Licensed by Virginia DMV

How Driver Improvement Works

The online course is the same regardless of why you’re taking it. What changes is what you do with your certificate when you’re done. Find your situation below.

Voluntary

Earning 5 Safe Driver Points

You can take the Virginia Driver Improvement Course once every 24 months to earn 5 positive safe driver points, which are added to your driving record and can help offset any demerit points you’ve accumulated. Many auto insurance providers also offer a premium discount to policyholders who complete a state-approved course — it’s worth checking with your provider before or after enrolling.

This is one of the easiest ways to proactively improve your driving record from the comfort of your home, at your own pace.

Your Certificate of Completion

  • Your certificate will be emailed to you immediately after passing the final exam.
  • We will report your completion directly to the Virginia DMV within 24 hours — no action required on your part.
  • Print your certificate and keep it for your personal records.
  • You do not need to bring or mail your certificate to the DMV.
Tip: Check your driving record on the Virginia DMV website a few days after completing the course to confirm your +5 safe driver points have been applied.

Court-Ordered

Dismissing or Reducing a Charge or Fine

Courts frequently require the Driver Improvement Course as a condition of resolving a traffic case — whether to satisfy a judge’s order, have a citation dismissed, or reduce a charge or fine. After completing the course online, we will issue your certificate and report your completion to the Virginia DMV.

Important: Unlike other reasons for taking the course, court-ordered students must personally deliver their certificate of completion to their court. We cannot do this on your behalf.

Your Certificate of Completion

  • Your certificate will be emailed to you immediately after passing the final exam.
  • We will report your completion to the Virginia DMV within 24 hours.
  • You must deliver your certificate to your court — follow whatever instructions your court provided when your case was assigned.
  • Most courts require in-person delivery or mailing; some may accept fax or email — confirm with your court before submitting.
  • We recommend dropping the certificate off in person at the courthouse whenever possible.
  • If mailing, write your case number on the back of the certificate along with any documentation tying it to you, your case, and your court. Sending via certified mail provides proof of delivery.
Don’t wait until the last minute. We always recommend completing the course and delivering your certificate well in advance of your court date to avoid any issues.

DMV-Assigned

Avoiding Suspension, Revocation, or Reinstating Your License

The Virginia DMV may assign you to take a Driver Improvement Course in order to reduce your demerit points, avoid license suspension or revocation, or to reinstate a suspended license. In most cases the DMV will have notified you directly — by letter or through your online DMV account — informing you of this requirement.

After completing the course, we handle reporting your completion to the DMV on your behalf. In most cases you don’t need to do anything further — but we always recommend following up to be certain.

Your Certificate of Completion

  • Your certificate will be emailed to you immediately after passing the final exam.
  • We will report your completion directly to the Virginia DMV within 24 hours.
  • In most cases you do not need to take any further action — the DMV will apply your completion to your record automatically.
  • Print your certificate and keep it for your personal records.
We always recommend following up with the DMV to confirm they received and applied your completion. You can also check your Virginia driving record online to verify your +5 safe driver points were assigned and that the DMV assignment has been satisfied.

Insurance Discount

Lowering Your Auto Insurance Premium

Most major auto insurance providers offer a premium discount to policyholders who complete a state-approved driver improvement course — however, not all providers do, and discount amounts vary. We recommend checking with your insurance provider before enrolling to confirm they recognize Virginia DMV-approved courses and to understand what discount you can expect.

Your Certificate of Completion

  • Your certificate will be emailed to you immediately after passing the final exam.
  • We will report your completion to the Virginia DMV within 24 hours.
  • Provide your certificate to your insurance provider to apply for your discount.
  • Each provider has different submission requirements — some accept a digital copy, others may require a physical copy mailed in. Contact your agent for their specific instructions.

Virginia DMV Approved

How to Get Your Virginia Driver’s License as a Teen

The licensing process has several steps — but don’t worry. We’ll walk you through every one and provide everything you need along the way.

1

Enroll in Driver’s Ed & Get Your Learner’s Permit (Age 15½+)

Start by enrolling in this online course. You can get your learner’s permit before or after enrolling — but we recommend completing at least Module 1 first. It covers everything on the DMV knowledge test and will help you pass on your first try.

When you’re ready, visit your local Virginia DMV Customer Service Center to get your permit:

  • Pass the vision test
  • Pass the knowledge and road signs tests
  • Bring the required identification documents
  • Have a parent or guardian sign your application if you’re under 18
Pro tip: Complete Module 1 before your DMV visit — it covers everything on the knowledge test and takes about 2 hours.
2

Complete Your 30-Hour Online Driver Education Course

Complete all required lessons, activities, and quizzes through our Virginia DMV-approved online driver education program.

The course is self-paced — study whenever it fits your schedule, on any device.
3

Complete the Parent/Teen Driver Education Component

Most Virginia teens under 18 are required to complete a 90-minute Parent/Teen Driver Education Program. In most areas of Virginia, this program can be completed online.

Students who reside in Virginia DMV District 8 may have additional requirements and should verify current rules for their area.
4

Schedule and Pass Your Final Exam

After completing the 30-hour online course, schedule an appointment to take your final exam at our local driving school office. On the day of your exam, be sure to bring:

  • Your learner’s permit
  • Any required course completion documentation
  • Any additional documents requested when scheduling your appointment
Once you pass the final exam, you’ll receive your classroom completion certificate.
5

Complete 45 Hours of Supervised Driving Practice

While holding your learner’s permit, you’ll need to complete:

  • 45 total hours of supervised driving practice
  • At least 15 hours of driving after sunset
A parent, guardian, or qualified adult will certify these practice hours when you’re ready for licensing.
6

Complete Behind-the-Wheel Driver Training

Virginia requires teen drivers to complete professional behind-the-wheel instruction. This training typically includes:

  • 7 driving sessions
  • 7 observation sessions
  • A final road skills evaluation
These lessons can be completed with our school or with any Virginia-certified driver training school that offers behind-the-wheel instruction.
7

Hold Your Learner’s Permit for at Least 9 Months

Virginia requires teen drivers to hold their learner’s permit for a minimum of 9 months before becoming eligible for a driver’s license.

You must also be at least 16 years and 3 months old before you can apply for your license.
8

Receive Your Virginia Driver’s License

After completing all requirements — including:

  • Holding your permit for at least 9 months
  • Completing the 30-hour driver education course
  • Passing the final exam
  • Completing behind-the-wheel training
  • Completing 45 hours of supervised practice driving

Congratulations! — your official Virginia Driver’s License will be issued.

Court-Approved Statewide

How RADEP Works

The online course is the same for all students. What matters is choosing the right course for your situation. Here’s exactly what to expect from start to finish.

1

Determine Which Course You Need

Virginia’s RADEP requirement is 12 hours total — an 8-hour Driver Improvement course plus a 4-hour RADEP addition. Which course you need depends on what you’ve already completed:

  • 12-Hour RADEP Course — If you haven’t completed a Virginia Driver Improvement course, this all-in-one option includes everything. Most students fall into this category.
  • 4-Hour RADEP Addition — If you have already completed a state-approved 8-hour Driver Improvement course elsewhere, you only need this standalone addition to complete the RADEP requirement.

If you’re unsure which applies to you, check your court order or contact us — we’re happy to help.

Don’t guess. Completing the wrong course won’t satisfy your requirement. When in doubt, the 12-Hour RADEP Course is the safest choice.
2

Enroll & Complete the Course Online

Once enrolled, you can work through the course entirely online at your own pace — on any device, from anywhere. There are no scheduled sessions or live classes.

Complete all course chapters and pass the final exam. The exam can be retaken as many times as needed until you pass. The course is designed to be straightforward, and the vast majority of students pass on their first attempt.

If you have a court date coming up soon, start immediately. We always recommend completing the course well in advance to leave time for certificate delivery.
3

Receive Your Certificate of Completion

As soon as you pass the final exam, your certificate of completion will be emailed to you immediately. We will also report your completion to the Virginia DMV within 24 hours.

Print your certificate and keep it — you will need to deliver it to your court.
4

Deliver Your Certificate to Your Court

Unlike voluntary Driver Improvement completions, RADEP students must personally deliver their certificate to their court. We cannot do this on your behalf.

  • Follow whatever delivery instructions your court provided when your case was assigned
  • Most courts require in-person delivery or mailing — confirm with your court before submitting
  • Write your case number on the back of the certificate before submitting
  • If mailing, use certified mail for proof of delivery
  • We recommend dropping the certificate off in person at the courthouse whenever possible
Don’t wait until the last minute. Allow enough time to complete the course and deliver your certificate well before your court date.
5

Confirm Your Case Is Resolved

After delivering your certificate, follow up with your court to confirm they received it and that your RADEP requirement has been satisfied. You can also check your Virginia driving record online through the DMV to verify your completion has been applied.

If you have any questions about your specific court’s requirements or your case, contact your court clerk directly. Each court may have slightly different procedures.

Contact Us

Still Have a Question?

We’re happy to help. Reach out by email, phone, or live chat and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.

Local School Portal EZT Drive Online Tap to visit local services website