Getting a traffic ticket can be frustrating, but did you know you can mask it from your record? That’s where the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licensed traffic schools come in.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to find a DMV-licensed online traffic school to clear your ticket and hone your driving skills. We’ll also discuss what to expect from these courses, and answer some frequently asked questions about DMV traffic schools.
Let’s get into it.
A DMV traffic school is a program focused on safe driving practices. It appeals to experienced drivers who either want to hone their skills on the road or keep a point off their license. You can also go to traffic school to:
For example, having a less-than-perfect driving record could hurt your chances of finding work as a sales rep, social worker, or realtor.
By completing driving school, you’ll mask one point from your license. This aspect alone can increase your odds of getting the job. Basically, you’ll have a competitive advantage over candidates with traffic violations on their records.
The courses are approved by the DMV, covering state-specific traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, sobriety testing procedures, and related topics. Upon completion, you’ll have a better understanding of road safety, which can lower your risk of future tickets and accidents.
DMV traffic schools are available in several formats, including online, classroom, and home study courses. They’re open for registration to individuals who:
This option is only available to drivers charged with minor offenses, such as failure to obey traffic signals. Or speeding by no more than 25 miles per hour above the speed limit.
Therefore, you cannot go to traffic school if you hit a pedestrian or get caught driving under the influence. Also, repeat offenders may not qualify. See this guide to learn more about traffic school eligibility.
First, you have to plead guilty to your ticket and pay the court fine plus any administrative fees. After that, check your court notice to find out whether or not you’re eligible for traffic school.
If you have this option, enroll in a DMV-approved program that fits your schedule. Its duration depends on the school you choose, the time you dedicate to studying, and your understanding of traffic safety laws.
For example, Best Online Traffic School offers an Internet-based course consisting of 12 modules. These can be completed within a few hours. Each module ends with a four-question quiz meant to test your knowledge.
After finishing the course, you must take a 25-question exam. If you pass, you’ll receive a certificate of completion on the spot. Plus, we’ll submit the results to the Court and DMV on your behalf the same day.
The exact steps may vary from one traffic school to another, which brings us to the next point…
Once you have paid the fine, you must complete traffic school within 60 to 90 days. The due date depends on the court.
With that in mind, make a list of DMV-licensed traffic schools in California—and then look into their offerings. Follow these steps to get started.
For starters, see the DMV’s traffic school list to research your options.
Click “Find a traffic school,” and then select the course format, language, city or county, and other criteria. However, location is less relevant if you opt for online courses.
If you already have a school in mind, enter its business name, license number, or address in the designated fields. This way, you can check whether or not it’s licensed by the DMV.
When you’re done, click “Search.” The DMV will display a list of traffic schools that meet your requirements. It will also show their address, license status, and contact data.
As of today, there are 523 DMV traffic schools in California alone. Around 260 provide classroom instructions, and 187 operate exclusively online. Another 76 offer both online and classroom-based courses.
Unfortunately, the DMV says nothing about their schedule, duration, or cost, so you have to contact each school for more information. On top of that, the website doesn’t display customer reviews, meaning you must do your own research.
Beware that some traffic schools charge extra for items that should already be included or items that make no difference. An example is expedited processing, which the traffic school has no control over.
Some traffic schools charge extra for services that should already be included or items that make no difference. An example is expedited processing, which the school has no control over.
Generally, you can expect to pay around $30 to $60 for a full training program. This includes the cost of physical certificates, exam retakes, and other standard services.
Pick a DMV-licensed California traffic school with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Also, make sure it meets the following criteria:
For example, Best Online Traffic School doesn’t charge anything until you pass the test. Plus, it has over 16,800 positive reviews from verified students.
Consider your schedule, too. While it’s true that online courses are more convenient than classroom instruction, their structure varies from school to school.
So, ask about the course format, how you can access the study materials, and what a standard lesson looks like. If, say, you prefer to use your smartphone or tablet, then make sure the course is mobile-friendly.
You can go through the trouble of combing through the DMV’s traffic school list and spend hours doing research on each one, or you can use Best Online Traffic School to knock out your court obligation and submit your exam the same day.
We’re an officially California DMV licensed traffic school (#E1314) and ready to help you erase your traffic ticket and move on with your life. This means we’re on the California DMV’s Traffic School List. We’re also one of the only English, Chinese & Spanish DMV Licensed Traffic Schools in the state.
We get that the last thing you want is for an annoying traffic violation to hold you back, so that’s why we make it easy, convenient, and completely risk-free to sign up and ace your traffic school test.
We don’t believe in hidden fees, bogus charges, or inflated prices. When you sign up, you’re protected every step of the way with our “Don’t Pay Until You Pass” Guarantee.
Take our course as many times as you need to, and don’t pay a penny until that final exam is completely finished. We’ll take the pressure off so that you can do your best. Once you’ve passed your exam, our fee of just $21.99 will include all of the following:
Plus, with our fast completion time, you can get it done in a single session. For more information, see our FAQ page.
Ready to see how painless traffic school can be?
Our DMV License is E1314 and can be found on the DMV’s website. We are listed as “Best Online Traffic School”.
Best Online Traffic School course is on the California DMV Traffic Violators Schools list. Our course is accepted by ALL courts in California.
Still want to know more about how traffic school works? View our How It Works page here.
Want to know about everything including in Best Online Traffic School’s price? View our Pricing page here.
DON’T PAY US UNTIL YOU PASS
FREE Same Day Submission To Court & DMV
Very Easy – 99% Pass On Their First Try
FREE Electronic Certificate Included
Just $21.99! – No Credit Card Required Until You Pass
