[edit] TRAFFIC SCHOOLS

In the state of Alabama, traffic schools offer defensive driving courses. There are various reasons why people enroll in these schools:

• After a traffic violation where demerit points were awarded, the court may order the driver to take a course at a traffic/driving school to improve their safe-driving skills.
• A court may include driver education as one of the conditions of probation.
• To receive insurance discounts.

This program is designed to help you to learn defensive driving techniques that will make you a safer driver. There are various locations for these clinics offered in Alabama which are approved by the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Division. Please contact the Driver License Division for more information on the location of these clinics.

[edit] BENEFITS

Any driver can enroll in a traffic school 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 - you may receive safe driving points if you complete a clinic. These points can be used to counteract demerit points.

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 will not be eligible for the insurance premium discount.

[edit] WHEN IS IT MANDATORY?

Either the court or the DPS (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 courses.

[edit] FEES

The cost varies depending on the location of the schools. Please contact the Driver License Division 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.