Frequently Asked Questions– 4 Hour Traffic School in Florida
Course Information
- Why should I take a Florida traffic school course?
- Is this course accepted with the courts?
- Which traffic school courses do you offer in Florida?
- I'm not sure if I'm eligible to take Florida traffic school. How do I find out?
- What is the difference between reckless and careless driving?
- I live in another state and got a traffic ticket in Florida. Can I still take this course?
- How long will this course take?
- What types of things will I study?
- Do I have to take a final exam?
- What is the testing and grading policy?
- What will happen if I fail the final exam?
- Why does this course have timers?
- Is there a time limit to complete this course?
- How do I earn an insurance discount with traffic school?
Course Information
Depending on your situation, a Florida traffic school course can help you:
- Dismiss a traffic ticket
- Earn a point reduction
- Meet a court requirement
- Work toward license reinstatement after suspension
- Earn an insurance discount
- Is this course accepted by the state?
Yes! Our Florida online traffic school courses are state-authorized by the Florida courts to meet all requirements for ticket dismissal, court-ordered traffic school, and license reinstatement.
Yes! Our Florida online traffic school courses are state-authorized by Florida courts to meet all requirements for ticket dismissal, court-ordered traffic school, and license reinstatement.
We offer 3 courses to meet the needs of every driver:
The Florida 4-Hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course – For drivers who have received a non-criminal minor traffic ticket, or have been ordered by the court to complete a Basic Driver Improvement course (also called a Traffic Collision Avoidance Course [TCAC]). You may also take this course voluntarily to receive an insurance discount (check with your insurance provider for eligibility and details).
The Florida 8-Hour Traffic School course – For drivers who have received two or more traffic tickets in a period of 12 months, and the court has referred you to complete a driver improvement course. Some counties may also allow you to take this course if you have already completed the 4-hour BDI course.
The Florida 12-Hour Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) course – For drivers who have:
- Received 12 points in 12 months
- Had their license suspended or revoked for non-DUI-related habitual violations
- Had their license suspended or revoked due to accumulated points
- Received a court order to attend an ADI course
We have all of the eligibility requirements and steps to take for the Florida traffic school courses listed on our How it Works page. Generally, you are eligible in the state of Florida if you:
- Hold a valid non-commercial driver’s license
- Have been cited for a minor moving violation
- Have NOT completed traffic school in the last 12 months
- Have contacted your court within 30 days of your citation
If you still are unclear as to whether you qualify for traffic school, contact your court and request more information concerning your particular circ*mstances.
Reckless driving is defined as “any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property” (Florida Statute 316.192). This isn’t quite the same as careless driving, which is an unintentional slip-up like speeding without “wanton disregard” for the safety of everyone around.
A careless driving citation will usually carry the option for dismissal if you complete a state authorized Florida traffic school course. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor charge that has the potential to carry jail time. According to Florida statute 545.401, the punishment for reckless driving may include:
- A up to $500 fine
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Both jail time and the fine combined
The fines and jail time doubles for a second offense. If property damage is involved or you cause serious bodily harm to a person, you’re facing a third-degree offense. Third-degree offenses are punishable by a fine of $5,000 and up to five years in jail.
Yes, you may still take a Florida traffic school course. Make sure to contact the court cited on your traffic ticket prior to enrollment. Once you have completed the course, you will need to submit your certificate of completion to the Florida court.
The Florida 4-Hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course should take the state-mandated 4 hours to complete.
Each of your 8 course chapters focuses on a single topic that pertains to Florida driving and traffic laws. These topics include:
- Highway safety
- Alcohol- and drug-impaired driving
- State traffic laws
- Driving emergencies
- Vehicle maintenance
Yes, you do. The 4-hour course features a 40-question multiple-choice final exam. You must score an 80% or higher to pass.
Each chapter contains a quiz that reviews important content from that chapter. There are 10 questions per quiz, and you must score an 80% or higher to move onto the next chapter. You will be provided with feedback on any incorrect answers, and you may retake your quizzes an unlimited amount of times.
You will then take your final exam at the end of your course, as referenced in the previous question.
You may retake your quizzes and final exam if you do not obtain a passing score of 80% or higher on your first try.
This course is required by Florida law to span 4 hours in length. To comply with this law, we (and all other online defensive driving schools) are required to place timers on each page of the course. We realize that some students may read faster than the timer will permit you to advance, but state regulations prohibit us from changing this function. The timers cannot be disabled for any reason.
Deadlines are typically determined by the Florida courts. While we allow you 180 days to complete your course before your account is suspended, the court may require you to finish your course much sooner than that. Make sure to determine your court’s deadline before beginning the course.
Regardless of court deadlines, you mustcomplete the course within 180 days of registration. Any student who has not successfully completed the course within 180 days will be terminated without notice and will not be eligible for a refund.
Contact your insurance provider to determine whether they offer discount for successful completion of a traffic school course. If they do, simply enroll in the 4-hour BDI course, work through it at your own pace, and turn in your certificate of completion to your insurance provider when you’re finished!
As someone deeply familiar with traffic laws, regulations, and safety practices, I have a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and information presented in the article you provided. My knowledge encompasses traffic laws, driving courses, state requirements, and the broader implications for drivers, whether in Florida or other states. This expertise is derived from extensive research, understanding of state-specific regulations, and familiarity with the intricacies of traffic school courses and their objectives.
Now, let's break down the key concepts and questions addressed in the article:
-
Why take a Florida traffic school course?
- Dismiss a traffic ticket
- Earn a point reduction
- Meet a court requirement
- Work toward license reinstatement after suspension
- Earn an insurance discount
-
Acceptance of the course:
- The Florida online traffic school courses are state-authorized by the Florida courts for ticket dismissal, court-ordered traffic school, and license reinstatement.
-
Types of Traffic School Courses in Florida:
- Florida 4-Hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course: For minor traffic offenses or court-ordered completion.
- Florida 8-Hour Traffic School course: For those with multiple tickets in a 12-month period.
- Florida 12-Hour Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) course: For specific violations like accumulated points, license suspension, or court orders.
-
Eligibility for Florida Traffic School:
- Requirements include holding a valid non-commercial driver’s license, having a minor moving violation, not completing traffic school in the last 12 months, and contacting the court within 30 days of the citation.
-
Difference between Reckless and Careless Driving:
- Reckless driving involves willful or wanton disregard for safety, while careless driving is an unintentional violation. Reckless driving can result in more severe penalties, including fines and potential jail time.
-
Out-of-State Drivers in Florida:
- If you received a traffic ticket in Florida but reside in another state, you can still take the Florida traffic school course after consulting with the relevant Florida court.
-
Duration and Content of the Course:
- The Florida 4-Hour BDI course is state-mandated to last 4 hours and covers topics like highway safety, impaired driving, state traffic laws, driving emergencies, and vehicle maintenance.
-
Examination and Grading Policy:
- A 40-question multiple-choice final exam is required, with an 80% passing score. Each chapter contains a quiz, and feedback is provided for incorrect answers.
-
Course Timers and Time Limit:
- The course has timers to comply with the 4-hour duration mandated by Florida law. Students have 180 days to complete the course, though court-specific deadlines may differ.
-
Insurance Discount:
- Successful completion of the 4-hour BDI course may qualify drivers for an insurance discount, contingent upon the insurance provider's policies.
In summary, the article provides comprehensive information about Florida traffic school courses, their purposes, eligibility criteria, examination processes, and benefits. Whether you are a Florida resident or an out-of-state driver with a ticket in Florida, understanding these concepts is crucial for compliance with state regulations and improving driving records or insurance rates.
