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What is a driver improvement course?

On Behalf of | Mar 31, 2021 | Traffic Violations

Excess traffic violations can interfere with your driving privileges in Virginia. The state Department of Motor Vehicles tracks the number of violations you have and posts them to your driving record.

Accumulating too many points in a given time period can compromise your insurance and leave you facing serious legal repercussions. A driver improvement course may improve your situation if you qualify to participate.

A court-order

Perhaps the most obvious reason to take a driver improvement course is to mitigate the consequences of outstanding traffic violations. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, if you lost your driving privileges, the courts may only return your license contingent on your participation in a certified course. With a court-ordered requirement, you must successfully complete the course regardless of your interest in participating.

You may also have the chance to reduce the number of points on your driving record with proof of course completion. Finding out if you qualify to take a driver improvement course can help you determine the most efficient way to restore your driving privileges. State law prevents you from taking the course more than once every 24 months for the purpose of reducing the number of points on your record.

A voluntary benefit

Even if your violation did not result in legal consequences, your insurance company may have increased your premium as a precaution. In some cases, you may negotiate with them to lower your premium if you have proof that you voluntarily completed a driver improvement course.

Still, if you have a commendable driving record, you may still want to take a refresher course from time to time. Taking a driver improvement course is an excellent way for you to learn about defensive driving techniques. You can also hear current statistics about how your driving behaviors could impact your safety and the safety of the people around you. Using what you learn, you can continue to improve your driving habits.

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