The Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course helps you prevent points on your driving record, reduce your fine by 18%, protect your insurance rates, and may qualify you for a discount depending on your insurer.
If you receive a non-criminal traffic citation in Florida, the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course offers several important benefits. These advantages apply whether you are taking the course by election or, in some cases, voluntarily. Understanding these benefits can help you make an informed decision about your driving record and insurance.
Prevent Points on Your Driving Record
When you elect to take the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course for an eligible citation, points for that violation are not added to your Florida driving record. The violation is recorded as adjudication withheld, which means you are not convicted of the infraction. This helps you avoid license suspensions that occur when too many points accumulate, as outlined by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). For more details, visit the FLHSMV’s official website.
Reduce Your Fine by 18%
Florida Statute 318.14(9) entitles you to an 18% reduction on the civil fine for your citation when you elect the Basic Driver Improvement Course. The clerk of court applies this reduction before you enroll in the course, making your penalty more affordable.
Protect Your Insurance Rates
Florida Statute §626.9541 prevents your insurance company from raising your premium, canceling your policy, or refusing renewal based solely on a non-criminal traffic infraction where adjudication is withheld and no points are assessed. This protection applies automatically when you complete the course through election.
Retain Safe Driver Status
If you had safe driver status on your Florida driver’s license before your citation, completing the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course through election allows you to keep that status. Some insurance companies use safe driver status when setting rates.
Possible Insurance Discount for Voluntary Enrollment
Some Florida insurance companies offer a discount of up to 10% if you voluntarily complete a state-approved Basic Driver Improvement Course. This benefit is separate from insurance rate protection and varies by provider. Contact your insurer before enrolling to confirm eligibility.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Point prevention | Applies to election track; required by Florida Statute 318.14(9) |
| 18% fine reduction | Applies to election track; required by Florida Statute 318.14(9) |
| Insurance rate protection | Applies to election track; required by Florida Statute §626.9541 |
| Safe driver status retention | Applies to election track; required by Florida law |
| Insurance discount (up to 10%) | Applies to voluntary enrollment; varies by insurer |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all five benefits of the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course apply automatically?
The four election-track benefits apply when you formally elect the course and complete it. The insurance discount for voluntary enrollment is not automatic and depends on your insurance provider.
Do the benefits apply if I take the course voluntarily without a citation?
Point prevention, fine reduction, and insurance rate protection do not apply to voluntary enrollment. A voluntary completion certificate may qualify you for an insurance discount depending on your insurer.
Do the benefits of the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course apply if I am court-ordered to take it?
It depends on the court order. If the court orders adjudication withheld, you may receive similar benefits to the election track. Check your court paperwork or confirm with the court.
How often can I elect the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course?
You may elect to take the course once every 12 months, up to five times in your lifetime, according to Florida law.
Do I need to notify my insurance company after completing the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course?
You do not need to notify your insurer for insurance rate protection if you completed the course through election. For voluntary discounts, you must submit your certificate to your insurer.
Does completing the course remove the citation from my record?
No, the violation remains on your record as adjudication withheld, but points are not added if you complete the course through election.
Can I take the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course online or in person?
Yes, you can complete the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course online or in person through a state-approved provider.