California's DMV online traffic school directory lists approved courses you can take to dismiss a traffic ticket or reduce your insurance rates
California allows you to take a traffic school course instead of paying a traffic ticket fine in most cases. The state DMV maintains a searchable list of approved traffic schools — both online and in-person — that meet state requirements. You access this list through the DMV's official website, where you can filter by location, course format, and other details to find a school that fits your schedule and needs.
Before you enroll in any traffic school, confirm with the court that issued your ticket that traffic school is an option for your specific violation. Not all tickets are may be able to access — for example, some serious violations or repeat offenses within a certain timeframe may not may have access to. Once the court approves you, you have a set important date to complete the course and submit proof to the court.
Key Takeaways
- The DMV's online traffic school directory lists only state-approved schools, so any school on that list meets California's legal requirements.
- You must get court approval before enrolling, because not all traffic violations are may be able to access for traffic school dismissal.
- Online traffic schools typically take four to eight hours to complete and can be done on your own schedule.
- After you finish the course, the school sends proof of completion directly to the court — you do not submit it yourself.
- Traffic school costs vary by provider but typically range from $20 to $60 for the course itself, separate from any court fees.
How to access the DMV's traffic school list
Go to the California DMV website and navigate to the traffic school directory. The URL structure is typically found under the "Driving" or "Tickets and Violations" section. You will see a search tool that lets you filter schools by county, city, or ZIP code. You can also filter by course type — online, classroom, or both — and by language if you need instruction in Spanish or another language.
The directory shows each school's name, contact information, and the course formats it offers. Some schools offer only online courses, while others run both classroom sessions and online options. The list updates regularly as schools gain or lose approval, so the directory is the only reliable source for current, approved providers.
What to check before you enroll
Verify that the school you choose is actually on the DMV's approved list. Scams exist — websites that look official but are not state-approved schools. If a school is not listed in the DMV directory, do not enroll, because the court will not accept proof of completion from an unapproved provider and you will have wasted money.
Check the course length and format. Most online courses take four to eight hours to complete and can be done in one sitting or spread over several days, depending on the school's rules. Some schools require you to complete the course within a certain window — often 30 to 90 days from enrollment. Read the school's refund policy before you pay, in case you need to withdraw.
Confirm the course cost. Approved schools set their own prices, which typically range from $20 to $60. This fee is separate from any court fees or fines you may owe. Some schools offer discounts for online enrollment or for completing the course quickly.
Steps to take after court approval
Before you enroll in traffic school, contact the court that issued your ticket and ask whether traffic school is an option for your violation. Provide the ticket number and ask for written confirmation that you are approved to take traffic school. The court will give you a important date — usually 30 to 90 days — by which you must complete the course and have proof submitted to them.
Once you have court approval in writing, choose a school from the DMV directory and enroll. You will typically create an account, pay the course fee online, and receive login credentials when ready. Read the school's instructions carefully, because some schools have specific rules about how long you have to complete the course or whether you can pause and resume.
Complete the course according to the school's format. Online courses usually include video lessons, reading material, and a final exam. You must pass the exam — typically with a score of 70 percent or higher — to receive a certificate of completion. The school will then send proof of completion electronically to the court on your behalf. You do not need to print or mail anything yourself.
What happens if you complete traffic school
Once the court receives proof that you completed traffic school, the ticket is typically dismissed and you do not have to pay the fine. However, you may still owe court fees or administrative costs — traffic school dismissal usually covers only the base fine, not all associated fees. Check with the court about what you still owe after dismissal.
Completing traffic school may also reduce your insurance rates. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you take a state-approved traffic school course, even if your ticket was dismissed. Contact your insurance company to ask about a discount and what documentation they need — usually a certificate of completion from the school.
Traffic school completion does not appear on your driving record as a conviction, which is one of the main reasons people choose this option. However, the ticket itself may still appear on your record as a dismissed case, depending on your county. Ask the court whether the ticket will be removed from your record entirely or marked as dismissed.
Online versus in-person traffic school
Online traffic school offers flexibility — you can complete the course on your own schedule, at your own pace, from any device with internet access. Most online courses can be finished in a single day if you have the time. In-person classroom courses are held at specific times and locations, which means less flexibility but some people find the structured environment helpful.
Both formats meet the same state requirements and result in the same court dismissal and insurance discount opportunities. Choose based on your schedule and learning preference. If you travel frequently or have an unpredictable schedule, online is usually the better option. If you prefer face-to-face instruction or do not have reliable internet access, look for a classroom option in your area.
Common issues and what to do
If you miss the court important date to complete traffic school, contact the court when ready. Some courts will grant a brief extension if you ask before the important date passes. If the important date has already passed, you may need to pay the original fine or appear in court to explain the delay.
If you enroll in a school that is later removed from the DMV's approved list, contact the school and the court right away. The court may still accept proof of completion if the school was approved at the time you took the course, but you need to document this. Keep your enrollment confirmation and any communications with the school as proof of when you enrolled.
If you fail the final exam, most schools allow you to retake it, usually for a small additional fee. Check the school's retake policy before you enroll. If you are struggling with the material, some schools offer tutoring or allow you to review lessons multiple times before taking the exam again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take traffic school for a speeding ticket?
Most speeding tickets are may be able to access for traffic school dismissal, but it depends on how much over the limit you were going and whether you have prior violations. Contact the court that issued your ticket to confirm. Some courts automatically tell you whether traffic school is an option when they send the ticket.
Do I have to tell my insurance company I took traffic school?
You do not have to tell them, but you should, because many insurers offer discounts for completing a state-approved traffic school course. The discount typically applies even if your ticket was dismissed. Contact your insurance agent and ask what documentation they need — usually a certificate of completion from the school.
How long does it take to get proof of completion to the court?
Most schools send proof electronically to the court within one to three business days after you pass the final exam. Some schools send it the same day. Check with your school about their timeline, and confirm with the court that they received it before your important date passes.
What if I cannot find a traffic school in my area on the DMV list?
If you live in a rural area, online traffic school is your option. All online schools on the DMV list serve California residents statewide, regardless of where you live. You can take the course from anywhere with internet access and submit proof to any California court.
Can I take traffic school more than once?
California law limits how often you can use traffic school to dismiss a ticket. Generally, you can use it once every 18 months. If you received another ticket within that window, you may not be may be able to access for traffic school dismissal on the second ticket. Ask the court about your specific situation.