New York’s Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP), commonly called a defensive driving or accident-prevention course, provides two different benefits for eligible motorists: a point-reduction benefit and an automobile-insurance premium reduction.
How many points can a New York defensive driving course reduce?
New York DMV states that eligible motorists can reduce the active point total used for certain DMV calculations by up to four points. Completing the course does not erase convictions from the driving record, prevent a mandatory suspension or revocation, or serve as credit against future violations.
What is the insurance discount?
New York DMV states that eligible motorists can qualify for a minimum 10% reduction in the base rate of liability and collision insurance premiums for three years after completing an approved course.
How often can you take PIRP for point reduction?
DMV guidance states that a qualifying course can be completed every 18 months for the point-reduction benefit. Insurance rules and eligibility should be confirmed with the motorist’s insurer and the current DMV program requirements.
Classroom or online?
New York offers both approved classroom courses and approved online/alternate-delivery PIRP courses. Tribune’s 6-Hour Defensive Driving Course provides course and scheduling information.
Official New York DMV reference
See the New York DMV Point and Insurance Reduction Program information and the DMV Driver’s Manual for current program rules and benefits.
Point and insurance benefits depend on eligibility and current DMV/insurance rules. A defensive-driving course does not remove convictions from a driving record.