If you get a traffic ticket or are convicted of a traffic offense in Virginia, you will be assessed demerit points on your driving record by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you accumulate too many points on your driving record, the DMV may suspend your driver’s license.
Having your driver’s license suspended can be a huge hardship because you depend on being able to drive to get where you need to go. However, you may be able to improve your driving record by taking a driver improvement class.
What Is a Driver Improvement Class?
A driver improvement class is an eight-hour course that teaches defensive driving techniques that can help you prevent accidents and be a safer driver. You may have to take a test at the end of the course.
If you decide to take this class, it is important to enroll in one that is approved by the DMV. You can find a list of approved driver improvement clinics on the Virginia DMV website. These courses are often offered in-person and online.
How Taking a Driver Improvement Course Can Improve Your Driving Record
Taking a driver improvement course that is approved by the DMV can help you accumulate safe driving points on your driving record. You can receive a maximum of five safe driving points on your record. There are two ways to acquire this type of points:
- Every year that you do not receive any traffic violations or driver’s license suspensions, you would be awarded one point.
- You can receive five safe driving points if you successfully complete a driver improvement course that is approved by the DMV.
You can obtain five safe driving points if a court orders you to take it as part of your sentence and the order states that these points should be awarded if you successfully complete the course. You can also receive these points if the DMV orders you to take the course or you take the class voluntarily. Other benefits of taking a driver improvement class include:
- In some counties, a judge may dismiss a minor traffic ticket if you take this course.
- You may be able to receive a reduction in your auto insurance costs for successfully completing the course if your insurance company participates in a discount program.
How to Know If Taking a Driving Improvement Class Will Improve Your Driving Record
You may not want to spend the time and money for a driving improvement course if it will not improve your driving record. The best way to know if it would be helpful is to consult with an experienced driver license restoration attorney. To get the advice you need, start a live chat to schedule a free consultation today.
|
Related Links: |