How to Get Points Off Your NJ License
The one option you can choose anytime is an MVC-approved defensive driving course, which removes up to 2 points and can be used once every 5 years. The MVC also removes 3 points for each year without a violation or suspension, and 3 points for the Driver Improvement Program or Probationary Driver Program when it offers or orders them.
Updated October 14, 2026 · Checked against NJ MVC sources · Reviewed by Jason Friedman, founder of DriveSafer
4 ways to lower your points
| Method | Points removed | How often | Who can use it | Can you choose it? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVC-approved defensive driving course | 2 | Once every 5 years | Any driver; it's voluntary | Yes |
| Driver Improvement Program | 3 | Once every 2 years | Only when the MVC offers it by notice | Only if offered |
| Probationary Driver Program | 3 | Once | Only when the MVC orders it (new drivers) | Only if ordered |
| One year with no violations or suspensions | 3 | Each clean year | Automatic; never below zero | Happens automatically |
Option 1: Take a defensive driving course
Any NJ driver can take an MVC-approved defensive driving course. When you finish, the MVC removes up to 2 points from the points currently on your record. The credit is allowed once every 5 years. You may also qualify for an insurance discount.
Option 2: The Driver Improvement Program
You can only take the Driver Improvement Program if the MVC sends you a notice offering it. It removes 3 points and can be used once every 2 years. You pay a $75 administrative fee to the MVC plus a class fee to the provider. Arriving late or leaving early is reported as not completing, which leads to a suspension. After you finish, you're on probation for one year, and a moving violation during that year leads to a scheduled suspension.
Option 3: The Probationary Driver Program
This program is for new drivers. If you're convicted of 2 or more moving violations totaling 4 or more points during the 2-year probationary period that starts with your permit, the MVC orders you to complete it. It removes up to 3 points and can only be completed once.
Option 4: Drive without violations
For each year you go without a violation or suspension, the MVC subtracts up to 3 points. The year starts on the date of your last violation or most recent restoration. Your total never goes below zero.
What doesn't remove points
- Paying the fine. Fines and points are separate.
- Waiting out a surcharge. Surcharges and points are separate, and point reductions don't lower surcharges.
- Time alone doesn't erase history. The MVC keeps a permanent record even as your active total drops.