Traffic Schools

As a driver, you may be considering traffic school for a variety of reasons. You may want to improve your driving, reduce insurance premiums, or reduce points on your driving record. West Virginia approves the following traffic schools to meet these needs:

• West Virginia Driver Training, (304) 424-6307

• Able Driving School, (540) 350-4716

• Bluefield AAA, (304) 327-8187

You must register in advance to attend one of these schools.

Senior Drivers

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) also offers regular refresher courses throughout the state for drivers 50 and older. Check their website for a schedule and location near you. These mini "traffic schools" cost around $10, and the discount on your auto insurance premiums will likely be greater than this fee, so while improving your driving skills, you'll also save some money.

Traffic Tickets

If you receive a traffic ticket, the judge in your local court will decide whether a defensive driving course will dismiss or reduce the ticket, or whether the ticket will remain on your record. The decision will be based on your current violation(s) and your previous driving record.

Lower Your Insurance Costs

Attending one of the traffic schools listed above could possibly lower your insurance premiums. Many insurance companies offer discounts for drivers of certain ages, or offer discounts based on your driving record, so check with your insurance agent for details. You'll also want to compare the amount of the discount to the cost of the course; sometimes the discount won't offset the costs.

Reducing Points

West Virginia offers a defensive driving course through the above-listed traffic schools for drivers to reduce points on your driving record. If you're eligible to attend the school, and pass it successfully, you can have up to three points reduced from your record. The reduction is not given toward future accumulation of points, and you can take a course only once every two years for points reduction.

Problem drivers who accumulate more than 11 points, or who have current violations that will put the point total over 11, are not eligible for the defensive driving course or a point reduction. To determine your eligibility, call (800) 642-9066.

Drunk Driving

West Virginia enforces the Zero Tolerance Law for drivers convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). If you are convicted of driving drunk, you'll face hefty fines, suspended driving privileges, and steep reinstatement fees to regain your driving privileges. You may also be required to attend various treatment or training programs. For more information on DUI, visit DMV.ORG's special section for DUI & DWI.