Department of Transportation, Division
of Motor Vehicles, Proposes New Rules for
the Approval of Online Defense Driving Courses

Successful completion of an approved motor vehicle defensive driving course renders licensees eligible for automobile insurance rate reduction pursuant to N.J.S.A. 17:33B-45.1 and motor vehicle point reduction in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:5-30.9.

Under the proposed new rules, entities sponsoring an online defensive driving course would have to require course participants to pass a proficiency examination with a minimum grade of 80 percent as a condition of successful course completion. This requirement would substitute for the absence of student/teacher interaction that is required in defensive driving courses provided by means of the traditional classroom setting. In addition, sponsoring agencies providing an online defensive driving course would have to implement a security mechanism to ensure student identity during course and proficiency test administration.

The proposed new rules are published today in the December 17, 2001, issue of the New Jersey Register. The public has until February 6, 2002, to comment on the proposal.

Comments on the proposal should be sent in writing to Thomas P. Thatcher, Administrative Practice Officer, Bureau of Administrative Practice and Public Law Implementation, Division of Policy, Legislation, and Regulatory Actions, NJ Department of Transportation, 1035 Parkway Avenue, P O Box 600, Trenton, NJ 08625-0600, Fax: (609) 530-3841.