Traffic Safety Courses in Virginia

The Defensive Driving course (also known as a Driver Improvement Course) is for licensed drivers who want to earn safe driving points, meet a court or Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requirement or earn an insurance discount. The Driver Education course is designed for first-time drivers preparing to get their license.

The Virginia DMV provides positive points to drivers for good behavior, known as safe driving points. You can earn one safe driving point for each year you drive without a traffic violation or suspension.

You can also earn five safe driving points by completing a Virginia DMV-approved Driver Improvement Course. These points help offset demerit points from traffic violations and can improve your overall driving record.

You can earn up to five safe driving points through completion of a Virginia DMV-approved Driver Improvement Course. These points are added to your driving record and can cancel out demerit points from past violations. You're only eligible to take a course to earn these points once every 24 months.

This course is ideal for drivers who have received a traffic violation, need to meet a court or DMV requirement or want to voluntarily earn safe driving points and potentially lower their insurance premiums.

If you fail to complete a DMV-required driver improvement course within the 90-day deadline, your driver's license may be suspended. In some cases, you'll also be required to pay reinstatement fees and may face additional penalties. Completing the course on time helps you stay in good standing with the DMV.

Yes. Many drivers take the course voluntarily to earn up to five safe driving points and qualify for a two-year insurance discount. Check with your insurance provider to confirm discount eligibility.

You have 90 days to complete the course. It's self-paced and entirely online, so you can log in and out at your leisure.

Yes. A passing score is at least 75%.

Yes. Within 24 hours of finishing the course, your completion is electronically reported to the Virginia DMV for free. You'll also receive a downloadable certificate for your records.

The Driver Education course is not designed to meet specific state requirements. It covers safety information for new drivers of all ages who are learning the rules of the road and preparing for licensure.

To get a Virginia driver's license, you need to be at least 16 years and three months old and pass vision, knowledge and road skills tests. You'll also need to complete an approved driver education program.

The test includes a vision screening, a knowledge exam about traffic signs and driving laws, and a road skills test. The skills test is by appointment and only available after you pass the knowledge exam.

To get a learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years and six months old, pass a vision and knowledge test and provide documentation proving your identity, residency, Social Security number and legal presence. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must give consent.

You can request a copy of your driving record online, by mail or in person at the DMV. Your driving record includes your license status, any traffic violations and points accumulated.