Driving safety courses—also known as defensive driving or traffic school—are designed to improve a driver’s knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward driving a motor vehicle. Laws vary from state to state but in many states a driver who has been issued a traffic ticket or citation may have the ticket or citation dismissed upon successful completion of a driving safety course—whether online or in person.
In Virginia, driving safety courses, often referred to as defensive driving or driver improvement clinics, are regulated by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). These courses serve to enhance a driver's understanding and practices on the road. Virginia law allows drivers who have received a traffic citation to potentially have the charge dismissed or the demerit points reduced by completing a state-approved driver improvement clinic. However, eligibility for such benefits can depend on the nature of the offense and the driver's driving record. Some drivers may be required by the court to attend a course, while others may choose to do so voluntarily to earn safe driving points. The courses can be taken online or in person, but they must be approved by the Virginia DMV to qualify for point reduction or ticket dismissal.