What is the National Defensive Driving Institute?
What is "Defensive Driving"?
What are the two different types of driving conditions?
Will I get an insurance discount for completing a "Defensive Driving" program?




What is the National Defensive Driving Institute?

The National Defensive Driving Institute increases consumer's awareness in the area of new driver training by:
  1.) Defining and identifying the different types of driver training available.
2.) Clarifying which programs are by definition, "Defensive Driving" programs and which are not, by
 
  - Clarifying and formalizing the definition of "Defensive Driving".
- Establishing the program and instructor requirements for certification by the National Defensive Driving Institute.
- Reviewing the curriculum of programs and certifying them as "Defensive Driving" programs.
- Reviewing the credentials of instructors and certifying them as "Defensive Driving" instructors.
  3.) Expanding the availability of "Defensive Driving" programs by offering, and licensing new business development.

What are the two different types of driving conditions?

"Normal Driving Conditions" - Normal, everyday driving.

"Emergency Driving Conditions"- That very short period of time between "Normal Driving Conditions" and impact. The time in which your behind the wheel skill training can determine crash or no crash and can decide life or death.

What is "Defensive Driving"?

By definition, having to take "Defensive" action implies a necessary response to another's "Offensive" action. The necessary response would require a skill practiced and learned in an "Offensive" situation. Therefore, a "Defensive Driving" program, by definition, can only be a behind-the-wheel, skill-training program which simulates "Emergency Driving Conditions" and requires the application of a learned skill in the form of a "Defensive" maneuver.

Will I get an insurance discount for completing a "Defensive Driving" program?

It depends on the level of the program:
  Level 1:
Level 2:
Level 3:


Level 4:
Level 5:
Level 6:
Level 7:

Level 8:

Level 9:
Level 10:
No.
Only if it is offered by your insurance company.
It depends on the insurance agent. If your insurance agent approves Defensive Driving I classrooms (“Passive Defensive Driving”) for a discount, they will also honor Defensive Driving II and III programs for that discount as well, as they exceed Defensive Driving I requirements.
Typically not as these are closely compared with video games.
Few do, as they are very rare and hard to find.
Yes
Since the training given at this level is not delivered in the students own vehicle, insurance agents have restrictions as to what the will and won’t approve at this level.
If your insurance company offers a discount for completing a "Defensive Driving" program of any grade, this is the level that will qualify you for that discount.
Yes, but this training is typically only available to first-responders.
No. In fact, most insurance companies discourage this level of training.