Driver Improvement Schools

Driver Improvement Courses FAQ




  • Who may choose to attend a driver improvement course?

    Any driver charged with a moving or non-moving traffic violation that would result in points assessed to their driving record.

    • Exclusions:
      • All criminal violations; and
      • Drivers who hold a Commercial Driver License (CDL) regardless of the type of vehicle they are driving at the time of the violation.
  • What is the benefit of attending a driver improvement course?

    When a driver completes a driver improvement course to satisfy a violation:

    • Adjudication is withheld (not convicted of the violation) per section 318.14, Florida Statutes;
    • No points will be assessed against the driver license for the violation; and
    • Insurance companies cannot impose an additional premium or refuse to renew a policy for motor vehicle insurance solely because the insured committed a non-criminal traffic infraction. Exceptions include:
      • A second infraction within 18 months;
      • A third infraction within 36 months; or
      • Exceeding the speed limit by more than 15 mph.
  • Do I have to pay the civil fine when I attend a driver improvement course?

    Yes. Contact the traffic division of the clerk of court in the county where the citation was received to determine the exact cost of the civil fine.

  • How can I elect to attend a driver improvement course?

    Drivers may elect to attend a driver improvement course at a clerk’s office in the county where the citation was received, or if the officer provided an envelope when issuing the citaition drivers may use it to indicate the intent to attend a driver improvement course. Read the affidavit attached to the envelope for information and instructions.

    For more information, consult the traffic division in the clerk’s office of the county where the citation was issued.

  • Do I have to pay to attend a driver improvement course?

    Yes. Drivers are responsible for the cost of the driver improvement course.

  • Do I need to do anything else after I attend a driver improvement course?

    Yes. It is the driver’s responsibility to present the completion certificate to the clerk’s office in the county where the citation was issued. Please consult with the traffic division in the clerk’s office in the county where the citation was issued for their exact requirements.

  • Can I change my mind after I sign the affidavit to attend a driver improvement course?

    No. Once the clerk is notified of a driver’s intent to attend a course, they have between 60 and 90 days from the date of the citation to complete the course and present proof of completion to the clerk of court in the county where the citation was issued. Please consult with the traffic division in the clerk’s office in the county where the citation was issued for their exact requirements.

  • What happens if I elect to attend but do not?

    A person who elects to attend a driver improvement course and has paid the civil fine, but fails to attend the school within the time specified by the court is considered to have admitted to the infraction and is adjudicated as guilty. In this case, the person must pay the clerk of court the amount deducted from their fee because of the election to attend a course, and a processing fee of up to $18. No additional penalties or court costs are imposed. The clerk of court will notify the DHSMV of the person’s failure to attend the driver improvement course and points for the violation are then added to the individual’s driving record.

  • How many times can I choose to attend a driver improvement course?

    Drivers can choose to attend a driver improvement course once in any 12-month period and no more than five times in a lifetime.

  • If I elect to attend a driver improvement course and do not attend, does this count as one of the five times I am allowed to choose this option?

    Yes. Once the affidavit is signed and recorded by the court, drivers may not choose the school option again for 12 months and all payments are forfeited.

  • Where can I get more information about electing to attend a driver improvement course?

    For specific requirements, contact the traffic division of the clerk’s office in the county where the citation was issued.

  • If I live in a county different than the one where I got my citation, what do I do?

    Contact the traffic division of the clerk’s office in the county where the citation was issued for their specific requirements.

  • Are procedures and fees the same in all Florida counties?

    No. Each county has its own procedures for this process. If a driver has any questions, they should contact the traffic division in the clerk’s office in the county where the citation was issued.