Point Reduction Class: Cut Points and Save on Insurance in 2026

Getting a traffic ticket in Florida can feel like a major headache, but what many drivers don't realize is that the real pain isn't the initial fine—it's the points that get tacked onto your license afterward. A point reduction class, officially called the Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course, is your best bet for avoiding those long-term consequences.

This state-approved, 4-hour course is designed to do one simple thing: prevent points from ever hitting your driving record for an eligible moving violation. By completing it, you not only keep your record clean but you also sidestep the steep insurance rate hikes that almost always follow a ticket. It's an incredibly useful tool for any Florida driver who wants to put a citation in the rearview mirror for good.

Why A Point Reduction Class Is Your Best Defense After A Ticket

Let's be honest, that sinking feeling when you see flashing lights is frustrating enough. But the true cost of a ticket goes far beyond what you pay the clerk of court. When you just pay the fine, you’re pleading guilty, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) will add points to your record. Those points are the real problem.

Think about a common situation: you're running a little late and get clocked going 14 mph over the speed limit. That’s an easy 3 points on your license. It might not sound like a lot, but to your insurance company, it's a bright red flag that says you've become a higher-risk driver.

The fallout from racking up points is both expensive and severe. Insurance companies keep a close eye on driving records, and even one ticket can be enough to trigger a premium increase that lasts for years. Worse, getting too many points in a short time will get your license suspended, period.

The Financial Impact Of Traffic Ticket Points

Choosing to ignore a ticket and let the points accumulate is a financial mistake you'll pay for over and over. Insurers view points as a direct measure of risk, and they don't hesitate to adjust your rates to match.

For drivers who get a citation, insurance premiums can jump by an average of 20-30%. That's a huge increase you'll be paying every single month. Over the three to five years the ticket stays on your record, that can easily add up to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in extra payments.

A point reduction class is an investment, not an expense. The small, one-time course fee is a fraction of the cost of the insurance surcharges you’ll face over the next several years if points are added to your record.

Protecting Your Driving Privileges

Beyond the hit to your wallet, points put your actual ability to drive in jeopardy. Florida's point system is built to identify and penalize drivers who repeatedly break traffic laws. Once you hit a certain threshold, the state automatically suspends your license.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• 12 points within 12 months = 30-day suspension
• 18 points within 18 months = 3-month suspension
• 24 points within 36 months = 1-year suspension

Completing a BDI course is the only way you can officially elect to have points withheld from your record for an eligible ticket. Taking this proactive step ensures a minor mistake on the road doesn't snowball into losing your license.

To see what's at stake for different violations, here's a quick look at how points are assigned for some common tickets.

Florida's Traffic Violation Point System

This table gives you a clear overview of common Florida moving violations and their corresponding point values so you can instantly see what's at stake.

As you can see, even a single ticket for something like running a red light can put a serious dent in your driving record. To learn more about how different violations impact your record, check out our complete guide to the Florida traffic ticket point system.

The Law and The Modern Solution

This isn't some informal loophole—the option to take traffic school is written directly into state law. Florida Statute 322.0261 establishes the Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course as the official way for drivers to avoid points for non-criminal moving violations.

The program has a massive impact. In 2022 alone, over 1.2 million Florida drivers took a 4-hour BDI course. This widespread participation helped contribute to a 15% drop in statewide points-related suspensions compared to 2019 levels.

The best part? Technology has made this process incredibly simple. State-approved online courses let you complete the entire program at your own pace. You can log in and out from your phone, tablet, or computer, fitting the lessons into your schedule without having to miss work or personal commitments.

Are You Eligible to Take the Course?

Before you jump into signing up for a point reduction class, let's make sure you're actually eligible. Getting this wrong can be a frustrating waste of time and money. Florida has some very specific rules about who gets to take traffic school to keep points off their record, and knowing them upfront is the key to getting your ticket handled correctly.

First off, you need to have a valid, non-commercial Florida driver's license. If you hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), you're unfortunately out of luck for this option, even if you got the ticket in your personal car.

Your ticket also has to be for a non-criminal moving violation. Think speeding, running a stop sign, or an improper lane change. More serious offenses like a DUI or leaving the scene of an accident are criminal matters and won't qualify for a simple traffic school election.

Check Your Driving History First

This is where many people get tripped up. Florida's rules are designed to prevent drivers from using the course over and over to hide a pattern of risky driving. You need to look at your traffic school history before doing anything else.

Here are the hard and fast rules:

• You can't have taken a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course in the last 12 months.
• You can't have completed the course five times in your entire life.

Let's say you get a ticket on May 15, 2026. You pull up your driving record and see you last finished a BDI course on April 1, 2025. Good news! Since it's been more than 12 months, you're eligible to take it again for this new ticket (as long as you're under the five-time lifetime limit).

A common point of confusion is the 12-month rule. The clock starts from the date you received your previous ticket, not the date you finished the class. Always double-check your citation dates.

The 30-Day Clock is Ticking

Okay, so you've confirmed you're eligible. Now you have to act fast. This is not something you can procrastinate on.

You have a strict 30-day window from the day the officer handed you the ticket to notify the Clerk of Court that you want to take traffic school. This formal notification is called "making an election." At the same time, you'll have to pay the full ticket fine.

If you miss that 30-day deadline, the option is gone for good. There are no extensions. The points will go on your license as soon as you pay the fine, and you’ll lose the chance to keep your record clean. You can learn more about handling different citations in our guide to Florida traffic ticket classes.

To make your election, head to the website for the Clerk of Court in the county where you got the ticket, or visit their office in person. Once you've officially elected and paid, the court will give you a new deadline—usually 60 to 90 days—to get the course done and submit your completion certificate.

Choosing The Right Florida Traffic School Course

Navigating the world of Florida traffic school can feel confusing. With different courses for different situations, how do you know which one is right for you? Whether you're dealing with a simple speeding ticket, have a direct order from a judge, or you're just looking for a way to lower your insurance bill, there's a specific course built for your needs.

Picking the correct one isn't just a formality—it's essential for meeting legal requirements and getting the benefits you're after. All our courses are fully online and approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), so you can complete them from anywhere, on your own schedule. We even offer our most popular courses in both English and Spanish.

Let's cut through the confusion and figure out exactly which class you need.

Which Traffic School Course Do You Need?

Use this table to quickly match your situation to the right course, whether you're handling a ticket, a court order, or just want an insurance discount.

This table is a great starting point, but let’s dive a little deeper into what each course involves and who it’s really for.

The 4-Hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) Course

This is your go-to option if you've received a common, non-criminal moving violation. Think speeding, running a stop sign, or an improper lane change. If you want to keep points off your license, the 4-Hour BDI is almost certainly the course for you.

You'll take this course when you voluntarily elect to attend traffic school with the Clerk of Court. By completing it, you prevent points from being added to your driving record. This is a huge deal because it helps you sidestep the insurance premium hikes that almost always follow a new ticket. It's the most common and straightforward way to handle a routine citation.

This flowchart breaks down the eligibility requirements to see if this is the right path for you.

As you can see, the main checkpoints are having a valid driver's license, not having taken the course in the last year, and making sure you officially notify the court of your decision.

The 8-Hour Intermediate Driver Improvement (IDI) Course

Sometimes, a judge doesn't give you a choice. If you've been court-ordered to complete traffic school and the paperwork specifically says you need an 8-hour class, then the Intermediate Driver Improvement (IDI) course is what you need.

This typically happens with more serious violations or if you've racked up a few tickets recently. Unlike the BDI course where you elect to attend, the IDI is a mandatory requirement you must complete to satisfy the court. Failing to do so can have serious consequences.

The 8-Hour Aggressive Driver Course

This is another court-ordered course, but it’s highly specialized. A judge will mandate the Aggressive Driver Course if your ticket was for something related to aggressive driving or road rage—think excessive speeding, tailgating, or weaving dangerously through traffic.

The goal here isn't just to check a box for the court. This course is designed to help drivers recognize what triggers their aggressive reactions and develop safer, more responsible decision-making skills to prevent it from happening again.

The Mature Driver Insurance Discount Course

Not all traffic school is a response to a ticket. Our Mature Driver program is specifically for drivers aged 55 and older who want to brush up on their skills and, more importantly, save some serious money on their car insurance.

Under Florida law, insurance companies must give a discount to seniors who voluntarily complete a state-approved mature driver course. The best part? There’s no test to pass. Once you finish, you simply send your completion certificate to your insurance provider to lock in a premium reduction for up to three years. It's a smart, proactive way to invest in both your safety and your wallet.

Getting it right from the start saves you time and hassle. If you're ready to move forward, you can explore our picks for the best online traffic school courses and find the perfect fit.

Ready to Get Started? Here’s How to Enroll and Complete Your Course Online

Alright, you’ve figured out you’re eligible and know which point reduction class you need. Now for the easy part—actually signing up and getting it done. I've helped countless drivers through this, and I can tell you the whole process is designed to be as simple and painless as possible.

You can handle everything right from your couch. Just head to our site, pick your course, and a quick registration form will get you started in minutes. No confusing jargon, no technical hurdles.

What You’ll Need to Sign Up

To make sure your registration is smooth and your certificate gets to the right place without a hitch, it helps to have a few things handy before you start. It’s nothing crazy, just the basics.

Grab your ticket and have these details ready:

• Your Citation Number: This is the key piece of information on your traffic ticket. It's how the court system tracks your case.
• Issuing County: Make sure you know which Florida county gave you the ticket. Your completion report needs to go there.
• Driver’s License Number: You'll need your full, valid Florida driver’s license number for verification with the FLHSMV.
• Basic Contact Info: This is just your full name (exactly as it appears on your license), date of birth, mailing address, and email.

With that information in front of you, you’ll fly through the enrollment. Once you’re signed up, you get instant access to the course. No waiting around for approvals—you can dive right in.

What to Expect From the Online Course

If you're picturing a stuffy classroom or a boring textbook, think again. Our online course is built to be practical and engaging, using real-world scenarios that stick with you. The best part? It’s 100% self-paced.

Life is busy, and we get that. You can log in and out whenever it works for you, from any device—your phone, tablet, or computer. The course saves your progress automatically, so you can chip away at it a little at a time. Do a chapter on your lunch break or finish a few modules after the kids go to bed. It’s completely up to you.

This course is about more than just checking a box for the court. It’s designed to make you a more aware, confident driver. We use interactive content, short videos, and quick quizzes to cover things like crash avoidance techniques, the real dangers of distracted driving, and how to navigate tricky right-of-way situations.

Our entire curriculum is FLHSMV-approved, covering all the required topics to satisfy the court and help you keep points off your license. You can learn more about our Florida defensive driving course online to see exactly how it's structured.

Passing the Final Exam and Getting Your Certificate

Once you've made your way through the course material, the last step is a straightforward, multiple-choice final exam. Don’t sweat it—the test is designed to be a review of what you just learned, not to trip you up. Every question comes directly from the course content.

We give you multiple chances to pass, so the pressure is off. As soon as you pass, you can sit back and relax. Your job is done.

Here’s what our system handles for you automatically:

• We Process Your Certificate: The moment you pass, we get to work on your official Certificate of Completion.
• We Report It for You: We don't just send you a piece of paper. We electronically notify the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and send your completion to the right county Clerk of Court.

This automated reporting is a huge relief for most drivers. You don't have to print anything, mail anything, or stand in line at the courthouse. We take care of the official stuff so you can be confident your ticket is handled and those points stay off your record.

So, You've Passed the Class. Now What?

First off, congratulations! You've successfully passed your driver improvement course. Taking the initiative to get this done is the biggest step toward keeping your driving record clean, but don't close the book just yet. A few quick follow-ups are essential to make sure you get the full credit you deserve.

Once you pass that final exam, our job kicks in. We immediately get to work processing your Certificate of Completion and, more importantly, reporting it directly to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This is the official step that connects your course completion with your traffic ticket, and we handle it all for you electronically.

You don't have to worry about printing anything, mailing forms, or standing in line at the courthouse. We take care of the digital side of things, and completions are typically reported to the state within 1-3 business days.

Double-Check That the Points Never Appeared

Even though our system is rock-solid, it’s always a good idea to personally verify that everything was processed correctly. Think of it as getting a receipt—it's your proof that the job is done. The best way to do this is by checking your official Florida driving record.

Give it a week or two after you finish the class, then pull a copy of your driving record from the FLHSMV website. When you look it over, you should see an entry noting your traffic school completion. More importantly, you should not see any points added for the ticket you took the class for. If the points aren't there, you've successfully kept your record clean.

Verifying your record isn't just a formality—it's for your own peace of mind. This is the ultimate confirmation that the class worked, your record is clear, and you've sidestepped the long-term headaches of that ticket.

Make Sure the Court Case Is Closed

Next up, you'll want to confirm the county court has officially closed the book on your ticket. Every Clerk of Court in Florida has an online portal where you can look up traffic case information. Just head to the website for the county where you got the ticket and find their "case search" or "records search" tool.

You'll probably need your citation number to find your case. Look for a status that says "Closed" or "Adjudication Withheld." Seeing that language is your green light—it means you’ve met all your obligations with the court.

Let Your Insurance Company Know and Save Money

Here's the part that saves you real money. Completing this course helps you avoid a painful insurance rate hike, but your insurance provider won't know you did it unless you tell them. A simple, proactive email is all it takes.

When we email you your digital Certificate of Completion, just forward it to your insurance agent. Here’s a quick template you can use:

• Subject: BDI Course Completion – Policy #[Your Policy Number]

• Body:
  Hi [Agent's Name],

  Hope you're having a good week.

  I just completed a 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course for a recent traffic ticket. I've attached my Certificate of Completion for your records.

  Can you please update my file to ensure no points are added to my policy? I'd also be interested to know if this makes me eligible for any new safe driver discounts.

  Thanks for your help,
  [Your Name]

This little step is what makes sure your effort pays off in your wallet. You did the work to protect your record, so make sure you get the lower insurance premium that goes with it.

Clearing Up Common Questions About Florida Traffic School

It's natural to have a few questions, even after you've decided to take a point reduction class. It’s a process most people don’t go through very often. To help you feel completely confident, here are some straight answers to the most common questions we get from drivers just like you.

Will the Court Actually Accept My Online Certificate?

Yes, you can be sure of it. Our courses are all fully approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), which is the only approval that matters. Because we have this official statewide recognition, every single court in Florida is required to accept our Certificate of Completion.

Think of it as a direct line to the state. When you finish the course, we don't just send you a certificate for your records. We immediately report your completion directly to the FLHSMV system. This is the official step the court looks for to confirm you've done your part, allowing them to close your case and keep the points off your license.

I Have a CDL. Can I Still Take a Class to Avoid Points?

This is a really important point for professional drivers. If you hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Florida law says you cannot elect to take a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course to withhold points. This rule stands even if you got the ticket in your personal car, not your commercial truck.

Now, there is one major exception. A judge can still order you to take a traffic school course as part of a plea agreement or sentencing. If a court tells you to take a class, you'll need to follow their specific instructions precisely. It's always best to confirm with the court which course they require before you sign up.

The Bottom Line for CDL Holders: You can't volunteer for BDI to dodge points. But if a judge orders it, you must comply, and they will tell you which course (like the 8-Hour IDI) you need to take.

What If I Miss My 30-Day Deadline to Elect the Course?

That initial 30-day window is your one and only shot. From the day the officer hands you the ticket, you have 30 days to go to the Clerk of Court and formally elect to take traffic school. If you let that deadline slip by, you lose the option to avoid the points for good.

At that point, you're stuck. Your only choices are to pay the full fine, which guarantees the points go on your record, or try to fight the ticket in court. Missing this deadline is a small mistake with big consequences, usually in the form of higher insurance premiums for the next few years. Don't wait until the last minute.

How Long Do I Get to Actually Finish the Course?

Once you’ve paid your fine and told the clerk you’re taking the course, a new clock starts. The court will give you a final due date for completing the class.

You'll find this deadline is usually pretty reasonable, often between 60 and 90 days from the day you made your election. Since our courses are totally self-paced, that gives you plenty of flexibility. You can knock it out in one afternoon or chip away at it over a few weeks—whatever works for your schedule. Just make sure you get it done and submitted before that court-mandated deadline.

Ready to keep your driving record clean and your insurance rates down? BDISchool offers FLHSMV-approved online courses that are quick, straightforward, and guaranteed to be accepted by every Florida court. Enroll in your point reduction class today and get started in minutes.