Defensive driving courses are often offered at community colleges and online, and they are designed to teach you more about driving safely and defensively each time that you get behind the wheel. If you have never thought about signing your teen up for a defensive driving course, it might be something to think about. These are a few signs that it might be a good choice for your son or daughter.

1. You're Worried About Your Teen's Driving Habits There could be many reasons why you are worried about your teen's driving habits. He or she might drive too fast or might seem too distracted while behind the wheel, for example. Even if your teen does try to drive carefully, you might feel that he or she is not experienced enough yet. Since safety is obviously a number one concern, asking your teen to take a defensive driving class can be a great step to take in one of these situations.

2. You're Looking for an Insurance Break One thing that you might have noticed since your teen got his or her driver's license is that your insurance is probably really expensive. Teenage drivers are considered high-risk drivers by insurance companies, so you can expect high insurance premiums for a few years. Luckily, some insurance companies do offer a break if the teen driver takes a defensive driving course, so this is a good way to catch a break and lower your premiums.

To be sure, you may want to call your insurance company to find out if you'll be offered a discount if your teen completes one of these classes. While you're on the phone, you can ask about other potential ways to lower your rates, such as by sending in a copy of your teen's good report card.

3. Your Teen Has Gotten a Ticket If your teen has gotten a speeding ticket or other driving citation, it's a good idea to enroll him or her in one of these classes. Then, he or she can learn more about why safe driving is so important, and it could help in court. If you're not sure if this is a good option for your teen or not, you'll want to talk to a lawyer who handles traffic citations. In some cases, it could help your attorney have your teen's ticket dropped or reduced, which can save on fines and insurance increases. In serious situations, it could prevent the need for SR-22 insurance.

Contact a company like Angel Auto Insurance for more information.