About the Virginia Driver Improvement Course
If you've received a traffic violation or want to better your driving record, the next logical step is to take the Virginia Driver Improvement Course (also known as a defensive driving course). Our online course is approved by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and is available to eligible drivers who want to remove up to five points from their record or potentially qualify for a two-year insurance discount.
Taking this training can help you meet a court order, earn insurance benefits or simply become a better driver. The course is completely online and self-paced, allowing you to start and finish on your own schedule from any internet-connected device. You'll have 90 days to complete the course from the date of registration.
Once you finish, your certificate of completion will be electronically delivered within 24 hours, and we'll report your completion to the Virginia DMV. No need to take any other action.
Whether you're fulfilling a requirement or being proactive about safe driving, this course is designed to fit your schedule and support your goals.
Who Needs the Virginia Driver Improvement Course?
The Virginia Driver Improvement course is designed for drivers who want to protect their driving record, lower insurance costs or meet court requirements. You may be eligible or required to take this course if:
- You've been ordered by a Virginia court to take a driver improvement course.
- You've accumulated points and the DMV has asked you to complete a course.
- You voluntarily want to earn up to five safe driving points on your record.
- You're seeking a two-year insurance discount (check with your provider for eligibility).
- You want to refresh your knowledge of safe driving practices.
Training with SafeMotorist
When you choose SafeMotorist for your Virginia Defensive Driving course, you're getting trusted, DMV-approved training backed by decades of driver education experience. Our course is designed to be simple, flexible and accessible for all types of drivers.
With SafeMotorist, you'll benefit from:
- 100% online, self-paced learning
- Easy-to-follow modules that cover Virginia traffic laws, defensive driving techniques and safe driving habits
- Unlimited logins so you can start, stop and resume anytime
- Digital certificate delivery within 24 hours of course completion
Course Outline
Chapter 1: Introduction to Safe Driving
- Driving responsibilities and safe attitudes
- Common crash causes: distractions, speeding, DUI and fatigue
- Driver's role in roadway safety
Chapter 2: The Driver
- Vision, hearing and medical fitness
- Effects of alcohol, drugs, fatigue and emotions
- Seat belts, airbags and child restraints
Chapter 3: The Vehicle
- Vehicle systems: brakes, tires, steering, lights and signals
- Maintenance, inspections, registration and insurance
Chapter 4: Rules of the Road
- Right-of-way principles
- Lane usage, passing and yielding
- Intersections and road markings
Chapter 5: Safe Driving Practices
- Defensive driving and awareness
- Following distance and stopping distance
- Sharing the road: pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, large trucks and buses
Chapter 6: Natural Laws & Driving
- Gravity, inertia, momentum and kinetic energy
- Friction, traction and stopping/braking forces
Chapter 7: Managing Risks
- Risk perception and decision-making
- Adjusting to conditions (weather, curves, visibility)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Virginia driving point system work?
Virginia uses a point system to track both safe and unsafe driving. When you're convicted of a traffic violation, demerit points are added to your record. These points vary by offense —typically three, four or six points.
If you maintain a clean driving record or complete a driver improvement course, you can earn safe driving points, which help offset demerit points.
What are safe driving points?
Safe driving points are positive points added to your driving record. You can earn one safe driving point each calendar year you drive without a violation or suspension. Additionally, you can earn up to five safe driving points by completing a Virginia DMV-approved driver improvement course like this one. You can only take the course for points once every 24 months.
What happens if I get too many demerit points?
Accumulating too many demerit points in a short period can lead to serious consequences. Here's how it breaks down:
- Receiving eight points in 12 months or 12 points in 24 months results in an advisory letter from the DMV.
- If you receive 12 points in one year or 18 in two, your license is on the line. You'll need to complete a driver improvement program within 90 days to avoid license suspension.
- If you get 18 points in one year or 24 in two, your license faces automatic suspension.
The penalties are stricter for drivers under age 18.
Will taking a driver improvement course remove demerit points?
No. In Virginia, demerit points stay on your record for two years. However, by completing a DMV-approved driver improvement course, you can earn safe driving points to help balance out your record. These positive points can demonstrate responsible driving behavior to insurance companies and the DMV.
How long do demerit points stay on my Virginia driving record?
Demerit points stay on your driving record for two years after a traffic violation, while the violation itself could linger longer based on its severity.
Can I take a driver improvement course for insurance purposes only?
Yes, many drivers take the course voluntarily to qualify for a discount on their auto insurance. Just be sure to check with your insurance provider beforehand to confirm they accept DMV-approved driver improvement courses for discounts.
How many times can I take the Virgina driver improvement course?
You can voluntarily take the course for safe driving points once every 24 months. If the DMV or court requires you to take it, that course may not qualify for a point benefit.
Is the online driver improvement course the same as the in-person version?
Yes, both online and in-person driver improvement courses approved by the Virginia DMV meet the same requirements and offer the same benefits, including eligibility to earn five safe driving points and qualify for insurance discounts.
