You may elect the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course once per 12-month period and up to 8 times in your lifetime for point prevention. Voluntary or court-ordered enrollments do not count against these limits.
Understanding the election limits for the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course helps you avoid surprises if you receive a traffic citation. Florida law sets clear rules for how often you can use the course to prevent points on your driving record. Voluntary and court-ordered enrollments follow different rules. Review the details below to stay informed.
Election Limits for the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course
You may elect the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course once in any 12-month period, calculated from the date of your citation. The lifetime limit is 8 elections for point prevention, as set by Florida Statute 318.14(9) effective July 1, 2024. If you have already used your election for the current 12-month period or reached your lifetime limit, you cannot elect the course for a new citation. For official details, see the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) at the FLHSMV website.
Exceptions: Voluntary and Court-Ordered Enrollments
There is no limit on how many times you can take the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course voluntarily or if a court orders you to complete it. These enrollments do not count against your 12-month or lifetime election limits for point prevention.
Exam Retakes Within a Single Enrollment
Within one enrollment in the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course, you may retake the final exam as many times as needed at no extra charge. There is no limit on exam attempts per enrollment.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Election limit | Once per 12-month period (from citation date) |
| Lifetime election limit | 8 times (Florida Statute 318.14(9), effective July 1, 2024) |
| Limit on voluntary enrollment | None |
| Limit on court-ordered enrollment | None |
| Exam retakes within one enrollment | Unlimited, at no charge |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does taking the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course voluntarily count toward my 8 elections?
No. Only formal elections made in connection with a qualifying citation count toward your 12-month and lifetime limits.
Does a court-ordered Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course count against my lifetime elections?
No. Court-ordered attendance is separate and does not count against your 8-election lifetime limit.
What happens if I reach the 8-election limit for the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course?
You may no longer elect the course for point prevention. You may still take the course if a court orders it, but voluntary enrollment will not prevent points.
How do I know how many elections I have used?
Contact the clerk of court in the county where your most recent citation was issued, or check your Florida driving record at flhsmv.gov.
Has the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course lifetime election limit changed recently?
Yes. Florida Statute 318.14(9) was updated effective July 1, 2024, increasing the lifetime election limit from 5 to 8.
Is the 12-month limit based on the calendar year?
No. The 12-month period starts from the date of your citation, not the calendar year.
Can I retake the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course final exam if I fail the first time?
Yes. You may retake the final exam unlimited times within a single enrollment at no extra charge.