, including collision traps and vehicle malfunctions.
• Occupant restraints and protective equipment- At least 15 minutes is spent covering topics such as the importance of wearing your seatbelt.
• Alcohol and traffic safety- 40 minutes of the course is devoted to the dangers of drinking and driving.

At least one hour of the course will consist of appropriate audio/video material. Even if none of these topics sound very exciting to you, make sure to stay awake and take notes. As your high school English teacher used to say, "Remember kids, there will be a test!" In this case, at the end of the course you will be required to pass a comprehensive exam which may consist of multiple choice questions, short answer questions, or even essays. If you don't score 70% or better, you won't pass the class and you won’t get your certificate. Driving University’s test is all multiple-choice, and you’ll get three chances to pass it at no additional charge.