03/07/08

The state of New Jersey is joining the digital age when it comes to driver education. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (their version of the DMV) has approved two defensive driving classes that can be taken online. Even better, drivers who complete the courses are eligible for a 2-point reduction on their driver's licenses, and will qualify for a three-year mandatory discount on their automobile insurance.

The two classes are the first online offerings from the state, and are being administered by two different organizations. One is offered by California's I Drive Safely, while the other is offered by the American Safety Council, which is based in Florida.

Cathleen Lewis, spokeswoman for the Motor Vehicle Commission says, "This is the first we are offering an online defensive driving course. It's part of the transformation we have made in the last five years into a more customer-friendly organization. Any way we can make our drivers and our roads safer is something we are interested in."

The courses, which are online version of classes already offered in physical classrooms, went live on Tuesday, March 4th. They are available at NewJerseyDefensiveDriving.com and at idrivesafely.com.