Which North Dakota course do you need?
North Dakota approves courses for two separate purposes, through two agencies. One takes points off your record. The other lowers your insurance premium. They are different courses, and the certificate from one does not do the other’s job. Answer one question and we will show you yours.
North Dakota Defensive Driving Course (Point Reduction)
NDDOT-ApprovedTake 3 points off, or keep a new ticket’s points off
$24.99total · 4 hours online
- 3 points off your record, once every 12 months, up to 9 in 3 years (NDCC 39-06.1-13)
- Or elect it at court when you post bond for a ticket worth 5 points or fewer, and the points never post
- Certificate to NDDOT, by email or mail. In-lieu elections: within 30 days
- 4 hours, $24.99 total, certificate included
North Dakota Insurance Premium Reduction Course
NDHP-ApprovedLower your premium for 2 years, 3 if you are 55 or older
$24.99total · 4 hours online
- Your insurer must offer a reduction for at least two years after you finish (NDCC 26.1-25-04.1). The amount is theirs to set
- Three years at 55+, same course, same certificate
- Certificate to your insurer, shown as its own line on your bill. No points come off
- 4 hours, $24.99 total, certificate included
Both courses are four hours, self-paced, with the certificate included and a full refund any time before you finish.
The two courses, side by side
| Point reduction course | Insurance premium reduction course | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Takes 3 points off your record, or keeps a small ticket’s points from posting | Lowers your auto insurance premium; your record is untouched |
| Who approves it | North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) | North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) |
| The law | NDCC 39-06.1-13 and 39-06.1-10.1 | NDCC 26.1-25-04.1; NDAC 38-08 |
| Who it is for | A driver with points, or one who elected a course at court | The principal operator of a private passenger car or light pickup or van |
| How long it counts | Once every 12 months; up to 9 points in 3 years | At least 2 years; 3 years at 55 or older |
| Where the certificate goes | NDDOT, by email or mail (you send it) | Your insurer or agent (you send it) |
| Deadline | In-lieu elections: certificate to NDDOT within 30 days. Otherwise none | None; the reduction starts when you finish |
The insurer sets the amount of any premium reduction and NDDOT applies any point reduction; neither is ours to promise. Sources: NDCC 26.1-25-04.1, NDCC 39-06.1-10.1 and -13, NDAC 38-08, read October 15, 2026.
Quick answers
Can I take both North Dakota courses?
Yes. They are separate courses with separate approvals and separate certificates, and each does only its own job. Finishing one does not earn the other’s benefit.
Does the point reduction course lower my insurance?
Not under NDCC 26.1-25-04.1. That statute applies to courses the Highway Patrol approves, which is the insurance premium reduction course. Whether fewer points change your rate is your insurer’s call, and the violation stays on your record either way.
Does the insurance course take points off my record?
No. Only an NDDOT-approved course can earn the 3-point reduction or be elected at court in lieu of points. The insurance course changes your premium, not your record.
I have a ticket and I also want the lower premium. Which first?
If you elected a course at court, do the point reduction course first: NDDOT needs that certificate within 30 days of the election. The insurance course has no deadline, so take it when it suits you.
Still not sure? Read the longer guide or ask us.