[edit] TRAFFIC SCHOOLS

In the state of Alaska, traffic schools offer ‘Driver Driving courses'. There are various reasons why people enroll in these schools:

• After a traffic violation, like arrest for DUI, where demerit points were awarded, the court will order the driver to take a course at a traffic/driving school to improve their safe-driving skills.
• To receive insurance discounts.
• To receive safe driving points.

This program is designed to help you to learn defensive driving techniques that will make you a safer driver. There are various locations where these defensive driving courses are offered in Alaska by the Division of Motor Vehicles Office of Driver Services. You can contact the Division of Motor Vehicles Driver Improvement Bureau at (907) 273-2223 for further information on such programs and their locations.

[edit] BENEFITS

Any driver can enroll in a Defensive Driving Course at any time to receive the following benefits:

• Insurance Benefits - some insurance companies may offer premium discounts. Please check with your insurance representative to see if you qualify for this discount.
• Safe Driving Points - some courses give you safe driving points on completion. These points can be used to counteract demerit points.
• Ticket Dismissal - Alaska traffic courts in some circumstances allow dismissal of a traffic violation ticket on completion of a specified traffic course. You would need to check which schools offer courses eligible for this facility by calling the Division of Motor Vehicles Driver Improvement Bureau at (907) 273-2223.

Note: If you take a defensive driving course for the insurance benefits you may not qualify for the safe driving points. Also, if the course has been court ordered you may not be eligible for the insurance premium discount.

[edit] WHEN IS IT MANDATORY?

Either the court or the DMV (when notified by the courts) may order you to successfully complete a driver improvement program when you have been convicted of a moving or traffic violation. It is under the court's discretion as to whether or not you will be mandated to take one of these clinics within a stipulated time limit.

[edit] FEES

The cost varies depending on the location of the schools. Please contact Division of Motor Vehicles Driver Improvement Bureau at (907) 273-2223 for more details on individual pricing.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If you are looking for information on how to get your license or permit, see Driver's Education.
• Please click on defensive driving schools for details about other safe driving courses.
• When studying for your driver's license/permit, use the driver's manual to help you learn about safe driving techniques and traffic laws.
• For more licensing and safe-driving information for beginning drivers, see learner's permits.