What DMV-approved online traffic school means in Redding
When you take an online traffic school course in Redding, it must be approved by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. This approval means the course meets state standards for content, testing, and instructor qualifications. The DMV maintains a list of providers it has vetted; taking a course from a provider not on that list will not satisfy a traffic court order or traffic school requirement.
The course itself is entirely online — you watch videos, read material, and take a test from your computer or phone. Once you complete it and pass the final exam, the provider sends your completion certificate directly to the traffic court that ordered you to attend, or to the DMV if you took it for a different reason (like a point reduction). You do not go to a physical location in Redding or anywhere else.
The main reason people take online traffic school in California is to keep a traffic conviction off their driving record. If the court allows it, completing the course can result in the ticket being dismissed — meaning no points, no insurance rate increase, and no record of the violation. Some people also take it voluntarily to reduce points they already have on their record.
Key Takeaways
- The California DMV publishes an official list of approved online traffic school providers; you must choose from that list for the course to count.
- Most approved courses take four to eight hours to complete and can be done over several days, at your own pace.
- You will need to provide your driver's license number, the ticket number, and the court information when you enroll.
- The provider sends your completion certificate directly to the court or DMV, so you do not have to file paperwork yourself.
- Costs vary by provider but typically range from $20 to $50 for the course itself, though some providers charge more.
How to find the official DMV list of approved providers
The California DMV website has a searchable database of approved traffic school providers. Go to the DMV's main website and look for the "Approved Traffic School Providers" section, usually under driver education or traffic safety. You can search by county (El Dorado County, where Redding is located) or by provider name if you already have one in mind.
The list shows each provider's name, the types of courses they offer (online, in-person, or both), and sometimes their phone number or website link. Not every provider on the state list serves Redding residents, so check the provider's own website to confirm they accept students in your area. Most online providers serve all of California, but it is worth verifying before you enroll.
If you cannot find the DMV list online or have trouble navigating it, you can call the DMV directly or visit a local DMV office in Redding. Staff can tell you which providers are currently approved and active. The traffic court that issued your order may also have provided a list of approved providers in the paperwork you received.
What information you will need to enroll
Before you start an online course, have these documents and details ready. You will need your California driver's license number, your full name as it appears on the license, and your date of birth. If you are taking the course because of a traffic ticket, you will also need the ticket number (also called the citation number) and the name of the court that issued the order.
If the court ordered you to attend traffic school, you should have received paperwork that includes the court's name, the ticket number, and sometimes a important date by which you must complete the course. Keep that paperwork nearby while you enroll. Some providers also ask for your email address and a phone number so they can send you updates and reminders.
If you are taking the course voluntarily (not because of a ticket) to reduce points on your record, the process is slightly different — you will not need a ticket number, but you may need to provide your driver's license number and confirm your driving record information. The provider will walk you through what they need during enrollment.
How the online course works and how long it takes
Most approved online traffic school courses in California follow a similar structure. You log into the provider's website, watch video lessons on traffic laws, safe driving practices, and collision prevention, and read accompanying text. The course is broken into sections so you can stop and start without losing your progress. You can usually log in and out as many times as you need.
The total time to complete a course is typically four to eight hours, depending on the provider and the depth of the material. You do not have to finish it all in one sitting. Many people spread it over a few days, doing an hour or two at a time. Some providers allow you to speed up or slow down videos, and some let you skip ahead if you already know the material, though you still have to watch or read enough to unlock the final exam.
At the end, you take a final exam — usually 20 to 30 multiple-choice questions about what you learned. You must pass it, typically with a score of 70 percent or higher. If you do not pass on your first try, most providers let you retake the exam after reviewing the material again. Once you pass, the course is complete and the provider begins the process of sending your certificate to the court.
How the completion certificate reaches the court
After you pass the final exam, the provider handles sending your completion certificate to the traffic court. You do not have to print it, mail it, or file it yourself. The provider has the court's information from your enrollment and sends the certificate electronically or by mail, depending on the court's preference. This usually happens within one to three business days.
The court will receive the certificate and update your case file. If the court had ordered you to attend traffic school in exchange for dismissing the ticket, the dismissal will be processed once the court confirms you completed an approved course. You may receive a notice in the mail confirming the dismissal, or you can check the court's online case management system if one is available.
Keep a copy of your completion certificate for your records, even though the provider sends the original. If there is ever a question about whether you completed the course, you will have proof. Some providers email you a copy automatically; others let you read it from your account after you finish.
Cost and payment options
The cost of an approved online traffic school course in California varies by provider. Most charge between $20 and $50 for the course itself. Some providers charge more if you want expedited processing (getting your certificate to the court faster) or if you need to retake the final exam multiple times. A few providers offer discounts if you enroll early or if you are a first-time offender.
Payment is usually made online by credit card or debit card at the time of enrollment. Some providers accept PayPal or other digital payment methods. Once you pay, you get when ready access to the course material. If you change your mind or cannot complete the course, check the provider's refund policy — some offer refunds if you withdraw before starting, but policies vary.
Do not confuse the course fee with any fines or penalties ordered by the court. Traffic school is separate from any fine you owe on the ticket. The court will tell you if you owe a fine, and that payment goes to the court, not to the traffic school provider.
important date and what happens if you miss them
The traffic court will give you a important date to complete traffic school, usually 30 to 90 days from the date of the order. This important date is important — if you do not complete the course by that date, the court may dismiss the traffic school option and process the ticket as a conviction. Check your court paperwork for the exact important date and mark it on your calendar.
If you are running close to the important date, contact the provider to ask about expedited processing. Some providers can get your certificate to the court within 24 hours if you pay an extra fee. If you think you will miss the important date, contact the court directly to ask if you can request an extension. Some courts will grant one if you have a legitimate reason and ask before the important date passes.
If you miss the important date and the ticket is processed as a conviction, you may still be able to take traffic school later to reduce points on your record, but it will not dismiss the ticket. The consequences are more serious, so treat the important date as firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take online traffic school if I got a ticket in Redding but live somewhere else?
Yes. Online traffic school is available to anyone with a California driver's license, regardless of where they live. You will need the ticket number and the name of the court that issued the order (in Redding's case, likely the El Dorado County Superior Court), and you can complete the course from anywhere with an internet connection.
What if the traffic court did not order me to attend traffic school — can I still take it?
Yes. You can take an approved online traffic school course voluntarily to reduce points on your driving record. This is sometimes called a "point reduction" or "defensive driving" course. You do not need a ticket or a court order. The provider will send your certificate to the DMV instead of a court, and the DMV will reduce your point count after processing.
Do I have to use a provider that is based in California?
No. The provider must be approved by the California DMV, but they can be based anywhere. Most approved online providers operate nationally and serve California students. What matters is that they appear on the official DMV list of approved providers for California.
What if I fail the final exam?
Most providers let you retake the exam after reviewing the course material again. There is usually no extra charge for retakes. You have unlimited attempts until you pass, though some providers may require you to wait a certain amount of time between attempts or to review specific sections before trying again.
How do I know if my provider actually sent the certificate to the court?
The provider will usually send you a confirmation email once they submit your certificate. You can also contact the traffic court directly and ask if they received your completion certificate. The court's case management system may also show the status of your case online if you look it up by ticket number.