Did you get a traffic ticket? If so, depending on the state where you live and/or got the ticket, the options available to you will vary. In some states, the court will give you the option to take a course to keep that ticket off your record.
In other states, the ticket will go on your record, but you have the option to take a course to have points not counted for the purpose of a penalty—and, then, there are other variations of those two options. The names of the course also vary by state.
Some states refer to the courses for tickets as a driver improvement courses online. Other states refer to it as a defensive driving, traffic school, or driver safety course online. Although the name may vary, the benefits of online driver improvement courses remain the same.
Most of us are already familiar with virtual and distance environments for school courses, college courses, work projects, and so on. When it comes to traffic school online, it is similar to the virtual environments you have already been using.
Yet, completing a driving course online can still make you feel anxious and nervous. To put your mind at ease and help you relax, use these great tips for taking and successfully completing your online traffic school course.
1. Understand how you learn and retain information.
Everyone learns differently. Some people do better with visual and video demonstrations. Other people are fine just reading text and putting the practical information into practice. No matter which way you like learning, online driving courses provide both types of learning experiences.
2. Think about your learning environment at home.
You will want to find a location where it is quiet and free from distractions and where you can sit comfortably while taking your online driving course. You can sit at a desk, stretch out on the sofa, or enjoy time outdoors on your patio.
3. Don’t feel rushed to complete the course all at once.
The way our brains work, we retain more information when we learn it in smaller “chunks.” It can be tempting to want to cover everything at once just to get it over with. However, by taking your time and completing one section of the material each day, you will find you retain the information better.
4. Take one course at a time.
Depending on the course you are taking and the reason, there are situations where multiple courses/exams may be needed. For example, if you are trying to get your license in Florida, you will need to complete a Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course and the Learners Permit test. We recommend that you do each requirement on its own. Reject the urge to go fast and do both at the same time.
You may also want to see if your state has other courses that might be beneficial to you after completing your course. There are many states that offer courses that could save you money on your insurance.
5. Repeat a section if you weren’t happy with the results.
Unlike classroom-based traffic school, you can retake each section of the online course as often as you want. If you didn’t feel like you fully grasped or understood a particular topic in a section, no worries! Simply take a break and try it again.
6. Remember to have fun!
Learning to drive and completing online traffic school don’t have to feel like chores. Many of the lessons are presented in an interactive, engaging, and fun way to not only educate but entertain at the same time.
7. Follow all course instructions.
We know it isn’t always what we want to do, but reading and following all the course instructions is critical with online driver improvement courses. Knowing what you should do with your completion certificate at the conclusion of the course is vitally important to ensure that your ticket is handled correctly and that you get all the benefits you should for having taken the course. Each state’s requirements are different, so always read carefully.
To get started, enroll in our state-approved traffic school online courses today! You may also call us at (800) 558-9887 if you have further questions or need assistance.