The Virginia Driver Improvement Course is a minimum of 8 hours and you have 120 days from enrollment to finish, with shorter deadlines if ordered by the Virginia DMV or a court.
The Virginia Driver Improvement Course is required for many drivers after a traffic violation or to earn safe driving points. Understanding the time commitment and deadlines helps you plan your completion and avoid missing important requirements.
Course Length and Structure
The Virginia Driver Improvement Course is at least 8 hours long, as set by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Virginia DMV). The course is divided into 25 lessons, and you do not need to finish in one session. You can log in and out as needed, and your progress will be saved automatically.
Completing the Course Over Multiple Sessions
You are allowed to split the course across multiple days or sessions. Most students complete the course in several sittings. Each time you log in, the course will start where you left off, so you can work at your own pace.
Deadlines for Completion
You have 120 days from your enrollment date to complete the Virginia Driver Improvement Course. However, if you are ordered by the Virginia DMV, you must finish within 90 days of the DMV order date, regardless of when you enroll. Court-ordered students must meet the deadline set by their court. Voluntary students only need to finish within the 120-day access window. For full details on requirements and deadlines, visit the Virginia DMV’s driver improvement clinics page: the Virginia DMV.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Course length | 8 hours minimum |
| Lessons | 25 |
| Do I have to finish in one sitting | No — stop and resume anytime |
| Platform access window | 120 days from enrollment |
| DMV-ordered deadline | 90 days from DMV order date |
| Court-ordered deadline | Set by your court |
| Voluntary deadline | None — 120-day window applies |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I do not finish the Virginia Driver Improvement Course within 120 days?
Your course access will expire and you will need to re-enroll. Your previous progress will not be saved after expiration.
How long do I have to complete the Virginia Driver Improvement Course after getting a DMV notice?
Your DMV deadline is 90 days from the date on your DMV notice, not your enrollment date. If your notice was dated 3 weeks ago, you have about 69 days left to complete the course.
Can I skip ahead to the exam in the Virginia Driver Improvement Course?
No, you must complete all lessons before the final exam is unlocked. The course requires you to interact with each lesson in order.
Can I finish the Virginia Driver Improvement Course in one day?
Yes, you can complete all 8 hours in one day if you choose, but most students prefer to split it over several sessions.
Does the 120-day window extend my DMV or court deadline?
No, the 120-day access window does not change DMV or court deadlines. You must meet the deadline set by the DMV or your court.