how to complete a defensive driving course wv

Full Answer

Why take a defensive driving course in West Virginia?

Taking a defensive driving course has many benefits. You may want to take a course voluntarily to learn how to be a safer driver, or it may be a requirement of a traffic court or the WV Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Do I have to take a defensive driving course?

In some circumstances, the court may require you to complete a defensive driving course as part of your punishment. For more information, check your traffic ticket or contact the court handling your case.

How do I get points removed from my record in WV?

In West Virginia, you can complete traffic school to have points removed from your driving record. You can have up to 3 points reduced from your existing record each time you complete a course. However, you can take a course only once every 12 months for point reduction purposes. To determine your eligibility, contact the WV DMV.

How much is a defensive driving course in WV?

Q. What is the price for the West Virginia defensive driving course? A. The course fees for West Virginia traffic school is $29.95.

What are the steps of defensive driving?

Following these defensive driving tips can help reduce your risk behind the wheel:Think safety first. ... Be aware of your surroundings — pay attention. ... Do not depend on other drivers. ... Follow the 3- to 4-second rule. ... Keep your speed down. ... Have an escape route. ... Separate risks. ... Cut out distractions.

How do you get points off your license in WV?

The West Virginia DMV will issue a notice of suspension once a driver accumulates 12 or more points. Points are removed two years after the date of conviction.

How long does it take for points to come off your license in WV?

Points for a given infraction remain on a driver's record for two (2) years after the date of the driver's conviction for that infraction; the infraction itself remains on a driver's record for five years.

What is the first rule of defensive driving?

1. Aim high. It is the first principle of defensive driving, and it requires you to be alert and focused so as to avoid collisions and, in particular, the rear-end and also warn the other drivers of the impending traffic. Your gait should be held up high so that you can have a clear view of the road.

What are the five C's of driving?

“Kindly exercise the five C's – care, caution, consideration, common sense and courtesy when using the roadways. Let us avoid the use of reckless driving on our roadways which will aid in the reduction of deaths to human lives.

How long do points stay on your driving record?

4-11 yearsPoints can stay on your driving record for 4-11 years.

How many points can you have on your license WV?

Note: When a person has 20 or more points, their driver's license will be suspended until their accumulated points are reduced to 11 or less points. Furthermore, when a person is convicted of driving while their license is suspended or revoked, it may result in an additional driver's license suspension.

How can I get a traffic violation off my record?

How to Remove Violations from Driving Record?Complete a driver improvement course. Taking a state-approved course is one way to reduce or eliminate penalties on your record. ... Fight the ticket. ... Stay on top of all penalties. ... Keep your record clean. ... Check with your DMV.

Can you go 5 over the speed limit in West Virginia?

Maximum speed law: According to section 17C-6-1(a) of WV vehicle code, “No person may drive a vehicle at speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions and the actual and potential hazards.”

How much is a 10 over speeding ticket in WV?

Fines are typically around $100 per violation but increase depending on the amount over the limit and how many speeding violations have occurred within a set timeframe. The location where the incident occurred can have more severe penalties.

How many miles over the speed limit is reckless driving in WV?

The following points have been assigned to speeding or speed-related violations: reckless driving — 6 points; speeding in a school zone — 6 points; speeding 15mph or more over the posted limit — 5 points; speeding ≥10 but <15 mph over the posted limit — 3 points; speeding ≥5 but<10 mph over the posted limit-2 points; ...

What is defensive driving course in West Virginia?

A defensive driving course in West Virginia can help you to reduce the total number of points you have accrued on your driving record. Overall, traffic school programs aim to review standard safety protocols and practices for motorists who need a refresher. This could include drivers who have committed several moving violations or mature motorists seeking a discount on their auto insurance premiums.

What is defensive driver course?

A defensive driver course is for a fully licensed driver to review the best safety techniques and procedures in order to improve safety standards on the road.

Who can attend traffic school in West Virginia?

A West Virginia defensive driving class is an option for a driver who wants to reduce the number of points he or she has accumulated on a DMV record. In general, completing an approved driver improvement course in WV will take three points off of your driving record, which can help you to avoid a drivers license suspension. However, it is important to note that you can only take a traffic school course for that purpose once every 12 months. Moreover, you can only remove points accrued prior to the date of the course. Furthermore, the course must be completed prior to the start of a suspension period in order to potentially cancel its effects.

What is defensive driving?

A defensive driving course is a wise choice for all drivers, regardless of point accumulation or age. Taking a refresher course to be reminded of rules and regulations as well as being taught current safety standards and techniques can help all drivers to be safe on the road.

How long are defensive driving classes?

The in-person defensive driving courses to reduce points are only available at select authorized locations around the state. These are eight-hour sessions and must be attended in their entirety.

How often do you have to take a driving course to get a discount?

Retaking the course once every three years is a common requirement, but make sure to find out your company’s policy.

What does a driver improvement program do?

Taking a driver improvement program might help you avoid an insurance premium increase or lower your premium after the fact. If you have received a traffic citation or caused an accident, your insurance company might raise your costs. Find out if you can take a course in exchange for lowering those back down.

How much does defensive driving education reduce insurance premiums?

Defensive driver education can reduce your insurance premium up to 10%. Are you ready to save money?

What is the 3rd level of GDL in West Virginia?

The Intermediate License expires on the driver’s 18 th birthday. The 3rd level of West Virginia’s GDL is a Full Class E License. Drivers must be at least 17 years of age, have held an Intermediate License for at least 12 months, and be infraction free for the 12 months prior to application for a Full License.

What is DriveSafe online?

DriveSafe Online courses merge unique graphics and animations, interactive scenarios with narrated stories and video demonstrations—including in-car and drone footage—to deliver safe driving information like no other online defensive driving course available today.

What is a GDL in West Virginia?

West Virginia employs a Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) system for new drivers. At the first stage of this system, Level 1, applicants between the ages of 15 and 18 must pass a knowledge test and have a parent or guardian sign the application in order to receive a learner’s permit. This permit allows new drivers to practice driving between the hours of 5 am and 10 pm when a licensed driver over the age of 21 is in the front passenger seat. The learner’s permit expires on the driver’s 18 th birthday and is not renewable.

How many proofs of West Virginia residency?

Two proofs of West Virginia residency documents with name and physical address

Does West Virginia offer defensive driving?

Insurance companies may offer a defensive driving discount to eligible West Virginia drivers. The terms and amount of savings may vary from provider to provider. Please contact your insurance company to find out if you are eligible for a discount.

Can you get a discount for defensive driving?

You might be eligible for a defensive driving discount after successfully completing our course. Ask your insurance agent for information!

What is defensive driving course in West Virginia?

Defensive driving courses in West Virginia are designed to help you improve your driving skills and become a safer driver. They’ll share tips for defensive driving, avoiding accidents, and avoiding tickets as well.

What is defensive driving course?

Your defensive driving course for insurance discounts will be the same course offered to drivers who enroll to take care of driving record points or traffic tickets. This course offers the same potentially life-saving resources for safe, defensive driving. The course can improve your driving skills, reduce your risk of collisions and tickets, and overall make you a safer driver. You will also learn more about current driving laws in West Virginia. As curriculum at each school varies, what you learn may be different, but most defensive driving courses in West Virginia offer instruction in:

How much is the discount for defensive driving in West Virginia?

Discounts are usually between 5% and 20%, but most can expect to earn a discount of 10%.

How many points do you get for moving violations in West Virginia?

If you accumulate at least five points on your license, you’ll receive a warning letter and a suspension if you continue to accumulate points. Suspensions start at 12 points and can last for 30 days or longer, depending on the number of points on your license.

Can you take defensive driving in West Virginia?

Drivers in West Virginia often enroll in defensive driving for points or traffic violations. Still, every driver can benefit from this course whether you’ve had trouble with the law or not. And, if you enroll voluntarily, your insurance company may offer you a discount on your auto insurance premiums.

Does West Virginia offer defensive driving?

All drivers in West Virginia may be eligible for a defensive driving discount on insurance. However, it’s up to the individual insurance company to determine whether they’re willing to offer a discount. Some will restrict their discounts to drivers with a clean record, while others limit by ages such as mature drivers or teenage drivers.

What official documents are required for the traffic school class?

Students must supply us with payment and all required documents, including traffic citations, in the beginning of the class. Each student must also provide a government-issued Driver's License, or similar proof of identification, and confirm their eligibility to attend the course, in order to begin the traffic course.

When will I receive my certificate after passing the course?

Our traffic school courses can be completed in one sitting. You will receive your certificate within a half hour of completing the final quiz.

How effective is your online course?

Our online traffic safety courses are based on the research and findings of psychologists specializing in the human thought process behind driving.

Do you offer training courses for senior drivers and others looking for insurance discounts?

Yes! We offer driver training for adults and seniors that can result in an insurance premium reduction. Each state has different requirements for who can complete a traffic safety course for an insurance discount. Some states only permit drivers age 55 and older to complete a traffic safety course for an insurance discount. You should confirm any benefits of traffic safety courses with your car insurance agent.

Does Motorist Academy report my successful traffic school completion?

The process for reporting traffic school courses varies by state. Further details will be explained during your registration.

Is this an authorized and official course approved?

Our traffic school courses are accredited by many state and local agencies, including Courts and DMVs across the country. Before signing up for this course, you should confirm the specific benefit you wish to gain from this course with the organization that referred you to an online defensive driving course.

What age do you have to be to get a driver's license in West Virginia?

West Virginia teen drivers are required to meet the GDL requirements before obtaining a regular driver’s license. Beginner drivers between 15 and 18 years of age are not required to complete a driver education course in West Virginia.

Is defensive driving mandatory in West Virginia?

For more information regarding West Virginia defensive driving, click here. Drivers education in West Virginia is not a mandatory requirement to get a driver’s license. Instead, it is an option that teen drivers may consider if they want to receive benefits such as waive the number of supervised driving hours to get a driver’s license, ...