[edit] TRAFFIC SCHOOLS

In the state of Florida, traffic schools are often referred to as ‘Advanced Driver Improvement Course' or basic driver improvement course. There are four reasons why people enrol in the Driver Improvement Courses:

• After a traffic violation where demerit points were awarded or if you are a habitual traffic offender (not related to DUI) the court will order the driver to take a course at a traffic/driving school to improve their safe-driving skills. For some specific offenses leading to death/ injury requiring hospitalisation, repeat offense of this type in two years the court will order the driver to undergo a driver improvement course.
• To receive insurance discounts.
• To reduce driving points.
• To get up to 18% reduction in civil fine.

This program is designed to help you to learn defensive driving techniques that will make you a safer driver. The Advanced Driver Improvement Course is available at various locations and online courses are offered in Florida. If the course has been court-ordered, please ensure that the court will accept a certificate of completion from an online course, before enrolling in a computer based course.

[edit] BENEFITS

Any driver can enroll in a Driver Improvement 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. Courses are also available for senior citizens for this purpose.
• Driving Points - if you do not have a CDL and you get a ticket for a non-criminal moving violation, you can attend a basic driver improvement course to prevent points getting added to your record.

[edit] WHEN IS IT MANDATORY?

Either the court or the DHS&MV (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. You will have 60-90 days to finish the course and if it is NOT completed successfully you will be considered to having admitted to the offense and you will be adjudicated as guilty. For specific offenses, if it is NOT completed successfully within 90 days the Department will cancel your license. If between 15-17 years old, you must complete a basic driver improvement course to avoid conviction to get a Class E license.

[edit] FEES

Depending on the location, the course or online courses can cost in the range of $22.95 to $45. Please contact individual providers 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.
• Find out more about the basic driver improvement course.
• You have to submit the proof of course completion to the traffic division of the Clerk's office.
• The course can be undergone once in 12 months and not more than five times in ten years.
• Courses are also listed in the local telephone directory.
• Fees and procedures are different in different Florida counties. Please contact the local office for details.