What you'll find on dmv.ca.gov for traffic school
California's DMV website does not run or host traffic school courses itself. Instead, dmv.ca.gov directs you to approved traffic school providers — private companies licensed by the state to offer the courses. The DMV maintains a searchable list of these providers on its site, organized by county, and that list is the main tool you'll use.
When you visit dmv.ca.gov and search for traffic school, you're looking for the DMV's official provider directory. This directory shows you which schools operate in your county, what format they offer (online, in-person, or both), and their contact information. You then enroll directly with the provider you choose, not through the DMV.
The DMV's role is to approve providers, set the rules they must follow, and process the completion certificate once you finish. The actual teaching, testing, and course delivery happen through the private school you select.
Key Takeaways
- The DMV does not teach traffic school; it maintains a list of state-approved providers that you choose from and pay directly.
- You find the provider directory on dmv.ca.gov by searching your county, then contact and enroll with the school of your choice.
- Online traffic school providers must be DMV-approved and are required to report your completion to the court or DMV within a set timeframe.
- The cost, course length, and format vary by provider, so comparing options before enrolling can save you money and time.
- You must have a court order or traffic citation that permits traffic school before you enroll; the provider will ask for proof.
How to find approved traffic school providers on the DMV website
Go to dmv.ca.gov and use the search bar or navigation menu to find "Traffic School Providers" or "Approved Traffic Schools." The DMV lists these by county. Select your county from the dropdown or list, and you'll see all providers licensed to operate there.
Each listing includes the provider's name, phone number, website, and sometimes their course format (online, classroom, or both). Some providers serve multiple counties; others are local. The directory does not rank them by price or rating — that comparison is your responsibility.
Once you've identified a few options, visit their websites or call them directly. Ask about their course length (usually four to eight hours), cost (typically $20 to $50, but varies), and how quickly they report completion to the court. Do not assume all providers charge the same fee or take the same amount of time.
What happens after you enroll with a provider
After you register and pay the provider, you'll receive login credentials or a course link. You complete the course material at your own pace (within the provider's important date, usually 30 to 90 days). Most online courses include video lessons, reading sections, and a final test.
You must pass the final test to complete the course. The passing score is typically 70 to 80 percent, depending on the provider. If you fail, most schools let you retake the test at no extra charge, though some may charge a small fee.
Once you pass, the provider generates a Certificate of Completion and sends it to the court or DMV (whichever ordered the traffic school). The provider is required to report this within a specific timeframe — usually 10 to 30 days. You do not submit the certificate yourself; the provider handles it.
Checking the DMV's list of approved providers
The DMV updates its approved provider list regularly. If a school is on the list when you enroll, it meets state requirements. However, the DMV can remove a provider from the list if it violates rules, so it's worth confirming the provider is still approved before you pay.
You can verify a provider's status by checking the current DMV list or calling the DMV directly at 1-800-777-0133. Have the provider's name ready. If a provider is not on the official list, do not enroll with them — your completion certificate may not be accepted by the court.
Some providers advertise heavily online but are not DMV-approved. The safest route is to use only schools listed on dmv.ca.gov.
Cost and timeline for online traffic school
Costs vary widely. Most approved online providers charge between $20 and $50 for the course itself. Some charge extra for rush processing or for retaking the test. The court may also impose a traffic school fee (separate from the course cost) when it orders you to attend; this is typically $50 to $100 and goes to the court, not the provider.
Course completion usually takes one to three days if you work through it continuously, though providers give you 30 to 90 days to finish. Reporting to the court takes an additional 10 to 30 days after you pass the test. Plan for the entire process to take four to six weeks from enrollment to the court's receipt of your certificate.
If you need faster reporting, ask the provider about expedited options when you enroll. Some charge extra for same-day or next-day reporting.
What you need before you enroll
You must have a traffic citation or court order that permits you to take traffic school. This is usually a ticket for a minor moving violation (speeding, rolling stop, unsafe lane change). Not all violations are may be able to access — serious violations like reckless driving or driving under the influence typically do not may have access to.
When you contact a provider, have your citation number and court information ready. The provider will ask for these details to confirm you're may be able to access and to know where to send your completion certificate. If you don't have this information, call the court listed on your ticket.
You'll also need a valid email address and a way to pay (credit card, debit card, or sometimes PayPal). Some providers require you to confirm your identity with a driver's license number.
Common mistakes when choosing an online traffic school
The biggest mistake is enrolling with a provider not on the DMV's official list. Scams and unapproved schools do exist, and their certificates won't be accepted. Always verify the provider on dmv.ca.gov first.
Another common error is not checking whether your violation is may be able to access for traffic school before you enroll. If your ticket doesn't may have access to, the court won't accept the certificate, and you'll have wasted the fee. Call the court or the provider to confirm may be able to access before you pay.
Some people also assume all providers take the same amount of time to report to the court. If your important date is tight, ask the provider about their reporting timeline before you enroll. A provider that takes 30 days to report might miss your court important date if you only have 45 days total.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is traffic school on dmv.ca.gov free?
No. The course itself costs money (typically $20 to $50), and the court may charge a separate traffic school fee ($50 to $100). The DMV website is free to use to find providers, but you pay the provider directly for the course.
Can I take traffic school if I got a ticket out of state?
No. California traffic school is only for violations that occurred in California. If your ticket is from another state, you'll need to contact that state's DMV or the court that issued the ticket for options.
What if I don't finish the course by the important date?
Contact the provider when ready. Some allow extensions if you request them before the important date expires. If you miss the important date without an extension, the court may reject your completion certificate, and you could face points on your record or other penalties. Check your provider's extension policy when you enroll.
Do I need to print anything or go somewhere in person for online traffic school?
No. Everything is online — you take the course, pass the test, and the provider reports to the court electronically. You don't need to print or mail anything. Some providers may ask you to verify your identity online, but you won't need to visit an office.
How long does it take for the court to receive my completion certificate?
The provider typically reports within 10 to 30 days of your passing the test. The court then processes it, which may take another week or two. If you need confirmation that the court received it, call the court directly after four to six weeks have passed.