Traffic School - What Do I do?

In Virginia, attending a driver improvement clinic after paying a speeding ticket can offer several benefits, including the potential to reduce demerit points on your driving record and possibly lower your insurance premiums. Here's how you can proceed:

1. Determine Eligibility:

• Voluntary Participation: If you have not been ordered by the court or the DMV to attend a driver improvement clinic, you can voluntarily enroll in one to earn safe driving points. Completing such a course can add up to 5 safe driving points to your record, which may offset the demerit points from your speeding violation. Virginia DMV
• Court or DMV Requirement: If the court or DMV has mandated you to attend a driver improvement clinic, you must complete the course within the specified timeframe to avoid potential penalties, such as license suspension. Virginia DMV

2. Choose a Course:

• Online Courses: Virginia DMV-licensed online driver improvement clinics are available, allowing you to complete the course at your convenience. Ensure the course is DMV-approved. Virginia DMV
• In-Person Classes: Traditional classroom sessions are also offered across the state. These typically last eight hours and are conducted by DMV-approved providers. Virginia DMV

3. Register for the Course:

• Online Registration: Visit the website of a DMV-approved provider to register for an online course.
• In-Person Registration: Contact local DMV-approved driving schools to enroll in a classroom session.

4. Complete the Course:

• Online Course: Access the course materials through the provider's platform and complete the modules at your own pace.
• In-Person Class: Attend the scheduled session and participate in the classroom activities.

5. Obtain and Submit the Certificate:

• Certificate of Completion: After finishing the course, you'll receive a certificate.
• Submission: If the course was court-ordered, submit the certificate to the court as instructed. For voluntary courses, you may submit the certificate to the DMV to have safe driving points added to your record. Virginia DMV

6. Verify Point Adjustments:

• DMV Records: Check your driving record to confirm that the safe driving points have been applied and that the demerit points from your speeding violation have been reduced accordingly.

By following these steps, you can effectively utilize a driver improvement clinic to mitigate the impact of a speeding ticket on your driving record and insurance rates.  Contact SMITH | ASHCRAFT to learn more about how we can help you when facing traffic violations.