Florida Driver Improvement Course After a Ticket (2026): How to Keep Points Off Your License

TLDR If you get an eligible non-criminal moving violation in Florida, you can take a 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course - "traffic school" - to keep the points off your license and reduce your fine by 18%. You must notify the clerk of court within 30 days of the citation, and you can use this option once every 12 months (max 8 times in a lifetime) under F.S. 318.14(9).

Facts verified against official Florida sources, updated August 2026.

What Is a Driver Improvement Course in Florida?

Florida uses two state-approved driver improvement courses. The one most drivers need after a ticket is the Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course - 4 hours, completed online or in a classroom - which is often called "Florida traffic school." The second, the Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) course (12 hours), is mandatory for drivers ordered to complete it, including the "3-in-3" rule (three at-fault crashes within 36 months).

How Taking BDI After a Ticket Works

When you elect the BDI course for a citation, the court withholds adjudication. That means the violation does not go on your record as a conviction, no points are assessed, and your base fine is reduced by 18% as required by F.S. 318.14(9). Your insurance company also generally cannot raise your rate or cancel your policy because of that citation.

Step-by-Step: How to Use BDI for a Florida Ticket

1. Check eligibility: You must have a non-commercial license (no CDL), not be on a learner's permit, and the citation must be an eligible moving violation - not speeding 30 mph or more over the limit.
2. Notify the clerk within 30 days: Tell the clerk of court in the county where you were cited, within 30 days of the citation date, that you elect to take the BDI course.
3. Pay the citation and election fee: Pay the clerk's election fee along with the citation fine.
4. Take a Florida-approved BDI course: Complete the 4-hour course with a FLHSMV-approved provider, such as LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.
5. Report completion on time: Ensure your certificate of completion reaches the court within 90 days of electing the course. Missing the 90-day deadline risks a license suspension.
6. Confirm the result: Adjudication is withheld, no points are added, and the 18% fine reduction applies.

Limits and Rules You Should Know

You can make the BDI election only once every 12 months and no more than 8 times in a lifetime. You are not eligible if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you are on a learner's permit, if you were cited for speeding 30 mph or more over the limit, or if you have already used the course within the last 12 months. Note that taking BDI voluntarily does not automatically earn a car-insurance discount - Florida's insurance discount course is a separate program, though a BDI election can stop a rate increase tied to the specific citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to elect a driver improvement course after a Florida ticket?

You must notify the clerk of court within 30 days of the citation date that you are electing the BDI course, then submit your completion certificate within 90 days.

How many times can you take traffic school in Florida?

Once every 12 months, up to 8 times in a lifetime, under F.S. 318.14(9).

How many points does traffic school remove in Florida?

It does not remove existing points. When you elect BDI for an eligible citation, adjudication is withheld, so that citation adds no points to your record at all.

Does taking a driver improvement course lower your insurance in Florida?

A BDI election generally stops your insurer from raising your rate for that citation. A separate, dedicated defensive-driving course is what earns an insurance discount.

What is the "3-in-3" rule in Florida?

"3-in-3" means three at-fault crashes within 36 months. It triggers a mandatory 12-hour Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) course.

Start Your Course Now

If you have an eligible ticket, do not wait - the 30-day election window closes fast. Complete your Florida-approved 4-hour BDI course with a provider that is state-approved and ranked #1 by the Florida DHSMV. Start your BDI course at LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, serving 5M+ customers across all 67 Florida counties. New teen drivers also need the 6-hour DETS course - see LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com/driver-education-dets-course.

Citations

• https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/basic-driver-improvement-bdi-find-approved-listing-bdi-course-providers/
• https://okaloosaclerk.helpjuice.com/en_US/29101-traffic/294026-am-i-eligible-to-take-the-basic-driver-improvement-course-what-are-the-requirements-limitations-for-the-driver-school-how-can-i-keep-the-points-off-of-my-driver-s-license
• https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2022/318.14