[edit] TRAFFIC SCHOOLS

In the state of Idaho, traffic schools are often referred to as ‘Defensive Driving Course'. The reasons why people enroll in the Defensive Driving Course are:

• 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.
• To receive insurance discounts.
• To receive reduction of three driving points only for a driver license record in Idaho once in three years.

This program is designed to help you to learn defensive driving techniques that will make you a safer driver. The Defensive Driving Course is available at various locations and online course is offered in Idaho. If the course has been court-ordered, please ensure that the court will accept a certificate of completion from an online or regular course, before enrolling in any course.

[edit] BENEFITS

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

• Insurance Benefits - some insurance companies may offer premium discounts to those aged over 55 years that is valid for three years after the course is completed. Please check with your insurance representative to see if you qualify for this discount.
• Driving Points - you will receive 3 driving points if you complete a course.

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 courses. You will have to finish the course before your suspension for accumulated points occurs else your license will be lost. If under 17 years old, in order to get a license you must complete a 30 hour in-class training plus 6 hours observation in a car with a driving instructor plus 6 hours of actual driving with a driving instructor.

[edit] FEES

Depending on the location, the in-class course or online course costs can vary. Please contact individual course 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.
• For information about online and classroom Defensive Driving Schools, call the Idaho Transportation Department at Boise on (208) 334-8736.