[edit] TRAFFIC SCHOOLS

In the state of Pennsylvania, traffic schools offering Driver Improvement Programs (DIP) are available from several private organizations. However, the state itself has not approved of any traffic schools and does not allow for point reductions from your traffic record after completing a Driver Improvement Program. There are three reasons why people enroll in the Driver Improvement Programs:

• After a traffic violation where demerit points were awarded, in certain cases, 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 improve their driving abilities.

This program is designed to help you to learn defensive driving techniques that will make you a safer driver. The DIP is an eight hour course and there are various locations and online clinics offered in Pennsylvania. If the clinic 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 DIP.

[edit] BENEFITS

Any driver can enroll in a Driver Improvement Program 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.

[edit] WHEN IS IT MANDATORY?

Either the court or the DOT (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.

[edit] FEES

Depending on the location, the fees for the course can vary. Please contact the course provider for 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.