Virginia's online traffic school is run by approved providers, not directly by the DMV
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles does not operate its own online traffic school. Instead, the DMV maintains a list of approved traffic school providers that you can choose from. You find the current list on the Virginia DMV website under "Driver Improvement" or "Traffic School." Each provider handles its own enrollment, course materials, and completion certificate — the DMV's role is to accept the certificate once you finish.
The reason this matters: you cannot go to the DMV website and take a course there. You pick a provider from the approved list, pay them directly, complete their course (usually online), and they send your completion certificate to the DMV or to you. The DMV then updates your driving record if the course was ordered by a court or if you took it voluntarily to reduce points.
Virginia allows online traffic school for most moving violations, but not all. Serious violations like reckless driving or driving under the influence typically cannot be dismissed through traffic school. Your court order, ticket, or the provider's website will tell you whether your specific violation qualifies.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia's approved traffic school providers are listed on the DMV website, and you enroll directly with the provider you choose, not with the DMV.
- Most providers offer fully online courses that you can complete on your own schedule, usually in four to eight hours.
- You pay the provider's fee (typically $30 to $50) and receive a completion certificate that you submit to the court or DMV.
- The DMV accepts the certificate and updates your record, but does not issue it or run the course itself.
- Not all violations may have access to for traffic school dismissal — check your court order or ticket to confirm yours does.
Finding an approved provider on the Virginia DMV website
Go to the Virginia DMV homepage and search for "approved traffic school providers" or "driver improvement." The DMV publishes a list of providers licensed to offer courses in Virginia. Each provider name links to their website, where you can see their course format, cost, and how long completion takes.
The list changes occasionally as providers are added or removed, so always check the official DMV page rather than bookmarking an old provider link. When you click through to a provider's site, you should see their course outline, the fee, and whether they offer live chat or phone support if you have questions during the course.
Some providers specialize in online-only courses; others offer both online and in-person options. Since you are looking for online, confirm the provider offers that format before you enroll. Most will let you start when ready after payment, though a few may require you to wait until a specific course start date.
What to expect during an online traffic school course
Virginia's approved online courses typically take four to eight hours to complete, depending on the provider and the violation. You log in to the provider's website, watch video lessons or read interactive modules about traffic laws, and answer questions as you go. Most courses are self-paced, meaning you can stop and resume whenever you want — you do not have to finish in one sitting.
The course content covers Virginia traffic laws, safe driving practices, and the consequences of traffic violations. You will likely encounter a final exam or quiz at the end. Passing usually requires a score of 70 to 80 percent, depending on the provider. If you do not pass on your first try, most providers let you retake the exam at no extra cost.
Some providers require you to stay logged in for the full course duration and will not let you skip ahead or speed through videos. Others are more flexible. Check the provider's course description before you enroll if pacing matters to you — this detail is often listed under "course requirements" or "how it works."
Getting your completion certificate and submitting it
Once you pass the final exam, the provider generates a completion certificate. Most providers email it to you when ready or make it available to read from your account dashboard. Some providers will mail a printed copy if you request it, though this takes longer.
You then submit the certificate to whoever ordered the course. If a court ordered you to take traffic school, send the certificate to the court listed on your ticket or court order — the provider's website usually tells you which court and the address. If you took the course voluntarily to reduce points on your record, send it to the Virginia DMV at the address listed on their website, or ask the provider whether they can submit it on your behalf.
Keep a copy of the certificate for your records. The DMV typically updates your driving record within two to four weeks of receiving the certificate, though this varies. If you do not see the update after a month, contact the DMV or the court to confirm they received it.
Cost and payment
Virginia's approved traffic school providers charge between $30 and $50 for an online course, though the exact amount varies by provider. Some providers offer discounts if you enroll early or if you are a student or senior. Check the provider's website for any current promotions.
Payment is typically made by credit card or debit card directly on the provider's website. You pay once, at enrollment, and the fee covers the course and the completion certificate. There are no additional DMV fees for accepting the certificate — the DMV does not charge you to update your record.
If you are unsure whether the course will actually reduce points or dismiss your violation, ask the provider before you pay. They can tell you what the outcome will be based on your violation type and Virginia law. Some violations result in point reduction; others result in dismissal. Your court order should also specify what the course will accomplish in your case.
How traffic school affects your driving record and insurance
Completing an approved traffic school course in Virginia can reduce points on your driving record or result in dismissal of the violation, depending on the violation and the court's order. If the violation is dismissed, it does not appear on your record at all. If points are reduced, the lower point count may help your insurance rates, though insurance companies set their own policies about how much weight they give to traffic school completion.
You can take traffic school once every 12 months in Virginia. If you receive multiple violations within a year, you can only use traffic school to address one of them. The DMV will tell you whether you are may be able to access to use traffic school again if you receive another ticket.
Some insurance companies offer a discount for completing traffic school, even if it was not court-ordered. Ask your insurance agent whether you may have access to for a discount and what documentation they need — usually just a copy of your completion certificate.
What to do if you cannot find a provider or have questions
If the DMV's approved provider list appears outdated or you cannot reach a provider, contact the Virginia DMV directly. You can call their customer service line (the number is on the DMV website) or visit a local DMV office. They can confirm which providers are currently active and help you troubleshoot if you are having trouble enrolling.
If you have a question about whether your specific violation qualifies for traffic school, the court that issued your ticket is the best source. Call the court clerk's office and ask whether traffic school dismissal or point reduction is an option for your violation. They can also tell you whether the court has a preferred provider or any restrictions on which providers you can use.
If you complete the course but do not see the update on your driving record after four weeks, contact both the provider and the DMV to confirm the certificate was received and processed. Occasionally certificates get lost in the mail or misfiled, so following up prevents delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Virginia traffic school online if I live out of state?
Virginia's approved providers serve Virginia residents and out-of-state drivers who received a ticket in Virginia. If you got a ticket in Virginia but live elsewhere, you can still take an approved online course. The certificate goes to the Virginia court that issued the ticket, and the DMV updates your Virginia driving record. Your home state's record is not affected unless your home state has its own agreement with Virginia.
What happens if I fail the final exam?
Most approved providers let you retake the exam at no extra cost. You may have to wait 24 hours before retaking it, or you may be able to retake it when ready — check the provider's policy. If you fail multiple times, contact the provider's customer support; some will offer a refund or let you withdraw and try a different provider.
How long does it take for the DMV to process my completion certificate?
The DMV typically updates your driving record within two to four weeks of receiving the certificate from the provider or from you. If you submit it yourself, mail it to the address on the DMV website and keep proof of mailing. If the provider submits it, ask them for confirmation that they sent it.
Can I use traffic school to dismiss a reckless driving charge?
No. Virginia does not allow traffic school for reckless driving, driving under the influence, or other serious violations. Traffic school is available for most moving violations like speeding, improper lane change, and failure to stop. Your ticket or court order will state whether traffic school is an option for your violation.
Do I have to tell my insurance company I took traffic school?
You do not have to, but some insurance companies offer a discount if you complete an approved course. Call your agent and ask whether they offer a discount and what documentation they need. Providing proof of completion may lower your premium, even if the course was not required by the court.