California DMV maintains an official list of online traffic schools you can search by county
The California Department of Motor Vehicles does not run traffic school itself, but it does publish a searchable list of schools approved to offer online courses. You find this list on the DMV website under "Traffic School" — you can search by your county, and each school shows whether it offers online, in-person, or both formats. The list includes the school's name, phone number, and website.
This list is the only official source for approved schools in California. Taking a course from a school not on this list will not satisfy a traffic court order, and the court will not dismiss your ticket. Before you pay for any course, confirm the school appears on the DMV's current list for your county.
The DMV updates this list regularly as schools are approved or removed. Schools can lose approval if they fail audits, have too many complaints, or do not meet state requirements. If you find a school online that claims to be California-approved but does not appear on the DMV list, do not enroll — it is not legitimate.
Key Takeaways
- The DMV's searchable traffic school list is at dmv.ca.gov, organized by county, and shows which schools offer online courses.
- Only schools on the DMV's official list satisfy a traffic court order; taking a course from an unlisted school will not dismiss your ticket.
- Each school listing includes a phone number and website so you can confirm pricing, course length, and whether they accept your violation type.
- Online traffic schools in California must be approved by the DMV and must meet state requirements for course content and testing.
- Before enrolling, verify the school is currently on the DMV list — schools can be removed if they fail audits or do not meet standards.
How to search the DMV's traffic school list by county
Go to the California DMV website and navigate to the traffic school section. You will see a search tool that asks you to enter your county. Once you select your county, the page displays all approved schools in that area, with a filter option to show only online providers. Each school entry includes the business name, phone number, and a link to their website.
The list does not show pricing or course length — you have to contact the school or visit their website for that information. Most online schools charge between $20 and $50 for the course, though some charge more. Course length varies from two to eight hours depending on the school and the violation type.
If you do not see many schools listed for your county, you may still have options. Some schools serve multiple counties, so they may appear in neighboring county lists as well. Call the school to confirm they serve your county before enrolling.
What to check before you enroll in an online traffic school
Confirm the school is on the DMV list for your county — this is the most important step. Then check whether the school accepts your violation type. Not all schools handle all violations; some do not accept commercial driver's license (CDL) holders, and some do not accept certain serious violations. The school's website or a phone call will tell you whether they can take your case.
Ask about course length and format. Some schools let you pause and resume the course over several days; others require you to complete it in one sitting. If you have a important date to finish, confirm the school can issue your certificate in time. Most schools issue the certificate when ready after you pass the final test, but some mail it or send it electronically with a delay.
Check the school's refund policy. If you start the course and cannot finish it, or if you fail the test, some schools offer refunds or let you retake the course at no extra cost. This varies widely, so read the policy before you pay.
How the DMV approves traffic schools and what that means for you
California traffic schools must meet state requirements set by the DMV and the Judicial Council. These requirements cover course content (schools must teach specific traffic safety topics), testing (the final exam must be proctored or monitored), and record-keeping (schools must report completion to the court). Schools must also carry liability insurance and pass regular audits.
When a school is on the DMV list, it means the DMV has verified it meets these standards at the time of approval. However, approval is not permanent. The DMV can remove a school if it receives too many complaints, fails an audit, or stops meeting requirements. This is why you should always check the current list before enrolling — a school that was approved last year might not be approved now.
The DMV does not oversee the quality of teaching or customer service, only whether the school meets legal requirements. If you have a bad experience with a school, you can file a complaint with the DMV, but the DMV will not refund your money or force the school to do so.
What happens after you complete an online traffic school course
After you pass the final test, the school issues a certificate of completion. The school then sends this certificate to the traffic court that issued your ticket. You do not need to submit it yourself — the school handles this as part of the approval process. The court receives the certificate and dismisses your ticket if everything is in order.
This process usually takes one to two weeks. During that time, check your court case online to see if the dismissal has been recorded. If the certificate does not arrive at the court within the important date set by the judge, the ticket will not be dismissed and you may face additional penalties. If you are concerned about timing, ask the school how long they typically take to send certificates to the court.
Keep a copy of your certificate for your records. If there is ever a question about whether you completed the course, you will have proof.
Online traffic school vs. in-person classes in California
Online traffic school is faster and more flexible than in-person classes. You can take the course at your own pace (within the school's time limits), from home or anywhere with internet access, and you do not have to sit in a classroom. Most online courses take four to eight hours to complete, and you can spread this over several days if the school allows it.
In-person classes are usually one long session, often held on a weekend or evening, and they take six to eight hours. You have to be present for the entire class and cannot pause or leave early. Some people prefer in-person classes because they find it easier to focus in a structured setting, or because they do not have reliable internet access.
Both online and in-person courses satisfy the same court requirement, so the choice comes down to what works for your schedule and learning style. The DMV list shows which schools in your county offer each format, so you can choose based on what is available and what suits you.
What to do if you cannot find an approved school for your situation
If your county has very few approved schools, or if none of them accept your violation type, contact the traffic court directly. The court clerk can tell you whether you have other options, such as taking the course in a neighboring county or requesting a different remedy. Some courts allow you to take a course from a school in another county if no approved school in your county can serve you.
If you believe a school should be on the DMV list but is not, you can contact the DMV to ask why. The DMV will not add a school based on a single request, but if many people report the same issue, the DMV may investigate. You can also file a complaint with the DMV if a school on the list does not deliver what it promised.
Do not enroll in a school that is not on the DMV list, even if it claims to be approved or says it will work with the court. This will waste your money and will not satisfy your court order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take online traffic school from a school in a different county?
Some schools serve multiple counties and appear on the lists for each one. If you want to take a course from a school outside your county, call the school first to confirm they serve your county. If they do not, contact your traffic court to ask whether you can take the course elsewhere.
What if I fail the traffic school test?
Most schools let you retake the test at no extra cost. Some charge a small fee for retakes. Check the school's policy before you enroll. You usually have a limited number of attempts, so read the test instructions carefully before you start.
How do I know if a traffic school is legitimate?
Check the DMV's official traffic school list for your county. If the school is on that list, it is legitimate. If it is not on the list, do not enroll, even if the school's website says it is approved. The DMV list is the only official source.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind after enrolling?
Refund policies vary by school. Some offer full refunds if you cancel before starting the course, and some offer partial refunds. Read the school's refund policy on their website or ask before you pay. Once you start the course, most schools do not offer refunds, though they may let you retake it.
How long does it take for the court to dismiss my ticket after I complete traffic school?
The school sends your certificate to the court after you pass the test. This usually takes one to two weeks. The court then processes the dismissal, which can take another week or two. Check your court case online to confirm the dismissal has been recorded. If you are close to a important date, ask the school how quickly they send certificates to the court.