What online traffic schools are and where to find them
Online traffic schools let you complete a defensive driving course from your computer or phone instead of sitting in a classroom. Most states allow you to take the course entirely online, though a few require you to test in person at the end. The DMV does not run these schools itself — instead, your state's DMV approves private companies to offer courses that meet state requirements.
To find approved schools, go to your state DMV's official website and look for a section called "Traffic School," "Defensive Driving," or "Driver Improvement." Most state DMVs publish a list of approved providers, sometimes with links directly to their websites. If you cannot find the list on the main DMV site, try searching "[your state] DMV approved traffic school providers" or call your local DMV office and ask them to email you the current list.
The list changes as companies gain and lose approval, so always check the official DMV site rather than relying on a list you find elsewhere. Some states update their approved provider list monthly.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV publishes a list of approved online traffic schools on its official website, usually under a "Traffic School" or "Defensive Driving" section.
- You choose from the approved providers on that list, not from a general internet search, to may support the course will actually satisfy your ticket or point reduction.
- Most online courses take four to eight hours to complete and can be done in one sitting or spread across multiple days.
- After you finish the course, the school sends a completion certificate directly to the court or DMV, depending on your state's process.
- Cost varies by state and provider, typically ranging from $20 to $100, and you pay the school directly, not the DMV.
How to check if you are allowed to use online traffic school
Not every traffic ticket qualifies for traffic school, and not every driver is allowed to use it. Before you enroll, confirm two things: whether your specific violation is may be able to access, and whether you personally meet your state's requirements.
Most states do not allow traffic school for serious violations like reckless driving, driving under the influence, or driving with a suspended license. Minor speeding and moving violations usually may have access to, but the rules vary. Call the court listed on your ticket and ask whether traffic school is an option for your violation. The court clerk can tell you in one call whether you are may be able to access and what the process is in your county.
Your state may also limit how often you can use traffic school — some allow it once per year, others once every three years, and some have no limit. The DMV or court can tell you whether you have already used traffic school recently and whether you can use it again for this ticket.
What to expect during an online course
Online traffic school courses are self-paced, meaning you control when you start and stop. You will watch videos, read text, and answer questions about defensive driving topics like following distance, weather hazards, and distracted driving. Most courses take four to eight hours total, though the time varies by state and provider.
You do not have to finish in one sitting. You can log out and return later — the school saves your progress. However, check your state's important date. Some states give you 30 days from enrollment to finish; others give 60 or 90 days. If you miss the important date, you may have to pay again and start over.
At the end of the course, you will take a final test. Most states require you to pass with a score of 70 or 80 percent. If you fail, you can usually retake it when ready at no extra cost. Once you pass, the school generates a completion certificate.
How the certificate gets to the court or DMV
After you pass the final test, the traffic school sends your completion certificate to the court or DMV automatically — you do not mail it yourself. The school asks for the court's address or case number during enrollment, so make sure you provide accurate information. If you give the wrong court, the certificate goes to the wrong place and your ticket will not be dismissed.
The court or DMV then updates your record. In most states, completing traffic school removes the ticket from your driving record entirely, or at least prevents points from being added. Some states still report the ticket but note that you completed school, which can affect insurance rates differently than a ticket with no school completion.
Ask the school how long it takes to send the certificate — usually one to five business days. If you have a court date coming up, finish the course well before that date so the certificate arrives in time. If you are cutting it close, call the court and let them know you have completed the course and ask whether they need the certificate before your court date.
Cost and payment
Online traffic school costs vary by state and provider. Most courses range from $20 to $100. Some states set a maximum price that approved providers can charge; others let providers set their own rates. Check the DMV's list of approved schools — many include the price next to each provider's name.
You pay the traffic school directly, not the DMV or court. Most schools accept credit cards and debit cards online. Some also accept checks or money orders, though online payment is faster. The school will not charge you again if you fail the final test and need to retake it — retakes are included in the initial price.
Do not confuse the traffic school fee with court costs or fines. Traffic school is separate. Depending on your state and the violation, you may still owe court fees or fines even after completing traffic school. Ask the court what you owe before you enroll in school.
Choosing between providers on your state's approved list
Once you have your state's official list of approved providers, you will likely see multiple options. They all meet state requirements, so the main differences are price, how long the course takes, and user interface design.
Compare the price first — check the DMV's list or visit each provider's website. Then look at course length. Some schools let you speed through in four hours; others take longer because they require you to watch videos at full length without skipping. Read the reviews on the provider's website or on Google to see whether other drivers found the course straightforward to navigate.
All approved providers must send your certificate to the court automatically, so you do not need to choose based on that. Pick the one that fits your budget and schedule, then enroll directly on their website.
What happens if you do not complete the course by the important date
If you miss your state's important date to finish the course, the school will not send a completion certificate. You will still owe the original ticket fine, and the ticket will remain on your driving record with points attached. You may also face additional late fees or court costs.
If you realize you will miss the important date, contact the court when ready and explain the situation. Some courts will give you an extension if you ask before the important date passes. Others will not. It is better to ask than to assume you have missed your chance.
If you want to try traffic school again after missing the important date, you will have to pay the school fee again and enroll in a new course. Check your state's rules on how often you can use traffic school before you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take an online traffic school course from another state?
No. You must use a school approved by the DMV in the state where you received the ticket. If you received a ticket in California, for example, you cannot use a Texas-approved school. Your state's DMV only recognizes courses from providers it has approved.
Do I have to tell my insurance company I took traffic school?
You do not have to tell them, but some insurance companies ask during renewal whether you have completed a defensive driving course. Being honest about it may lower your rate. Lying about it could void your policy if you have a claim. Check your policy or call your agent to ask whether completing traffic school affects your rate.
What if I fail the final test?
You can retake the final test when ready at no extra cost. Most schools let you retake it as many times as you need until you pass. There is no penalty for failing — you just keep taking it until you reach the passing score, usually 70 or 80 percent.
Can I use traffic school if I have an out-of-state license?
Yes, as long as you received the ticket in a state that allows traffic school for your violation. You take the course in the state where you got the ticket, not the state where your license is issued. The completion certificate goes to that state's court or DMV.
How long does it take for the court to dismiss my ticket after I complete traffic school?
It usually takes one to three weeks after the school sends your certificate. The court has to receive it, process it, and update your record. If more than three weeks have passed and your ticket still shows as active, call the court and ask whether they received the certificate from the school.