Florida Driver Improvement Courses
Florida drivers may be required—or may choose voluntarily—to complete one of several state-approved driver improvement courses. These courses help drivers become safer, reduce points on their license, or meet legal requirements following certain violations or suspensions. Below is a quick overview of the most common Florida driver improvement courses:
Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) Course
The Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course is the most commonly taken defensive driving course in Florida. You're allowed to take this course once a year, with a lifetime limit of five times. It is typically required for drivers who:
- Were cited for a moving violation and wish to avoid points on their license
- Were ordered by the court or the Florida DHSMV
- Were involved in a crash where they were at fault
- Ran a red light, passed a stopped school bus, or committed other serious infractions
Taking this 4-hour course can help you prevent insurance rate increases and keep your driving record clean.
Learn more about the Basic Driver Improvement Course »
Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) Course
The Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) course is an extended program designed for drivers facing more serious issues with their license. You may be required to complete this 12-hour course if:
- Your Florida driver's license has been suspended or revoked
- You have been classified as a habitual traffic offender (HTO)
- You are seeking license reinstatement through a hardship license
- You've been involved in 3 crashes in 3 years
The ADI course focuses on behavioral changes and responsible driving habits to help you regain driving privileges.
Learn more about the Advanced Driver Improvement Course »
Wireless Communications Device (WCD) Course
Florida law requires certain drivers who are ticketed for texting while driving in a school or work zone to complete the Wireless Communications Device (WCD) course. This 3-hour course educates drivers on:
- The dangers of distracted driving
- Florida's wireless communication laws
- Safe driving strategies to avoid future violations
Completion of this course may be required to avoid additional penalties or fines.
Learn more about the Wireless Communications Device Course »
FLHSMV Approved Course Providers
To help you select the right traffic school we reviewed all course providers listed on FLHSMV webiste. Our editorial pick is I Drive Safely. This is FLHSMV approved course provider with a proven track record for quick and easy driver improvement education.
General Information
All Florida-approved driver improvement course providers automatically report your course completion to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). It usually takes 24 to 72 hours for your completion to show up in their system.
You can use Traffic School/Driver Improvement course completion check online tool provided by FLHSMV to check if results appeared in the system.
If you were ordered by a court to take the course, you are responsible for letting the court know once you've finished. Be sure to submit any required documents directly to the court.
All courses are offered through state-approved providers and can be completed either online or in-person at approved locations throughout Florida. Course completion certificates are issued upon successful completion and are automatically reported to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Important: The FLHSMV does not accept paper certificates for any licensing-related purposes.