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Yes, once in a while, and only if you finish in time. TLC deducts 3 points if you voluntarily complete a Point Reduction Course (for TLC points) or a New York State DMV-approved Defensive Driving Course (for DMV points). To count toward a pending Persistent Violator summons, the course must be completed before that summons is adjudicated (TLC §80-27(a)(5)).
Finish after the decision, and the points come off only after you serve the suspension.
Why 3 points can matter so much
The Persistent Violator Program counts TLC points and DMV points combined within a 15-month period, from the date of conviction (§80-27(a)(1)):
So a driver at 6 points who completes a course in time could drop below the suspension line, and a driver at 10 could drop out of the revocation range. Your own total depends on your record; check it with the TLC points calculator.
The timing rules
The fine print, in plain words
From §80-27(a)(5):
- Which course for which points. A Point Reduction Course takes off three TLC points. A DMV-approved Defensive Driving Course takes off three DMV points. If no Point Reduction Course is available when you try to enroll, you can take a DMV-approved Defensive Driving Course, and TLC will deduct three points whether they are TLC or DMV points.
- Only recent points. The reduction applies only to points from convictions for violations within the 15 months before you finished the course.
- How often. TLC won't reduce your TLC points more than once in five years, or your DMV points more than once in 18 months.
- Proof. You must give TLC proof of when you took the course and that you passed. If your driver's license is from another state, you must also send a recent driving abstract from that state.
- Already decided? If TLC has already suspended or revoked your license, the reduction won't change that decision.
The rule says "voluntarily." TLC drivers also need a defensive driving certificate for licensing. Whether a course you took for license renewal also counts for point reduction is not spelled out in the rule; ask TLC before relying on it.
Other things that matter at a Persistent Violator hearing
- One incident, one count. If you were found guilty of several violations from a single incident, TLC counts only the one with the highest points (§80-27(a)(2)).
- Beyond your control. It is an affirmative defense that the act behind the violation was beyond your control and influence (§80-27(a)(6)).
- DMV points come from DMV convictions. See how the state assigns them at NY DMV, and our guides to DMV points for TLC drivers and TLC license and DMV points.
The full program is explained in persistent violator points. Course options: TLC defensive driving course.
Frequently asked questions
How many points does a course take off?
Three. TLC deducts three TLC points for a Point Reduction Course, or three DMV points for a DMV-approved Defensive Driving Course (§80-27(a)(5)).
When must I finish the course?
Before the Persistent Violator summons is adjudicated. If you finish after, the reduction only counts after you complete the suspension.
How often can I use a course to reduce points?
TLC won't reduce your TLC points more than once in five years, or your DMV points more than once in 18 months.
Which points does the reduction apply to?
Only points from convictions for violations within the 15 months before you completed the course, counting from the date of conviction.
What if TLC already suspended or revoked my license?
The reduction won't change a decision TLC has already made (§80-27(a)(5)(iii)).
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rules, Chapter 80: Persistent Violator Program (§80-27) nyc.gov
- NY DMV: The New York State driver point system dmv.ny.gov
- TLC Rules, Chapter 68: Adjudications (§68-02) nyc.gov
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.
TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.