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Florida Traffic School Online

When you receive a traffic ticket in Florida, you can elect to take a traffic school course. By completing the course, you can reduce the fine for your citation, avoid changes to your insurance rate and keep new points off your driving record. Adjudication of guilt for the violation is also withheld.

The official name of the course is Basic Driver Improvement (BDI), but it is also known as traffic school, driving school, the defensive driving course or the Traffic Collision Avoidance Course (TCAC).

One of the simplest ways to save money and avoid points after getting a ticket is to complete the BDI course at Florida Online Traffic School. You can also take a streaming video course, DVD course or visit a classroom to take the course in person.

When Is a BDI Course Required?

In some cases, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires drivers to complete the BDI course.

The Basic Driver Improvement Course is mandatory if:

  • You were cited for causing a crash that required someone to be transported to the hospital
  • You were in two crashes within 24 months that resulted in over $500 in property damage
  • You were convicted of any of the following offenses in Florida or another state while driving with a Florida driver's license:
    • Running a red light
    • Passing a school bus displaying a stopped signal
    • Reckless driving
    • Racing on highways, roadways or parking lots
    • Being a knowing spectator of a highway race

Basic Driver Improvement Course Description

The BDI course takes four hours to complete. You have a variety options for the format of the course: online, streaming, DVD and classroom.

Online

If you have a good internet connection, online traffic school is a popular and affordable option for BDI. Upon completing the modules, you will take a final exam. You must score at least 80 percent to pass, and you have three chances to pass the exam. To learn more, visit the Florida Online Traffic School website.

Streaming

Another online option for BDI is a streaming video course. The material is presented as an animated video with narration. The streaming course has no final exam, but you must pass a quiz at the end of each module.

DVD

If you're not comfortable working with computers, then a DVD course is a perfect option for BDI. Like the streaming option, course material is presented in animated and narrated videos. Most DVD courses require students to answer questions about the course material and mail their answer sheet to the course provider. Upon passing the course, the course provider will mail you a certificate of completion.

Classroom

Students who prefer to learn in a classroom setting can complete BDI in person. While this option requires you to travel to class, you will learn from a qualified course instructor who can answer any of your questions. While classroom BDI courses do not typically have a final exam, you will be expected to participate in class discussion and activities.