Traffic Schools

South Carolina's Defensive Driving Course

Thanks to South Carolina's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the state's 16 technical colleges, and the National Safety Council SC drivers can enroll in the Defensive Driving Course (DDC) and possibly take advantage of a variety of benefits.

DDC Benefits

While the completion of the course doesn't dismiss tickets or reduce your insurance rates, it does help you remove up to four points off your driving record once every three years.

Note that if you have less than four points on your record the class will only reduce that number of points.

Course Specifics

The course is eight hours, costs approximately $75, and is offered at any of South Carolina's 16 technical colleges.

For schedule times and to make sure of the exact cost, contact the location from which you plan to take the course.

Upon Completion

In order to have points deducted from your driving record, you must mail a copy of your course certificate along with a mail order for $20 to:

• National Safety Council

• South Carolina Chapter

• 455 Saint Andrews Road

• Building D

• Ste. 1

• Columbia, SC 29210

For more information call (803) 896-5000.

Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program

South Carolina's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers a statewide defensive driving school under the name of Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP).

ADSAP Eligibility

• Any South Carolina driver convicted of driving under the influence (DUI).

• Any person who is referred by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for boating under the influence (BUI).

• Any driver whose license is suspended under the state's Administrative License Revocation (ALR) program, which includes: any driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 or higher; any driver who refuses a sobriety exam; any driver under 21 convicted of driving with a BAC of .02 or higher.

ADSAP Benefits

If you lose your driver's license for any of the above reasons this course is not an option. Enrollment is mandatory. Otherwise you will never be allowed to have your South Carolina driver's license reinstated.

Course Specifics

The length of the course varies with each case, but you can expect a longer class schedule if you're a repeat offender.

The cost of this course is $500. It can cost significantly more if you also require drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

If you harbor questions, including enrollment procedures, call (803) 896-1162.

Driver Education

Teen drivers can take driver education class as an elective at their respective high schools.