Is there a free defensive driving course in North Dakota?

Is there a free NDDOT-approved course?

No. None of the 21 providers on NDDOT's list advertises a free course. The cheapest we found on October 5, 2026 was 5 Dollar Traffic School at $5, whose FAQ says "There are no hidden fees!" The other online-only providers that show a price charge $18.95 to $39.95, and the North Dakota Safety Council $45 to $95.

What about the free course from the Insurance Reserve Fund?

The North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund offers a free online defensive driving course, but its page says it is "offered only to employees of NDIRF members," which are public entities. It isn't on NDDOT's list under that name. If you work for a city, county or school that belongs to NDIRF, ask your employer. Otherwise it isn't open to you.

Does an insurer give one away?

We didn't find one. The NSC's North Dakota course sold through State Farm is $24.95.

What are the free courses I see online?

Usually a course that isn't on NDDOT's list. A course NDDOT hasn't approved does nothing for your points. NDCC 39-06.1-13 gives the 3-point reduction only for a course "approved by the director." Before you start any course, find the provider's name on NDDOT's list. All 21 compared.

Do I need a course at all?

Often not.

• Up to 10 mph over where the limit is 65 or less is 0 points. So is up to 5 over where the limit is above 65 (NDCC 39-06.1-10).
• Many tickets carry no points at all. NDDOT's page says "For violations not listed, no points are assigned." Tickets with no points.
• One point comes off by itself after three months without new points (NDCC 39-06.1-13).

The free option in all three cases is to do nothing about points.

What does ours cost?

$24.99, certificate included, 4 hours online. It's NDDOT-approved, though NDDOT's public list hasn't been updated to show it yet. See the course.

Last reviewed October 5, 2026 against NDCC chapter 39-06.1 and NDDOT's points reduction page.