I'm not sure if I'm eligible to take a Virginia driver improvement course. How do I find out?

Is there an age requirement to complete a driver improvement course online?

How often can I take a driver improvement course in Virginia?

I'm not sure if I'm eligible to take a Virginia driver improvement course. How do I find out?

If you are being ordered by the DMV to complete a defensive driving course, you will receive notice in the mail mandating that you attend. Similarly, if you are being ordered by the court to complete a driver improvement course, you will receive referral at your court date.

If you need court permission to reduce points or fines/fees with a defensive driving course, you can contact your court before your court date to request permission to do so. Generally, you must meet the following requirements:

• ● You must hold a valid non-commercial Virginia drivers license.
• ● You have been cited for a minor moving violation.
• ● You do not have any outstanding violations on your record, and your license has not been suspended or revoked.
• ● The Age Requirement for Driver Improvment was removed in 2020.

If you still are unclear as to whether you qualify for traffic school, contact your court and request more information concerning your particular circumstances. 

Is there an age requirement to complete a driver improvement course online?

Virginia residents as of 2020 no longer have an age requirment to take online driver improvement.

How often can I take a driver improvement course in Virginia?

You may take the course once every 24 months (2 years) for point reduction or to receive 5 safe driving points. If you are taking it as part of a court order, or for ticket dismissal/fine reduction, there is no completion limit.