You need to take the Virginia Driver Improvement Course if the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles or a Virginia court orders you, or you may take it voluntarily for safe driving points or an insurance discount.
The Virginia Driver Improvement Course is required in some cases and optional in others. Understanding when you must take the course helps you stay compliant with Virginia driving laws. The course is regulated by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and is available to most drivers with a valid Virginia license.
When the Virginia DMV Requires the Course
You must complete the Virginia Driver Improvement Course if you receive a written notice from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for accumulating 12 or more demerit points in 12 months, or 18 or more in 24 months. You have 90 days from the order date to finish the 8-hour course. If you do not complete the course within this period, the DMV will suspend your driving privilege until you do. For more details about official requirements and approved providers, visit the Virginia DMV’s driver improvement clinics page.
When a Virginia Court Orders the Course
A Virginia court or judge may require you to take the course as part of a traffic case outcome. The court will set your deadline, which may differ from DMV deadlines. When registering, select ‘Court’ as your reason for attendance. Not all courts accept online courses, so confirm with your court before enrolling.
Voluntary Enrollment for Safe Driving Points
You can take the Virginia Driver Improvement Course voluntarily to earn 5 safe driving points if you have a valid, non-commercial Virginia license. You may do this once every 24 months. No court order or DMV notice is needed for voluntary enrollment.
Voluntary Enrollment for Insurance Discount
Some insurance companies offer a discount if you complete the Virginia Driver Improvement Course. Check with your insurer before enrolling to confirm eligibility. If you take the course for an insurance discount, you will not receive safe driving points.
Who Is Not Eligible
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders who must attend due to a CDL-related violation must complete a commercial driver improvement clinic, not the standard course. You also need a valid Virginia driver’s license or a Virginia DMV Customer Number to register.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| DMV notice for excess demerit points | Required — 90-day deadline from order date |
| Court order | Required — court sets deadline |
| Earn 5 safe driving points | Optional — once every 24 months |
| Auto insurance discount | Optional — confirm eligibility with insurer first |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need to take the Virginia Driver Improvement Course for the DMV?
You will receive a written notice in the mail from the Virginia DMV. If you are unsure, check your driving record at dmvNow.com or contact the DMV.
How do I know if a court requires the Virginia Driver Improvement Course?
You will receive an order from the court either at your court appearance or by mail. Review your court paperwork for the specific requirement and deadline.
Can I take the Virginia Driver Improvement Course voluntarily?
Yes, you may take the course voluntarily if you have a valid, non-commercial Virginia license. You can earn 5 safe driving points once every 24 months.
Can CDL holders take the standard Driver Improvement Course?
No, CDL holders required to attend due to a commercial vehicle violation must complete a commercial driver improvement clinic approved for CDL offenses.
Can I get safe driving points and an insurance discount for taking the Virginia Driver Improvement Course voluntarily?
No, you must choose one benefit. If you take the course for an insurance discount, you will not receive safe driving points.
What do I need to register for the Virginia Driver Improvement Course?
You need a valid Virginia driver’s license or a Virginia DMV Customer Number to register for the Virginia Driver Improvement Course.