DRIVER IMPROVEMENT CLINIC - ONLINE

REASONS FOR TAKING THE ONLINE DRIVER IMPROVEMENT CLINIC

DMV Required – Points Awarded (if eligible)

If you receive a DMV letter by U.S. mail or see a driver improvement requirement listed in your DMV compliance summary, you are DMV-required.

These notices are usually sent when:

• You are under age 20 and convicted of a traffic violation.
• You are 20 or older and have accumulated too many demerit points within a set timeframe.
• Your driving privileges have been suspended or revoked.

When taken for DMV reasons, safe driving points may be awarded to your record if eligible.

Court Ordered – No Points Awarded

Virginia courts typically notify drivers about a court-ordered driver improvement course at the end of the hearing, not by mail. Notification is either:

• A printed court document with case-specific details.
• A form letter handed directly to the driver in court.

Only a judge can order you to complete this requirement. Points are not awarded in this case.

Court Ordered – Points Awarded

In certain cases, a driver can receive safe driving points for a court-ordered course. To qualify, the driver must:

• Present official court documentation before starting the clinic.
• Understand that no exceptions are made—documentation is required upfront.

Voluntary – Points Awarded (if eligible)

Drivers may take the Online Driver Improvement Clinic voluntarily when:

• Preparing for an upcoming court appearance (“court prep”).
• Seeking positive safe driving points on their DMV record.

Voluntary enrollment allows you to earn safe points once every two years, based on the date of your last driver improvement clinic.

Insurance Reduction – No Points Awarded

Many insurance companies offer a premium discount for completing a driver improvement course. However:

• Verify eligibility with your insurance provider first.
• Safe driving points will not be awarded when the course is taken solely for insurance reasons.
• If you also want DMV safe points, enroll as Voluntary (VOL) and then present your certificate to your insurer for a possible discount.

Whether required by the DMV, ordered by a Virginia court, chosen voluntarily, or taken for insurance benefits, the Online Driver Improvement Clinic offers valuable opportunities to protect your license, improve your record, and save money. Always confirm your reason before registering to ensure you receive the correct outcome.