What the California DMV's Online Traffic School Directory Does
The California DMV maintains a searchable list of traffic schools authorized to offer online courses at https://drive.dmvonline.ca.gov/s/all-traffic-schools. This directory lets you find schools in your county, see which ones offer online instruction, and get contact information to enroll directly. The DMV does not run the schools themselves — it licenses and approves them, then publishes the list so you can choose which one to attend.
You use this directory after a traffic court has ordered you to complete traffic school, or when you want to take a course to reduce points on your record. The schools on this list have met state standards for curriculum and instruction. Once you complete a course through any of these approved schools, the school reports your completion to the court and DMV on your behalf.
Key Takeaways
- The DMV's online traffic school directory at https://drive.dmvonline.ca.gov/s/all-traffic-schools lists only schools the state has approved to operate in California.
- You search by county to find schools near you, filter by whether they offer online courses, and contact the school directly to enroll and pay tuition.
- The DMV does not enroll you or process your completion — the traffic school you choose handles both enrollment and reporting to the court.
- Tuition costs vary by school and are not set by the DMV; schools on the approved list charge between roughly $20 and $60 for an online course.
- You must complete the course before the important date set by the court, or the court may report the failure to the DMV and your insurance company.
How to Search the DMV's Traffic School Directory
Go to https://drive.dmvonline.ca.gov/s/all-traffic-schools and you will see a search form. Enter your county name or select it from the dropdown menu. The page will display all traffic schools licensed to operate in that county.
Each school listing shows the school's name, phone number, website, and whether it offers online instruction. Some schools offer only classroom courses; others offer both. If you need an online course, look for schools that explicitly state they have an online option. Click the school's name or website link to go directly to their enrollment page, where you can see their course schedule, tuition price, and what you need to bring or submit to start.
The directory does not show reviews, ratings, or comparisons between schools. You are responsible for choosing which approved school to attend. All schools on the list meet the same state curriculum requirements, so the main differences are location, schedule, price, and customer service.
What Information You Need Before You Enroll
Before you contact a traffic school, gather the documents or information the school will ask for. You will need your driver's license number, the citation or court case number, the date of the violation, and the court that issued the order. If the court sent you a written order to complete traffic school, have that document ready — it will show the important date by which you must finish.
Some schools also ask for your insurance company name and policy number, though this is not required by the DMV. The school uses this information to report your completion directly to your insurance company if you are taking the course to reduce your insurance rates. Have your email address ready as well, because most schools send you a login link or course access information by email after you enroll.
How Online Traffic School Enrollment Works
Once you choose a school from the directory and visit their website, you will create an account or provide your information through their enrollment form. You will select the course date or session you want to attend — many online schools let you start when ready or within a few days. You will then pay the tuition fee, which the school collects directly; the DMV does not collect payment.
After payment, the school sends you login credentials or a link to access the course material. Most online courses are self-paced, meaning you can work through the material at your own speed as long as you finish by the court important date. Some schools require you to complete the course within a set number of days (for example, 30 days from enrollment). Read the school's terms carefully so you know what important date applies to you.
You will watch videos, read material, and take a final test. The test is usually multiple choice and must be passed with a score of 70 percent or higher. Once you pass, the school generates a certificate of completion and submits it to the court and DMV electronically. You do not need to mail anything or contact the court yourself.
Common Mistakes When Using the Directory and Enrolling
The most common mistake is enrolling in a school that is not on the DMV's approved list. Some schools advertise online traffic courses but are not licensed by California. If you complete a course through an unapproved school, the court will not accept it, and you will still be in violation of the court order. Always verify the school is on the official DMV directory before you enroll.
Another mistake is missing the court important date. The court sets a specific date by which you must finish the course. If you enroll too close to that date, you may not have enough time to complete the material and pass the test. Some schools also have their own completion important date that are shorter than the court important date. Check both dates and enroll early enough to finish comfortably.
A third mistake is not keeping your proof of completion. After you finish, the school sends a certificate to the court, but you should also save a copy for your records. If there is a dispute about whether you completed the course, you will have proof. Some schools email you a copy; others let you read it from your account. Do not delete it.
What Happens After You Complete the Course
Once you pass the final test, the traffic school submits your completion certificate to the court that ordered you to attend. This process usually takes one to three business days. The court then updates your case file to show that you have satisfied the traffic school requirement. You do not need to contact the court or DMV — the school handles the reporting.
If you took the course to reduce points on your driving record, the DMV will not remove the points when ready. The court must first dismiss or reduce the charge, which happens after the school reports your completion. This can take two to four weeks. You can check your driving record through the DMV website to see when the points are removed.
If you took the course to reduce your insurance rates, notify your insurance company that you have completed traffic school. Some insurers automatically receive the notification from the school; others require you to send them a copy of your certificate. Your insurance company will then recalculate your rates, which may take a billing cycle or two to appear on your next bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take traffic school online if the court ordered me to attend in person?
No. If the court specifically ordered you to attend a classroom course, you must attend in person. However, if the court order says "traffic school" without specifying classroom or online, you can choose an online course from the DMV directory. Call the court clerk if you are unsure whether online is allowed in your case.
What if I cannot find a school in my county on the DMV directory?
All California counties have at least one approved traffic school. If the search returns no results, try searching again or contact the DMV directly at 1-800-777-0133. You can also call the court that issued your order — the clerk can tell you which schools serve your area.
Do I have to use a school from the DMV directory, or can I use any traffic school?
You must use a school on the official DMV directory. Schools not on the list are not approved by California, and the court will not accept their certificate. Always verify the school's name matches the directory before you enroll.
How much does an online traffic school course cost?
Tuition varies by school and typically ranges from $20 to $60 for an online course. The DMV does not set the price — each approved school sets its own fee. You can compare prices by visiting the websites of schools in your county before you choose one.
What if I fail the final test?
Most schools let you retake the test at no extra charge. You will have a limited number of attempts (usually two to three) to pass with a score of 70 percent or higher. If you exhaust your attempts, contact the school about options — some may require you to retake the entire course.