One way that drivers try to minimize the negative effects of demerit points on their driving record is to take some type of defensive driving course to have points removed from their driving record. This type of system does not work to alleviate the consequences from major traffic or criminal offenses, such as DWI or a license suspension, but it can help drivers learn new skills while helping their record. Whether a driver can take a course to have points removed from their record is up to the individual court overseeing their case. There is a limited window of opportunity for this benefit, so drivers should not delay and schedule their classes immediately after approval from the court. In addition, drivers may only use this benefit once every five years, and there is a maximum number of points that may be removed. Drivers also cannot use this benefit if they do not have points on their record in order to build "credit" for future offenses.

In Georgia, driving courses must be state approved. Drivers do not need to take classes with driving portions; classroom-only work is acceptable. Georgia also allows driver to take online defensive driving courses for people whose schedules will not allow taking a regular class. Most classes must be at least six hours long and vary in cost, but are generally not expensive. The court wants people to take advantage of defensive driving classes and therefore wants them to be accessible to different types of drivers.

The types of skills taught in a defensive driving course include how to avoid accidents, driving in extreme weather conditions, how to skid or swerve safely, and how to be a responsible driver. Usually the course will also go over traffic laws and regulations that the drivers may have forgotten since taking their driving test.

Another advantage to passing a defensive driving course is that some auto insurance companies will give those drivers a discount; they view these drivers as proactively trying to avoid future accidents or tickets. Drivers should take these classes seriously and work with the professionals to improve their driving skills.