Driver Improvement Courses FAQ

Any driver charged with a moving or non-moving traffic violation that would result in points assessed to their driving record.

• Exclusions:
  • All criminal violations; and
  • Drivers who hold a Commercial Driver License (CDL) regardless of the type of vehicle they are driving at the time of the violation.

When a driver completes a driver improvement course to satisfy a violation:

• Adjudication is withheld (not convicted of the violation) per section 318.14, Florida Statutes;
• No points will be assessed against the driver license for the violation; and
• Insurance companies cannot impose an additional premium or refuse to renew a policy for motor vehicle insurance solely because the insured committed a non-criminal traffic infraction. Exceptions include:
  • A second infraction within 18 months;
  • A third infraction within 36 months; or
  • Exceeding the speed limit by more than 15 mph.

Yes. Contact the traffic division of the clerk of court in the county where the citation was received to determine the exact cost of the civil fine.

Drivers may elect to attend a driver improvement course at a clerk’s office in the county where the citation was received, or if the officer provided an envelope when issuing the citaition drivers may use it to indicate the intent to attend a driver improvement course. Read the affidavit attached to the envelope for information and instructions.

For more information, consult the traffic division in the clerk’s office of the county where the citation was issued.

Yes. Drivers are responsible for the cost of the driver improvement course.

Yes. It is the driver’s responsibility to present the completion certificate to the clerk’s office in the county where the citation was issued. Please consult with the traffic division in the clerk’s office in the county where the citation was issued for their exact requirements.

No. Once the clerk is notified of a driver’s intent to attend a course, they have between 60 and 90 days from the date of the citation to complete the course and present proof of completion to the clerk of court in the county where the citation was issued. Please consult with the traffic division in the clerk’s office in the county where the citation was issued for their exact requirements.

A person who elects to attend a driver improvement course and has paid the civil fine, but fails to attend the school within the time specified by the court is considered to have admitted to the infraction and is adjudicated as guilty. In this case, the person must pay the clerk of court the amount deducted from their fee because of the election to attend a course, and a processing fee of up to $18. No additional penalties or court costs are imposed. The clerk of court will notify the DHSMV of the person’s failure to attend the driver improvement course and points for the violation are then added to the individual’s driving record.

Drivers can choose to attend a driver improvement course once in any 12-month period and no more than five times in a lifetime.

Yes. Once the affidavit is signed and recorded by the court, drivers may not choose the school option again for 12 months and all payments are forfeited.

For specific requirements, contact the traffic division of the clerk’s office in the county where the citation was issued.

Contact the traffic division of the clerk’s office in the county where the citation was issued for their specific requirements.

No. Each county has its own procedures for this process. If a driver has any questions, they should contact the traffic division in the clerk’s office in the county where the citation was issued.