Defensive Driving School vs. Traffic Survival School in Arizona

The differences at a glance

Swipe or scroll the table to compare both schools.

The DDS dismissal and record benefits above describe ordinary diversion for eligible non-CDL drivers. Commercial driver license holders and classes ordered as part of a sentence have different rules, explained below.

Sources: Arizona Courts DDS FAQ · ADOT: Traffic Survival School · A.R.S. § 28-3413

When is Defensive Driving School an option?

DDS is commonly available for eligible civil moving violations, such as speeding, unsafe lane changes, and certain traffic signal violations. Eligibility depends on the actual violation code and your history.

• The charge must qualify. Check the Arizona Supreme Court’s eligible-violations list against the statute and subsection on your citation.
• You can use diversion for only one eligible violation. Other charges on the same ticket still need to be resolved.
• The 12-month rule runs from violation date to violation date. It is not measured from the day you last took the class.
• A violation resulting in death or serious physical injury is not eligible for DDS diversion.
• Use an Arizona Supreme Court-certified school. A general driver safety course may not qualify.

Complete DDS at least seven days before your court date, unless the court authorizes a different deadline or extension. Before paying the ticket or choosing a contested hearing, check how that choice affects DDS eligibility. Do not assume you can contest the ticket, lose, and then take school to undo the result.

Sources: A.R.S. § 28-3392 · Eligible violations · DDS registration and eligibility · Arizona Courts DDS FAQ

Can DDS resolve criminal speeding?

Possibly. Arizona law allows a court to approve DDS for criminal speeding under A.R.S. § 28-701.02, but approval is discretionary. Get permission before enrolling, and keep your court appearance unless the court excuses it. DDS is not a general dismissal program for DUI, reckless driving, or every other criminal traffic charge.

Sources: A.R.S. § 28-3392(A)(2) · Arizona Courts program overview

What happens to the charge and driving record?

For an eligible non-CDL driver who successfully completes diversion, the court dismisses the covered charge and MVD does not include that citation on the driving record. That means no points for that charge. It does not erase unrelated points, dismiss other charges, or cancel a separate suspension.

A judge can also order driver education as part of a sentence. Simply being ordered to attend a class does not mean the charge will be dismissed. The court’s written order or agreement should identify whether completion earns dismissal or satisfies a sentencing requirement.

Sources: A.R.S. § 28-3394 · A.R.S. § 28-3392(C)

Special rules for CDL holders

A CDL holder may qualify for DDS for an eligible civil moving violation committed while driving a Class D or Class M vehicle that was not being used commercially. A violation committed while driving a commercial motor vehicle requiring a CDL does not qualify for diversion.

For a qualifying CDL holder, the court still reports the judgment and MVD records the violation. Successful completion avoids the civil penalty, and Arizona Courts states that no points are assessed. Depending on the violation, TSS may still be required. Do not assume DDS will keep a CDL holder’s record clear.

Sources: A.R.S. §§ 28-3392 · 28-3394.01 · Arizona Courts CDL guidance

When is Traffic Survival School required?

TSS is often assigned after MVD receives a court judgment or conviction. It may also be ordered by a court. Common triggers include:

• Excessive points on your driving record.
• Covered red-light and flashing-red signal violations, including A.R.S. §§ 28-645(A)(3)(a) and 28-647(1).
• DUI, aggressive driving, and other qualifying serious traffic violations.
• For most moving violations committed before age 18, the first judgment or conviction. Certain offenses have separate rules.

A single qualifying violation can require TSS even if your total is below eight points. Paying the fine does not eliminate that requirement. Check the violation code, court disposition, and MVD notice.

Sources: ADOT TSS guidance · Red-light violations · Flashing-red signals · Drivers under 18 · Aggressive driving

How points affect the TSS option

Arizona’s point rules generally provide:

The point-counting periods are tied to violation dates. These rules do not replace separate suspensions or revocations required for particular offenses. TSS is not an unlimited option for avoiding every suspension.

Sources: A.A.C. R17-4-401 and R17-4-404, printed pages 18–20

Deadlines, proof, and reinstatement

TSS commonly must be completed within 60 days after the assignment or order is issued. Use the deadline in your notice or court order; do not count from the day you happened to open the letter. Missing the requirement can suspend your driving privilege. Any deadline to challenge an MVD action may arrive before the school deadline.

Keep your completion certificate and verify that completion was recorded. If your license is already suspended, finishing TSS does not automatically authorize you to drive. You may still need reinstatement, fees, or completion of other requirements. Check your status through AZ MVD Now before driving.

Sources: A.A.C. R17-4-404 · A.R.S. § 28-645 · ADOT reinstatement guidance

What do the classes teach?

Defensive Driving School curriculum

DDS reviews Arizona traffic rules and practical ways to avoid collisions. Required subjects include speed and traffic signals; lane changes, intersections, and yielding; following distance and reaction time; distracted driving, fatigue, stress, and road rage; seat belts and child restraints; and alcohol, drugs, and DUI laws. The course also covers driving in adverse conditions and recognizing hazards.

Online courses include participation and identity checks. Choosing an online class does not eliminate the required course time.

Sources: Arizona Code of Judicial Administration § 7-205

Traffic Survival School curriculum

TSS places more emphasis on changing driving choices and habits. Arizona’s program uses National Safety Council Attitudinal Dynamics of Driving materials. Topics include recognizing the behavior that led to a violation, understanding its consequences, handling situations that lead to unsafe choices, and developing a plan to drive more safely. Arizona law requires at least eight instructional hours and coverage of aggressive driving.

Sources: Arizona TSS instructor curriculum · National Safety Council course objectives · A.R.S. § 28-3413

Can I take the class online?

DDS: Yes, if you use a certified online provider and the judge has not specifically required an in-person class. Confirm the completion deadline and any court-specific instructions before registering.

TSS: In-person attendance is the default. Arizona law permits a one-time waiver when attending in person would impose a substantial burden, and also provides an exception during a governor-declared state of emergency. Virtual TSS requires prior approval. The hardship waiver is not automatically available just because an online class would be more convenient.

Approved virtual TSS is a scheduled class through an authorized provider. Do not substitute a general self-paced online traffic course. For waiver questions, contact the Arizona Chapter National Safety Council at 602-222-3381 or 800-840-7563 before paying for a virtual class.

Sources: DDS format options · A.R.S. § 28-3413(B)(2) · Approved virtual TSS registration · ADOT TSS contacts

How much do the schools cost?

DDS pricing combines the school’s charge, a court diversion fee, a state fee, and a state surcharge. The total varies by court and provider, and additional fees can apply. For successful eligible diversion, you generally pay those program costs instead of the ordinary fine for the covered charge.

TSS prices also vary by school. The class charge is separate from any court fine and any MVD reinstatement costs. Compare the full amount due, including registration or administrative charges, before enrolling.

Sources: Official DDS fee information · TSS class listings and prices

Common questions

Before you register

• Read the citation or notice. Identify the exact charge, the school named, and who imposed the requirement.
• Confirm eligibility and deadlines. If you need an extension or virtual-attendance approval, obtain it before relying on that option.
• Choose the correct approved provider and confirm the full cost.
• Keep your certificate and confirm the court or MVD received what it needs. Resolve any remaining charges or license requirements.

Find an approved Defensive Driving School

Find an approved Traffic Survival School

Tucson City Court DDS instructions

Check license status and compliance through AZ MVD Now