What California DMV-approved traffic violator schools are and how to find them online
A traffic violator school (also called traffic school) is a course you can take in California to keep a minor traffic violation off your driving record. If you complete an approved course, the violation stays off your record — which means your insurance rates won't go up and you won't accumulate points toward license suspension. The California Department of Motor Vehicles maintains a list of schools it has approved to teach these courses, and most of them now offer online options.
You don't search for schools on the DMV website itself. Instead, you find them through a searchable database called the Traffic Violator School Directory, which is hosted on the DMV's official site. This directory lists every school the DMV has certified, along with their course formats (online, in-person, or both) and contact information. You can filter by county or school name to find options near you or that fit your schedule.
The key point: only schools on this official DMV list will actually remove the violation from your record. Taking a course from an unapproved provider won't work, even if they claim to be legitimate.
Key Takeaways
- The California DMV Traffic Violator School Directory is the only official list of approved schools, and you access it through the DMV website at dmv.ca.gov.
- Most approved schools now offer online courses, which you can complete from home and usually finish in one to eight hours depending on the school.
- You must be ordered by a court or traffic officer to attend traffic school, or you must have been offered the option at your traffic stop or citation — you cannot choose to attend on your own.
- After you complete an approved course, the school sends proof of completion to the court or DMV, and the violation is kept off your record if you meet the requirements.
- Costs vary by school but typically range from $20 to $50 for the course itself, though some schools charge more for expedited processing.
How to access the official DMV Traffic Violator School Directory
Go to dmv.ca.gov and search for "Traffic Violator School Directory" in the site's search bar. This takes you to the searchable database of all DMV-approved schools. You can search by county, city, or school name. The directory shows each school's name, phone number, website, and the course formats they offer (online, classroom, or both).
When you click on a school's listing, you'll see whether they offer online courses and what their course length is. Some schools let you start the course when ready; others require you to register first. The directory also notes if a school is currently accepting new students, since some temporarily close enrollment during peak periods.
This directory is updated regularly, so if you find a school that's no longer listed, it means the DMV has revoked its approval. Do not use a school that's been removed — the course won't count.
What you need before you can take traffic school
You cannot straightforward choose to attend traffic school on your own. California law requires that you either be ordered by a court to attend, or be offered the option by the officer who cited you or the court that processed your ticket. This is usually noted on your citation or court paperwork. If you're unsure whether you're allowed to attend, call the court listed on your citation and ask.
You also need to meet basic requirements: the violation must be a minor traffic offense (not a criminal offense like DUI or reckless driving), you must not have attended traffic school in the past 18 months, and you must not have been convicted of a traffic violation in the past 36 months. If you don't meet these requirements, traffic school won't be an option for you.
Before you enroll in a school, have your citation or court order in front of you. You'll need the citation number, the violation code, and the court information. Some schools ask for this during registration; others ask for it when you submit your proof of completion.
How online traffic school courses work in California
Most approved California traffic schools now offer fully online courses that you can take from any computer or mobile device with internet access. You log in, watch video lessons or read course material, and answer questions as you go. The course is self-paced, so you can finish in one sitting or spread it over several days — you just have to complete it before your important date.
Course length varies. Some schools offer a four-hour course (the state minimum), while others offer six, eight, or even longer courses. The longer courses sometimes cost less because they spread the material out and include more interactive elements. You choose the length when you register.
At the end of the course, you take a final exam. Most schools let you retake the exam if you don't pass on the first try. Once you pass, the school generates a Certificate of Completion and either mails it to you, emails it to you, or sends it directly to the court or DMV on your behalf. Check with the school about how they handle this step — some schools charge extra to mail the certificate or send it electronically.
Costs and what affects the price
Approved traffic violator schools in California charge between $20 and $50 for the course itself, though some charge more. The price depends on the school, the course length, and whether you want expedited processing. A four-hour course is usually cheaper than an eight-hour course. A school that mails your certificate costs less than one that sends it electronically the same day.
Some schools offer discounts if you register early or if you're a student, senior, or military member. A few schools charge a flat fee that includes everything; others add fees for certificate delivery, expedited processing, or retaking the exam. Always check the school's website or call them before you register to understand the full cost.
The course fee is separate from any fines or court costs you owe for the violation itself. Traffic school only removes the violation from your record — it doesn't reduce or eliminate the fine.
What happens after you complete the course
Once you pass the final exam, the school issues your Certificate of Completion. This certificate is the proof that you attended and finished the course. The school will either send it to you, send it to the court, or send it to the DMV, depending on what your citation or court order requires.
If the school sends it to the court, the court updates your record and dismisses the violation. If the school sends it to you, you may need to deliver it to the court yourself — check your citation or call the court to confirm. The DMV does not need to receive the certificate; the court handles the record update.
After the court receives proof that you completed the course, the violation is kept off your driving record. This means it won't show up on your record when you renew your license, and it won't be visible to insurance companies. Your insurance rates won't increase because of this violation.
Common mistakes to avoid when choosing an online school
The most common mistake is using a school that's not on the official DMV Traffic Violator School Directory. Some websites advertise traffic school courses but are not DMV-approved. If you take a course from an unapproved school, the court won't accept it, and the violation will stay on your record. Always verify the school on the official directory before you pay.
Another mistake is not checking your important date. Your citation or court order will specify when you must complete the course — usually 30 to 90 days from the date of your citation. If you miss the important date, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest or suspend your license. Online schools can be completed quickly, but don't wait until the last day.
A third mistake is not confirming how the school will send your certificate. Some schools mail certificates, which can take a week or more. If your important date is soon, choose a school that emails the certificate or sends it to the court electronically. Ask the school about their timeline before you register.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take traffic school if I was speeding more than 25 miles over the limit?
No. California law restricts traffic school to minor violations. Speeding more than 25 mph over the limit, reckless driving, DUI, and hit-and-run are not may be able to access. Your citation will note whether traffic school is an option for your specific violation. If you're unsure, call the court listed on your citation.
What if I took traffic school less than 18 months ago?
You cannot take it again. California law requires 18 months between traffic school courses. If you're cited again before 18 months have passed, you cannot use traffic school to remove that violation from your record, even if the court offers it.
Do I have to tell my insurance company I took traffic school?
No. Once the violation is removed from your record, it doesn't exist on your driving history, so there's nothing to report. Your insurance company won't see it when they check your record during renewal.
How long does it take to get the certificate after I pass the exam?
It depends on the school. Some schools email the certificate when ready after you pass. Others mail it, which takes three to seven business days. A few charge extra for same-day or next-day delivery. Check the school's website or ask during registration so you know whether you'll meet your court important date.
What if the school I want is not in my county?
You can take a course from any DMV-approved school in California, regardless of where you live or where you received the citation. The school doesn't have to be in your county. Choose based on course format, price, and important date — location doesn't matter for online courses.