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1. Enroll in an Online Driver Improvement Course
Traffic school online options are available to drivers in Virginia who wish to maximize convenience and fulfill state requirements. Online driving courses can be used to earn safe driving points and fulfill court and DMV orders. To enroll in traffic school, keep in mind the following requirements: You can enroll in a driver improvement clinic to fulfill court and/or DMV requirements. By completing a safe driving course, you will qualify for 5 safe driving points. The shortest course allowed by law is 8 hours. You must be at least 20 years of age to complete a course, unless you have been given a court order by a judge to enroll. DMV.com's trusted partner for online traffic school is approved by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. iDriveSafely.com offers courses that are approved for ticket dismissal by VA courts and DMV, including a full money back guarantee for all students. After enrolling in our recommended course, you will be able to enjoy all of the advantages of traditional driving school on your own schedule and on any computer or mobile device.
2. Traditional In-Person Courses
If you cannot enroll in a digital driving course, traditional traffic classes with instructors are also available through various in-person providers. However, these driving classes are only offered at approved locations within Virginia and may not be located near your residence. Furthermore, scheduling for in-person traffic school is inflexible, and drivers are expected to attend classes no matter how inconvenient the time or location.
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A defensive driving course in Virginia, commonly referred to as a driver improvement clinic, is the best way to keep your insurance premiums low and driving record clean. While you can complete a course to fulfill a requirement from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a local/state court, you can also complete a course to earn reduce the points you have accumulated on your record and potentially lower your auto insurance premiums.
Depending on your preference, you may complete a defensive driving course online or in person. These programs are available at several physical establishments, commonly referred to as clinics, in different parts of the state. If you choose a course online, you must check in with your court to see if it accepts certificates of completion issued by online driving school courses.
In defensive driving school, you will learn all of the required traffic laws and regulations, as well as valuable defensive driving tips that will help you become an alert driver to avoid hazards and prevent crashes. Read the following sections to learn more about the different benefits available and how to obtain them.
Benefits of Completing Traffic School in Virginia
There are several benefits to completing a defensive driving course in Virginia, including:
- Receiving safe driving points.
- Removing points from your driving record.
- Fulfilling a court order or DMV requirement.
- Dismissing a traffic ticket.
- Reducing fines and court fees.
- Obtaining an auto insurance discount.
- Learning safe driving knowledge and skills.
Receive Safe Driving Points and Remove Demerit Points
In Virginia, traffic school can be completed to earn a maximum of five safe driving points. These points can remove previous demerit points that negatively affect your driving record and can be used as a cushion against future traffic violations.
If you receive three demerit points and have five safe driving points, you will end up with two safe driving points on your record. To be rewarded as a safe driver, voluntarily complete a course that offers safe driver credit, such as those provided on iDriveSafely.
Fulfill a Court Order or DMV Requirement
You may be required, by the court or DMV, to complete a defensive driving class in Virginia. If you are involved in a serious traffic violation, this can save you from having to complete jail time and miss work. While courts typically do not mandate a driver improvement clinic for minor infractions, you may request permission to complete a course at your hearing.
Dismiss a Traffic Ticket
Most drivers wonder if they can complete traffic school for a speeding ticket in Virginia. If you receive a traffic ticket in Virginia, you can typically dismiss it and avoid points being added on your driving record. Simply check with your local court to see if they will credit you for a course. In most cases, the violation must be minor and cannot involve driving a commercial vehicle.
Reduce Fines and Court Fees
In addition to point removal, you may also reduce any fines or court fees resulting from a traffic violation if you receive permission from your court. This is dependent on the severity of your violation and whether you have taken a driver improvement course in the past two years.
Obtain a Car Insurance Discount
Are you looking for an insurance reduction course in Virginia? In some cases, you may attend a driver improvement clinic to receive a lower auto insurance premium. Find out if your auto insurer offers this discount before enrolling in a course.
Learn Safe Driving Knowledge and Skills
Va Defensive Driver School Near Me
Regardless of your driving history, a defensive driving class in Virginia can enhance your driving skills and help you become a better driver. You will learn valuable defensive driving tips and etiquette to help you prevent accidents and avoid aggressive driving situations.
Who can attend traffic school in Virginia?
All drivers are eligible to enroll in Virginia traffic school whether they are ordered by court, the DMV or voluntarily choose to attend. However, most students complete defensive driving school as a requirement. While all drivers can enroll in a course, this does not mean all drivers will be eligible to receive certain benefits. Those mandated by law must present a document of approval from their court before safe driving points can be awarded to offset demerit points. Unfortunately, there may be instances where a driver is required to attend a defensive driving class but is not eligible to receive DMV points.
A driver must also receive permission from a court or Virginia DMV to dismiss a traffic ticket or reduce fees. Those who are interested in an auto insurance discount can attend a defensive driving course if they receive approval from their insurance company. However, motorists cannot receive safe driving points if they take a course to reduce their premiums. Similarly, a driver cannot receive an insurance premium reduction if a court assigns him or her to complete a clinic. As for safe driving points, a driver will only be eligible to take a course once every two years to receive the maximum five points.
Depending on your court, you may or may not be eligible for traffic school in Virginia if you have an outstanding violation on your record or your license has been suspended or revoked. If you are unclear as to whether you qualify for a course, contact your court to find out specific information regarding your case.
Types of Defensive Driving Courses in Virginia
If you are looking to enroll in a defensive driving course in Virginia, there are several programs to choose from. To fulfill state requirements, these courses consist of eight-hour sessions that can either be completed in a classroom or online. Depending on the violation, a court or the DMV may require you to take a specialized course.
For example, you may be required to complete an Alcohol Safety Action Program if you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI). Check with your court and the DMV to find out what driver improvement course you must take and whether you are eligible to complete the course online.
Classroom vs. Online Traffic School in Virginia
There are many advantages and disadvantages to completing VA traffic school online and in person. Before deciding on a course, you should evaluate which option is ideal for you. If you learn well through social interaction and asking questions, an in-classroom driver safety program might be best suited for you.
On the other hand, it may be more convenient for you to learn defensive driving online if you have a busy schedule that conflicts with classroom times. By enrolling in an online class, such as the iDriveSafely program, you can work at your own pace, anywhere you want, as long as there is an internet connection. Keep in mind that you must obtain approval from the court to complete traffic school online. Additionally, you will not be eligible to complete a computer-based course if you are under 20 years of age.
How to Enroll in a Virginia Defensive Driving School
Before enrolling in a Virginia defensive driving course, contact your court, local DMV or insurance provider to request permission to attend traffic school for your desired reason. You will need an approval to take a course to reduce fines and court fees from a violation or remove points from your license. If you are required by the court to complete a course, you must satisfactorily complete it and take a final exam within 90 days.
You will not have any court or DMV deadline to meet if you are voluntarily completing a course. Your court may have a list of recommended clinics that offer either in-classroom instruction or instruction online.
If you would like to complete a defensive driving class in person, there are driver improvement clinics located in every city throughout the state. You can find your nearest location by using the clinic search feature available on the DMV website. If your court accepts online traffic school, research third-party programs that are Virginia court and DMV-approved, such as iDriveSafely.
As the best online traffic school, this program offers full money-back guaranteed, will notify the DMV of your course completion and will deliver your certificate of completion directly to your home. When signing up for a driver safety program, let the provider know your reason for attending the program. You will most likely need to provide a government-issued photo ID. If you are mandated to complete a course and plan to receive safe driving points, you must present a document of court approval to the clinic.
Virginia Defensive Driving Class Curriculum Details
In a driver improvement clinic, commonly referred to as a defensive driving course, you will learn everything you need to know on how to be a safer, more responsible driver. Whether you choose a computer-based or in-person program, most courses cover the Virginia traffic law, crash prevention, the dangers of impaired driving and defensive driving techniques. More specifically, you will learn all of the answers needed to pass the final exam and prove you have developed the knowledge and skills to avoid and prevent crashes.
Virginia Defensive Driving Certificates
Upon graduation, you will need to submit a defensive driving certificate in Virginia as proof of completion to your municipal court or auto insurance provider. If you are mandated by law to complete a course, you will have 90 days to submit this certificate to the court requesting it. Depending on your court’s submission procedures, you may have to submit this certificate by mail or in-person.
Virginia Traffic School vs. Drivers Education
Virginia Drivers License
Residents often confuse driver’s education with traffic school in Virginia. However, each course serves a different purpose. Driver’s education is intended to teach new, inexperience drivers the basics to safe driving. While all drivers can enroll in a course, teen drivers are required to complete driver’s education to apply for their learner’s permit and driver’s license.
On the other hand, a driver must already have a valid driver’s license to complete a defensive driving class. Traffic school in Virginia serves to educate current license holders on defensive driving techniques so that they can become better drivers and avoid accidents. Much like driver’s education, a driver can voluntarily complete a course to obtain an auto insurance discount and safe driving points. However, these courses are generally aimed at negligent drivers with poor driving records.
Virginia Defensive Driving Course Fees
While course fees vary by school, a standard eight-hour defensive driving course will cost you no more than $100. Due to the interactive environment provided, classroom courses typically cost between $60 and $80. In particular, iDriveSafely offers a self-paced course with a full money-back guarantee.
Last updated on Wednesday, March 13 2019.
Sources
- Driver Improvement Clinics from Virginia.gov
- Reasons for Attending a Driver Improvement Course from Virginia.gov
A defensive driving course in West Virginia can help you to reduce the total number of points you have accrued on your driving record. Overall, traffic school programs aim to review standard safety protocols and practices for motorists who need a refresher. This could include drivers who have committed several moving violations or mature motorists seeking a discount on their auto insurance premiums.
Enrolling in a WV defensive driving school could be mandatory for certain drivers who receive court orders due to the accumulation of points on their records. Alternatively, you could opt to take a defensive driving course online in order to review safety standards from the convenience of your own home. The type of course you take depends on your situation, but you have options available. The best way to decide which course to take is to review those options in relation to your circumstances before registering and submitting payment.
Who can attend traffic school in West Virginia?
A West Virginia defensive driving class is an option for a driver who wants to reduce the number of points he or she has accumulated on a DMV record. In general, completing an approved driver improvement course in WV will take three points off of your driving record, which can help you to avoid a drivers license suspension. However, it is important to note that you can only take a traffic school course for that purpose once every 12 months. Moreover, you can only remove points accrued prior to the date of the course. Furthermore, the course must be completed prior to the start of a suspension period in order to potentially cancel its effects.
Types of Defensive Driving Courses in West Virginia
A defensive driving online course is available for purposes other than reducing the number of points on your license. However, you cannot use an online course for point reduction. Instead, only in-person DMV courses will be accepted for that purpose. Therefore, online traffic school programs may help you with lowering your auto insurance costs. However, you must confirm with your insurance provider before you enroll in these classes.
The in-person defensive driving courses to reduce points are only available at select authorized locations around the state. These are eight-hour sessions and must be attended in their entirety.
Classroom vs. Online Traffic School in West Virginia
A West Virginia point reduction class cannot be taken online. Thus, you have no choice but to attend an in-person session if that is your main goal.
However, if you are taking a driving safety course for insurance purposes, then you might be able to take an online course. Be sure to confirm this with your insurance company prior to registering or paying for any online courses. The insurance provider might require you to use certain courses or companies, so be sure to follow their procedures.
How to Enroll in a West Virginia Defensive Driving School
To enroll in a DMV traffic school in West Virginia, you will have to contact the school near you and inquire about available course options. Then, you must follow their instructions for registration and payment. Additionally, be sure to find out how the DMV will be notified of your course completion afterward.
The following defensive driving course operators are the only institutions authorized by the West Virginia DMV:
- West Virginia Driver Training: 304-424-6307 (Locations statewide)
- Able Driving School: 540-675-1153 (Martinsburg)
- Bluefield AAA: 304-327-8187 (Bluefield)
- Charleston AAA: 304-925-6681 (Charleston)
- B-Safe, Inc.: 304-641-9045 (Clarksburg)
Benefits of Completing Traffic School in West Virginia
Attending traffic school in WV can bring you several benefits, depending on your circumstances. Any of the following options are available through taking one of these courses:
- Remove Points From Your Driving Record
- Avoid Increases on Your Auto Insurance Premiums
- Obtain a Car Insurance Discount
- Fulfill a Court Order
- Learn Safe Driving Knowledge and Skills
Remove Points From Your Driving Record
Taking driving classes to remove points from a record can help prevent your driver’s license from reaching the level of mandatory suspension. You can remove three points from your record with the successful completion of an authorized course, so be sure to take advantage of that option if you have accrued several points already. However, be mindful that you can only take a point reduction course once every 12 months. Therefore, it is wise to take it soon after you have accumulated several points in a given year.
Avoid Increases on Your Auto Insurance Premiums
Taking a driver improvement program might help you avoid an insurance premium increase or lower your premium after the fact. If you have received a traffic citation or caused an accident, your insurance company might raise your costs. Find out if you can take a course in exchange for lowering those back down. This is entirely dependent on the company’s policy, so make sure to be clear on your options.
Obtain a Car Insurance Discount
A senior defensive driving course might offer you a discount on your auto insurance premium. Contact your insurance provider to ask about mature driver discounts for taking these courses. Many companies offer a five percent discount to motorists who are 55 years of age or older and successfully complete a course. Retaking the course once every three years is a common requirement, but make sure to find out your company’s policy.
Fulfill a Court Order
You might be required to attend a DMV approved traffic school after you have committed various moving violations. If you are ordered by the courts to take such a course, be sure you follow the instructions exactly and register for an approved course within the allotted timeframe.
Learn Safe Driving Knowledge and Skills
A defensive driving course is a wise choice for all drivers, regardless of point accumulation or age. Taking a refresher course to be reminded of rules and regulations as well as being taught current safety standards and techniques can help all drivers to be safe on the road.
West Virginia Defensive Driving Class Curriculum Details
The defensive driving course in WV is an eight-hour course taught over a single day in person at an authorized training facility. You cannot take an online course to reduce your driving record points, but you could opt to take one to lower your insurance costs if your provider allows for that. In any case, the courses all cover similar material, including highlighting the following topics:
- Hazard perception
- Collision avoidance
- Overall safety awareness and understanding
West Virginia Defensive Driving Certificates
A defensive driving certificate will be awarded once you complete the entire course according to the requirements of the instructor. Be sure to inquire at your session whether or not you need to submit a copy of the certificate to the DMV in order to get your points reduced. Arma 3 star wars rp server.
West Virginia Traffic School Versus Drivers Education
Traffic school in WV is not the same as driver’s ed classes, so be sure you understand the difference and register for the appropriate course. In general, driver’s education is for new motorists who are learning the rules of the road prior to obtaining a full license.
A defensive driver course is for a fully licensed driver to review the best safety techniques and procedures in order to improve safety standards on the road.
West Virginia Defensive Driving Course Fees
The fees for defensive driving courses in WV will vary based on the vendor and the type of course you take. Online traffic school courses can be purchased by credit card directly through the vendor website, while you might be able to pay in person or by mail at a local driving school. Prices can range anywhere from $30 to around $100 for basic courses.
Last updated on Thursday, February 28 2019.
Sources
- State of West Virginia Driver’s Licensing Handbook from WV.gov
- Point System from WV.gov