On your own
DMV awards 5 safe driving points when you finish, once every 24 months. The most you can have on your record is 5.
✓ Approved by Virginia DMV
Virginia Driver Improvement Clinic Online
Earn safe driving points, or finish the clinic a court or DMV asked you to take. It's an easy online clinic you take at home, at your own pace.
- 100% online. Works on a computer, tablet, or phone
- Take a break anytime. Your progress saves, so you pick up right where you left off
- Read or listen: every lesson can be read aloud to you
- Price
- $24.95 No extra fees
- Length
- 8 hours of content, at your own pace
- After
- Download your certificate as soon as you finish. We report your completion to DMV, usually within 24 hours.
Sent by DMV? You have 90 days to finish all 8 hours, so it helps to start soon. Sent by a court? Check with your court that it accepts an online clinic.
Why people take it
What the clinic can do for you
Here's what finishing the clinic means, depending on why you're taking it. See DMV's driver improvement page · Read Va. Code § 46.2-498
Ordered by a court
The court decides whether you get safe driving points. Check with your court that it accepts an online clinic, and let the court know when you finish.
Required by DMV
Finish all 8 hours within 90 days, or your license is suspended until you do. Drivers 18 or older get safe driving points.
Taking it for an insurance discount instead? If you're 54 or younger, your insurer may lower your premium for 2 years, if it offers the discount. You get safe driving points or the insurance discount, not both.
See what it means for you
Which reason fits you?
Pick your reason. You'll see what finishing the clinic means for you, based on Virginia law and DMV's rules.
Not sure why you're taking it? The letter from DMV or your court paperwork will say. DMV's driver improvement page
See the clinic
Here's what the clinic looks like
Clear text, big headings, and audio that reads each lesson to you while the words light up. These screenshots are from the first module.
Listen or read
Rather listen? Press play.
Press play and the lesson is read aloud to you, with the words highlighted as they're spoken, so it's easy to keep your place. This is the real start of the first module.
- Listen, read, or both. Your choice.
- Go back, skip ahead, or change the speed.
- Take a break anytime. Your place is saved.
Introduction to Defensive Driving
Welcome! Ready to take your driving skills up a notch? You're in the right spot. This Online Defensive Driving Program is specially designed for Virginia drivers looking to brush up on their road knowledge and driving habits. Whether you're here to get points off your license, satisfy a court order, or become the best driver you can be, we're here to guide you every mile of the way.
26-second excerpt from the course audio. In the clinic, the audio player stays at the top of the lesson.
How it works
Three simple steps
The clinic is 8 hours of content, and you go at your own pace.
Sign up
Create your account and pay $24.95. It only takes a few minutes.
Take the clinic
Read or listen, one short lesson at a time, with a quick post test at the end of each unit. Take a break whenever you like. Your progress saves as you go.
Pass the final exam
A 50-question final exam, taken online. If you don't pass, you can try again. DMV allows one attempt per business day. Then download your certificate, and we report your completion to DMV, usually within 24 hours.
DMV requires us to check your identity during the clinic and before the final exam. It only takes a moment.
Who it's for
Is this the right clinic for me?
Virginia drivers
Taking it on your own, or because a court or DMV sent you. Questions? Call (833) 921-0217 or email info@defensivedriversinstitute.com.
Sent by a court?
You need documentation from the court before safe driving points can be awarded. Check with your court that it accepts an online clinic.
Not for CDL requirements
If DMV or a court requires a commercial driver improvement clinic, this online clinic doesn't count. DMV's online clinic rules
What you'll learn
What the clinic covers
Practical lessons to help you stay safe and confident on Virginia roads.
- Defensive driving techniques
- Driving attitudes and staying calm
- Virginia rules of the road
- Sharing the road safely
- DUI awareness
- Virginia's hands-free driving law
- Driving through roundabouts
- Case studies from real situations
One price
$24.95, and you're on your way
There are no extra fees. We report your completion to DMV electronically, usually within 24 hours.
Ordered by a court? Let your court know you finished, as Virginia law requires.
Our clinic is approved by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Price
- $24.95
- Length
- 8 hours of content, at your own pace
- Devices
- 100% online: computer, tablet, or phone
- Exam
- 50-question final exam, taken online
- Refunds
- Not finished? You can get a refund. Refund policy
Quick answers
Common questions
How many safe driving points do I get?
If you take the clinic on your own, DMV awards 5 safe driving points when you finish, once every 24 months. The most you can have on your record is 5. If a court ordered the clinic, the court decides. Drivers under 18 sent by DMV, and drivers who take the clinic for an insurance discount, don't get the points. See DMV's driver improvement page
Is this clinic approved by Virginia DMV?
Yes. Defensive Drivers Institute is listed in DMV's directory of driver improvement clinics as an online clinic. See DMV's list of clinics
Will my court accept an online clinic?
Ask your court first. DMV asks you to check that your court will accept an online clinic. If a court ordered you, you need documentation from the court before safe driving points can be awarded, and you need to let the court know you finished. Read Va. Code § 46.2-505
DMV told me to take a clinic. Does this one count?
Yes, an online clinic counts. You must finish all 8 hours within 90 days, or your license is suspended until you do. Drivers 18 or older sent by DMV get safe driving points. Drivers under 18 don't.
Can the clinic lower my car insurance?
It may. If you're 54 or younger and take the clinic on your own, Virginia law lets your insurer lower your premium for 2 years, if it offers the discount. Ask your insurer. You get safe driving points or the insurance discount, not both. Drivers sent by a court or DMV can't use the clinic for the discount. Read Va. Code § 38.2-2217
I have a CDL. Can I take this clinic?
Not to meet a commercial driver requirement. DMV says an online clinic doesn't count for drivers who must take a commercial driver improvement clinic. See DMV's online clinic rules
How long is the clinic?
8 hours of content, at your own pace. Take a break whenever you like. Your progress saves, so you pick up right where you left off.
Is there a final exam?
Yes, a 50-question final exam, taken online at the end. If you don't pass, you can try again. DMV allows one attempt per business day. DMV requires us to check your identity during the clinic and before the exam.
How does DMV find out I finished?
Your certificate is ready to download as soon as you finish. We report your completion to DMV electronically, usually within 24 hours. If a court ordered the clinic, let your court know you finished too.
Can I take it on my phone?
Yes. It works on a computer, tablet, or phone. Press play to have each lesson read aloud. If you get stuck, email info@defensivedriversinstitute.com or call (833) 921-0217
How much does it cost?
$24.95. There are no extra fees.
What if I change my mind?
Not finished? You can get a refund. Read our refund policy
Questions about the clinic? Call us at (833) 921-0217 or contact us. We're happy to help.
Ready to start your clinic?
Approved by Virginia DMV · 100% online · $24.95
Start my clinic →Go at your own pace. Your progress saves every step of the way.
Free sample · Introduction (first module)
That's the free sample. Register to continue: the full clinic (8 hours of content) is $24.95, and your place is saved as you go.Start my clinic →
