Where to find California's official list of traffic schools
California's Department of Motor Vehicles publishes a searchable list of all licensed traffic violator schools on its website. You can access this list at dmv.ca.gov under the "Approved Traffic Violator Schools" section. The list is updated regularly and includes both online and in-person schools that meet state requirements.
The DMV list is the only authoritative source for finding a school that will actually clear your traffic violation from your record. Any school not on this list cannot legally offer traffic school in California, and completing their course will not satisfy a traffic court order.
You do not need to search the DMV list yourself if your traffic court has already assigned you to a specific school — the court's order will name the school you must attend. If you have a choice, the DMV list lets you compare schools by location, format, and cost.
Key Takeaways
- The DMV maintains the only official list of licensed traffic violator schools, and you can search it free on dmv.ca.gov.
- Online traffic schools on the DMV list allow you to complete your course from home, though you must still take a final exam.
- Your traffic court order may require you to attend a specific school, in which case you have no choice of provider.
- Before enrolling, confirm the school is on the current DMV list and that it covers the violation type in your court order.
How the DMV list is organized and what information it shows
The DMV list displays each school's name, county of operation, whether it offers online or classroom instruction, and a phone number or website. Schools are grouped by county, so if you want to find schools near you, start with your home county.
The list notes whether a school offers instruction in languages other than English. If you need a course in Spanish or another language, you can filter by that detail. The DMV also indicates which schools offer courses for specific violation types — for example, some schools specialize in commercial driver violations or motorcycle violations.
Each school's entry includes whether it is approved for online instruction. Online schools still require you to pass a final exam, usually proctored through video, but you can watch the course material on your own schedule.
What "licensed" means and why it matters
A licensed traffic violator school has met California's training standards and passed a DMV inspection. The school must employ instructors who have completed state-approved training, use curriculum that covers California traffic law, and maintain records of student completion.
If you complete a course at a school not on the DMV list, the court will not recognize it. Your violation will remain on your record, and you may face additional penalties or a license suspension. Traffic courts check the DMV list before accepting any school completion certificate.
The DMV removes schools from the list if they lose their license or fail to renew it. This is why you should always verify the school is still listed before you enroll, even if you used it before.
Steps to search the DMV list and enroll in an online school
Go to dmv.ca.gov and look for the "Approved Traffic Violator Schools" link, usually found under the "Violations and Penalties" section. You will see a searchable database or a county-by-county list. Enter your county or search by school name if you already have one in mind.
Once you find a school, check that it offers online instruction if that is what you need. Click the school's website link or call the number listed to ask about cost, course length, and enrollment. Most online schools let you start when ready after payment.
Before you pay, confirm with the school that your specific violation type is covered by their course. Some violations — like reckless driving or driving under the influence — may require specialized courses that not all schools offer.
Cost and time to complete an online traffic school course
Online traffic school costs vary by provider but typically range from $20 to $50 for a basic traffic violation course. Some schools charge more for expedited completion or for specialized courses. The DMV list does not show prices, so you will need to contact schools directly for their rates.
Most online courses take between four and eight hours to complete, though you can spread this over several days. You choose when to log in and how fast to move through the material. The final exam usually takes 30 minutes to an hour and must be completed within a set timeframe, often 30 days from enrollment.
After you pass the final exam, the school sends a completion certificate directly to your traffic court. This process usually takes one to three business days. Your court will then dismiss the violation from your record, assuming you met the court's important date for completion.
What to do if your court assigned you to a specific school
If your traffic court order names a particular school, you must attend that school — you cannot choose a different one from the DMV list. The court assigns schools for specific reasons, such as the violation type or the court's traffic school agreement with that provider.
Check your court order for the school's name, the important date to complete the course, and any other requirements. If the school is not on the DMV list, contact the court when ready to ask for clarification or a different assignment. Do not enroll at an unlicensed school.
If the assigned school is no longer on the DMV list or has closed, call the court and explain the situation. The court can usually assign you to another licensed school in your area.
Common reasons people cannot use traffic school
Not every traffic violation is may be able to access for traffic school. Violations like driving under the influence, reckless driving, hit-and-run, or driving with a suspended license typically cannot be dismissed through traffic school, even if you complete a course.
You also cannot use traffic school if you have completed a traffic school course in the past three years. California law allows you to use traffic school only once every 18 months, and some courts enforce a three-year rule.
If you have accumulated too many points on your driving record, the court may deny your traffic school request. Check your court order to see whether traffic school is an option for your specific violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take traffic school online if my court ordered me to attend in person?
No. If your court order specifies in-person attendance, you must attend a classroom course. Online schools are only an option if the court gave you a choice or if the court order does not specify the format. Always read your court order carefully before enrolling.
What happens if I complete a course at a school not on the DMV list?
The court will not recognize the completion certificate, and your violation will remain on your record. You will need to complete the course again at a licensed school or pay the fine and accept the violation. This is why checking the DMV list before enrolling is essential.
How long does it take for the court to dismiss my violation after I complete traffic school?
Most courts process completion certificates within one to two weeks of receiving them from the school. The school usually sends the certificate within one to three business days of your passing the final exam. Contact the court if you do not see the violation dismissed within three weeks.
Can I choose any school on the DMV list, or does it have to be in my county?
You can usually choose any licensed school in California, even if it is not in your county. However, your court order may restrict you to schools in your county or a specific region. Check your court paperwork before enrolling at a school outside your area.
What if the DMV list shows a school but the school's website says it is closed?
Contact the court and explain that your assigned school is no longer operating. The court can assign you to another licensed school. Do not delay — if you miss the court's important date for completion, you may face additional penalties.