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  3. Driver Improvement

Reasons for Attending a Driver Improvement Course

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  • Driver Improvement
    • Points and the Driver Improvement Program
    • Search Clinics and Schools
    • About Driver Improvement Clinics
    • Reasons for Attending a Driver Improvement Course
    • Complete an Online Driving Improvement Clinic
    • Become an Online Driver Improvement Clinic Provider
    • Become an Online Driver Improvement Curriculum Vendor
    • DMV-Approved Computer-Based Driver Improvement Curriculum Vendors
Attendance ReasonReason CodeDescription of ReasonSafe Driving Points Information
Court RequiredCOU

Drivers required by the court to complete clinic.

Note: If you have not been to court, you are not court directed.

A court document stating that the driver is to be awarded safe driving points must be presented to the clinic. Safe driving points will not be awarded if this documentation is not received by the clinic.
DMV RequiredDMVDrivers required by DMV to complete clinic.Safe driving points are awarded for drivers 18 and over. Drivers under age 18 will not be awarded safe driving points if the clinic attendance was required by DMV.
InsuranceINSDrivers completing the clinic to receive an insurance premium discount; eligibility must be verified with the driver's insurance companyNo safe driving points are awarded.
VolunteerVOLDrivers completing clinic voluntarilySafe driving points are awarded
Commercial Driver Court RequiredCMCCommercial driver (CDL) required by the court to complete commercial vehicle operator's clinicA court document stating that the driver is to be awarded safe driving points must be presented to the clinic. Safe driving points will not be awarded if this documentation is not received by the clinic.
Commercial Driver DMV RequiredCMDCommercial driver (CDL) required by DMV to complete a commercial vehicle operator's clinicSafe driving points are awarded
Commercial Driver VolunteerCMVCommercial driver (CDL) voluntarily completing a commercial vehicle operator's clinicSafe driving points are awarded

When signing up for a clinic, you must:

  • Let the clinic provider know your reason for attending the clinic.
  • Provide a government-issued photo ID.
  • If required by the court to attend a driver improvement clinic and the court has determined that you are to be awarded safe driving points, present this documentation to the clinic.

The driver improvement clinic can be completed online, regardless of age, or in person. If the clinic is completed online, the course and final test must be completed through a DMV-licensed online driver improvement clinic provider. If the clinic is completed in person, the final test must be completed in person. See online driver improvement clinics and in-person driver improvement clinics.

Important Info

  • The Points System
    • Demerit points are assigned when you are convicted of a traffic violation and remain valid for two years from the date you commit the offense.
    • Safe driving points are assigned for each full calendar year that you hold a valid Virginia driver's license and drive without any violations or suspensions. In some cases, you may also earn safe driving points by completing a driver improvement clinic. Annual safe driving points are awarded in early April of each year for the previous calendar year.
    • Find out more at Driver Improvement Program.
  • Driver improvement clinics are required to electronically report clinic completion information to DMV within 24 hours.

DMV is committed to promoting transportation safety through the certification of quality driving training programs. If you have any comments or concerns about a driver improvement course, call our toll-free number: 1-877-885-5790.

You can also...

  • Get your DMV record
  • Log on to see Your Points Balance

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