Richmond, VA, The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is rolling out updated guidance on its driver improvement clinic system, courses designed to help drivers correct unsafe habits, recover points, or even earn insurance discounts.
What’s Changing
Virginia is clarifying the rules for when drivers must attend a court-referred clinic, a DMV-referred clinic, or when they can take a safe driving points course voluntarily.
Under the revised approach:
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Drivers who accumulate 12 demerit points in 12 months or 18 in 24 months will be required to complete a DMV-referred driver improvement clinic to avoid license suspension.
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Drivers may voluntarily complete a driver safety points course or insurance reduction course to earn up to five safe driving points on their record or reduce insurance premiums.
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Courts may also order drivers to attend a court-referred clinic after a traffic conviction.
All clinics must be DMV-approved, and drivers can now complete them conveniently online or in person.
How It Affects Virginia Drivers
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Licensed Drivers: Can earn safe driving points or lower insurance costs through a voluntary driver improvement clinic.
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Ticketed Drivers: May satisfy court requirements and prevent further penalties by completing a court-referred clinic.
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High-Risk Drivers: Those referred by the DMV can meet reinstatement requirements by completing a DMV-referred clinic on time.
Why It Matters
These changes aim to promote driver accountability and road safety while giving motorists more flexible options to correct mistakes and protect their records.
Whether you’re completing a court-ordered clinic, trying to earn safe driving points, or seeking an insurance reduction, it pays to stay informed and proactive about your driving record.
Stay compliant and confident on Virginia’s roads, enroll today at GoToTrafficSchool.com for a DMV-approved driver improvement clinic or safe driving points course.