Why Florida Drivers Should Choose Online Traffic School

Written by Michael Purser

Have you recently received a speeding ticket or other moving violation? Fortunately, there's a way to avoid increased insurance costs or penalties on your record. By completing an online driving course tailored to Florida's requirements, you can address these issues efficiently.

This guide will help you choose the right option for your needs while highlighting the flexibility and convenience of online learning.

Pick the Right Program

What type of traffic school program best suits your needs?

The state of Florida, through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLDHSMV), offers several traffic school programs tailored to different scenarios. Whether you need to avoid points on your license or restore your driving privileges, there's a course designed for your situation.

Let's explore two of the most common options: Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) and Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI).

BDI

BDI training may be voluntary or mandatory. It all depends on the qualifying offense(s). You can choose to take a basic driver improvement course for most moving violations. Doing so will keep you from receiving points on your driving record.

Don't enroll just yet! There are a few extra requirements before you start.

You must voluntarily choose an approved basic driver improvement course to prevent license points. Choose within 30 days from the date of your citation. Notify the clerk of court in the county where the traffic ticket was issued. There is a small court fee for choosing traffic school. Once those are taken care of, you can get started.

Completing an approved course, either in person or online, has several benefits:

  • You will not have points added to your license.
  • The court will not adjudicate you guilty of the offense.
  • The fine, or civil penalty, for the traffic ticket is reduced.
  • Your auto insurance provider cannot increase your premium for the eligible infraction. They can still increase your rate if you were ruled to be at fault for a crash.

Voluntary BDI courses can't be used to keep points off your license if you:

  • Already completed a traffic school course in the last 12 months.
  • Have already completed voluntary BDI five times during your lifetime.
  • Hold a commercial driver license (CDL).
  • Were speeding at 30 mph or more above the posted limit.

Not all BDI is voluntary. You may be required to complete a BDI course by court order. This training is mandatory if you:

  • Were found at fault for a crash that resulted in anyone being transported to the hospital.
  • Caused at least $500 in property damage in two or more crashes within a two-year period.
  • Were convicted of any of the following offenses:
    • Passing a stopped school bus while signaling
    • Racing or spectating a race on a highway
    • Reckless driving
    • Running a red light

In these cases, you must complete a mandatory basic traffic school course. You usually have 90 days to comply with the court order. Failing to do so may cause your license to be canceled.

You cannot prevent points on your record or keep your car insurance premiums from increasing if you are ordered to take mandatory training. Those benefits only apply to voluntary driver improvement.

ADI

Florida drivers with suspended licenses or a history of violations may be required to take an ADI course. Common reasons include accumulating too many points, being labeled a habitual traffic offender or causing multiple accidents. License suspensions vary based on point accumulation:

  • 12 points in 12 months: 30-day suspension
  • 18 points in 18 months: 3-month suspension
  • 24 points in 36 months: 1-year suspension

An ADI program provides an opportunity to restore your driving privileges. Some cases, such as three accidents within three years, require additional behind-the-wheel training and testing.

Act Early to Avoid Penalties

Addressing traffic violations promptly can save you time, money and stress. By enrolling in a driving improvement program, you can prevent further penalties and potentially avoid higher insurance costs. Beyond resolving your current situation, these programs offer valuable knowledge to help you become a safer driver.

Learning Made Easy Online

No matter why you need a driving safety course, SafeMotorist is here to help. We offer FLDHSMV-approved online traffic school courses. We have programs that satisfy state requirements for both BDI and ADI. You can find us on the list of approved providers under the name of our parent company, American Safety Council.

We can help you keep your record clean with a four-hour Florida Traffic School basic driver improvement course. Or we can help you get your license back after a suspension with 12 hours of online learning for ADI training.

All our Florida online traffic school courses are available from any internet-connected device. Study at your pace from any location, at any time. Split courses up over several weekends or evenings. Or complete lessons all in one sitting. Learn your way.

Once you pass the class, we will issue you an official Certificate of Completion. You must then provide your certificate to the court clerk. Remember to complete the course before your court deadline.

It's never been easier to satisfy court-mandated driver improvement training. If you need defensive driving courses in a different state, we can help you with that, too.

Secure Your Driving Record with Florida's Approved Online Traffic School

Take control of your driving record today with an approved Florida online traffic school course. Whether you've received a ticket, need to protect your license or are looking to fulfill a state-mandated driver improvement requirement, our flexible, user-friendly courses make it easy.

Study at your own pace and enjoy the convenience of 24/7 access, no matter where you are. Complete the required hours, pass the final exam and we'll handle the completion reporting directly to FLDHSMV. Don't wait — enroll in a driver improvement program now to secure your license and maintain a clean driving record. Start improving today!