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Requesting Driver Safety Course (DSC) ... or ...
Motorcycle Operator Training Course (MOTC)

The Code of Criminal Procedure, Art 45.051(q) states -- You may be able to require that this charge be dismissed by successfully completing a driving safety course or a motorcycle operator training course. You will lose that right if on or before your appearance date you do not provide the Court with notice of your request to take the course.

There are two types of DSC, mandatory and discretionary, which are explained in greater detail below. Normally, citations are entered into our system within 10 business days; however, you may contact the Houston Help Line at 713.837.0311 to verify that your citation(s) is available.  Please read below to ensure you are eligible to request DSC. You may apply for DSC/MOTC on or before your scheduled court date and time at any Court location or by mail.

You must request DSC or MOTC on or before your arraignment setting or you will lose the right to elect it at a later time. It is too late to elect DSC.MOTC at trial. Please allow 10 days from the date the ticket was issued to make your request.

DSC Eligibility:

You are not eligible to take DSC/MOTC if:

  • You hold a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) or held a Commercial Drivers License when the offense was committed;
  • You have taken a Court-ordered DSC for another ticket within one year from the date of this citation;
  • You are charged with:
    • 95 miles per hour or more;
    • Speeding 25 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit;
    • Passing a school bus;
    • Committing a serious traffic violation;
    • Failing to stop and provide information or render aid after an accident;
    • Committing an offense in a construction zone when workers are present;
  • You do not have a valid Texas Drivers License**

Mandatory DSC/MOTC:

You must check the eligibility criteria above to see if you are qualified for Mandatory DSC. Normally, citations are entered into our system within 10 business days; however, you may contact the Houston Help Line at 713.837.0311 to verify that your citation(s) is available. You must apply for Mandatory DSC/MOTC on or before your scheduled court date at any Court location or by mail.

Normally, citations are entered into our system within 10 business days; however, you may contact the Houston Help Line at 713.837.0311 to verify that your citation(s) is available. 

Mandatory DSC/MOTC fees:

  • Moving Violation: $144.00
  • School Zone Moving Violation: $169.00

Discretionary DSC/MOTC:

You may request discretionary DSC/MOTC if:

  • You failed to request the mandatory DSC/MOTC on or before your arraignment date; -or-
  • You have taken a mandatory DSC/MOTC within one year from the date of this citation

Discretionary DSC/MOTC fees:

  • Moving Violation: $184.00
  • School Zone Moving Violation: $209.00

Request by mail:

If you have read all of the above information and meet the eligibility criteria please follow the instructions below to apply for the DSC/MOTC by mail:

Items to mail DSC/MOTC request:

ALL MAIL SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO:
City of Houston Municipal Courts
P.O. Box 4996
Houston, Texas 77210-4996

Request in person:

If you have read all of the above information and meet the eligibility criteria please follow the instructions below to apply for the DSC/MOTC in person:

Items to bring to Court for a DSC/MOTC request:

Appear in person with the above documents at any of our six Court locations:

How do I know I have been approved to take DSC/MOTC?

The Court will notify you by mail and will outline the requirements/deadlines listed below. You will have ninety (90) days to complete the DSC/MOTC and submit the following by mail or in person:

How do I obtain the DSC/MOTC forms?

The eligibility and requirement instructions along with an Application and Request form are listed below and can be downloaded in .pdf format.

Remember, the DSC/MOTC course you elect to take must be approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

  • Application for DSC/MOTC
  • DSC Affidavit
  • Order Driving Record
    • Online. You may request and purchase your Driver Record information online at www.texas.gov and print the certified version immediately. You must request the “Type 3A” record to present to the court.
    • Mail. You may request your Driver Record by mail using the Driving Record Order Form. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

What do I need to submit back to the Court?

You will need to submit proof, either IN PERSON or BY MAIL, that you have complied with all of the requirements and met the deadline as outlined in the Court’s instructions. DSC Completion documents may NOT be emailed. The items you must remit to the Court are as follows:

Items to remit for Mandatory DSC/MOTC:

  • Certificate of Completion (you MUST submit the “Court Copy”)
  • Certified copy of your driving record
  • A signed and notarized DSC Affidavit (Note: If you deliver your documents in person, the clerk will certify the Affidavit for a fee of $10.00).

Items to remit for Discretionary DSC/MOTC:

  • Certificate of Completion (you MUST submit the “Court Copy”)

If you fail to comply with any of the above-stated requirements, you will have a conviction on your driving record and you will be required to pay the fine amount. Failure to pay this fine amount will result in a warrant of arrest being issued.

What if documents are not turned in timely?

Defendants will be required to appear at a Show Cause Hearing approximately 30 days after the due date. A letter will be sent to the address on file or the defendant may dial 713.837.0311 for hearing information.