Florida Driver Improvement Course FAQs
What are the benefits of Driver Improvement Courses in the state of Florida?
Completing a state-approved Driver Improvement Course can help you avoid points on your driving record, prevent insurance rate increases, satisfy court or DMV requirements, or reinstate a suspended license depending on your situation.
What is the Florida Driver Improvement Course?
Florida offers several types of Driver Improvement Courses, including Basic Driver Improvement (BDI), Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI), and Wireless Communications Device (WCD) courses. These are designed to improve driving habits, satisfy legal requirements, or prevent points from being added to your record.
What is the difference between Driver Improvement Course and Traffic School?
In Florida, the terms "Driver Improvement Course" and "Traffic School" are often used interchangeably. Both refer to state-approved courses designed to help drivers improve their skills, avoid points, or meet legal requirements. "Traffic School" is a more casual term, while "Driver Improvement Course" is the official designation used by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Do I need court approval before taking the course?
In most cases, court approval is not required if you elect to attend traffic school for a minor moving violation. However, if the course is court-ordered, you must follow the court's specific instructions and submit proof of completion directly to the court.
How long is the Driver Improvement Course?
The Basic Driver Improvement Course is 4 hours long. The Advanced Driver Improvement Course is typically 12 hours, and the Wireless Communications Device Course is also 4 hours.
How much time do I have to complete the Driver Improvement Course?
You must complete the course within 60 days of electing to attend traffic school, unless a court has given you a specific deadline.
Can I change my mind if I elected to attend a Traffic School/Driver Improvement Course?
Once you elect to attend a Driver Improvement Course and pay the associated fine to the Clerk of Court, you cannot change your mind or reverse the election. If you fail to complete the course by the deadline, it will be treated as if you did not attend traffic school at all. This means the traffic violation will be adjudicated as guilty, points will be added to your driving record, and your insurance rates may increase.
Are procedures and fees the same in all Florida counties?
No, procedures and fees may vary by county. It's important to check with the Clerk of Court in the county where your citation was issued.
If I live in a county different than the one where I got my citation, what do I do?
You must follow the rules and submit proof of course completion to the Clerk of Court in the county where the citation was issued, even if you live elsewhere.
Do I have to pay the civil fine when I attend a driver improvement course?
Yes, you must pay the civil fine in addition to any course fees when you elect to take a Driver Improvement Course for a traffic citation.
What is the refund policy?
Most Florida Driver Improvement Course providers offer a refund if the request is made within 30 days of purchase and the course has not been completed. Typically, you are eligible for a refund if you haven't started the final exam or received a certificate of completion. Be sure to review your provider's specific refund policy before enrolling.
What happens if I answer a test/quiz question incorrectly?
Most courses allow multiple attempts to pass quizzes and the final exam. You may be required to review the content before retaking a failed quiz or test.
Where Driver Improvement course completion results are reported?
All approved course providers electronically report course completions to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), typically within 24 to 72 hours. You can use you can use Traffic School/Driver Improvement course completion check online tool provided by FLHSMV to check if results appeared in the system.
However, if your course was court-ordered, you are responsible for submitting your certificate of completion to the court. Results are NOT automatically reported to the court system.
Where can I check my driving record?
You can check your Florida driving record by visiting the official FLHSMV website at mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov.
In what formats is Driver Improvement Course available?
The course is available online, in person at traffic schools, and in some cases, via DVD or booklet. Online courses offer the most convenience and flexibility.
How many points can be removed from my driving record?
Completing a Basic Driver Improvement Course will prevent points from being added to your record for a qualifying violation, but it does not remove existing points.
How often can I take a Driver Improvement course?
You may take the Basic Driver Improvement Course once every 12 months and up to five times in a lifetime to avoid points for a traffic citation.
How can I check if provider is approved by FLHSMV?
Visit the FLHSMV's official site and search their list of approved course providers for each course at FLHSMV Driver Improvement Schools.
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.
Can I take the course if I hold a Commercial Driver License (CDL)?
CDL holders are not eligible to elect traffic school to avoid points for a moving violation. However, a court may still order a CDL holder to take a course in certain cases.
Is Driver Improvement Course required?
The course may be required if mandated by a court, the FLHSMV, or due to specific violations like running a red light, reckless driving, or being at fault in a crash with injuries.
How does the process of attending the Driver Improvement Course work?
The general process involves the following steps:
- Elect to take the course through the Clerk of Court if your citation allows for it, or follow a court or FLHSMV order if required.
- Enroll in a Florida-approved Driver Improvement Course provider (online or in person).
- Complete the course within the time allowed (typically 60 days or by the court-ordered deadline).
- Your provider will electronically report your course completion to the FLHSMV.
- If the course was court-ordered, you may also need to submit your certificate of completion directly to the court.