How to Earn 5 Safe Driving Points in Virginia

by | Jul 17, 2024 | Virginia

Driving in Virginia involves more than just following the rules of the road; it also means understanding how the state’s point system works. This system can impact your driving record, insurance rates, and even your ability to maintain your driver’s license. Here’s an in-depth look at Virginia’s point system, including a review of good and bad driving points, the benefits of maintaining a clean driving record, and how you can quickly add 5 safe driving points to your record by completing the DriveSafe Online Virginia Driver Improvement Course.

Virginia’s Point System Explained

Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses a point system to track driving violations. This system is divided into two types of points: demerit points and safe driving points.

Demerit Points

Demerit points are added to your driving record when you are convicted of traffic violations. The number of points assigned depends on the severity of the offense. Here’s a breakdown of how demerit points work:

  • 3-Point Violations: Minor offenses like improper passing or failure to obey a traffic sign.
  • 4-Point Violations: More serious offenses such as speeding between 10-19 mph over the limit or following another vehicle too closely.
  • 6-Point Violations: Major violations like reckless driving, DUI, or speeding 20 mph or more over the limit.

Demerit points remain on your record for two years from the date of the offense. Accumulating too many points can lead to consequences such as increased insurance rates, mandatory driver improvement courses, or even license suspension.

Safe Driving Points

Safe driving points, on the other hand, are awarded for good driving behavior. Every year, without a traffic violation or at-fault accident, you earn one safe driving point, up to a maximum of five points. These points can offset demerit points on your record, helping to mitigate the negative impact of any infractions.

Benefits of Earning Safe Driving Points

  • Offset Demerit Points: Safe driving points can counterbalance demerit points, helping to prevent negative consequences like increased insurance premiums or license suspension.
  • Insurance Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers with a clean record and a high number of safe points.
  • Avoiding Penalties: Maintaining a good balance of safe points can keep you out of mandatory driver improvement courses or avoid additional penalties.

How to Earn 5 Safe Points with the DriveSafe Online Driver Improvement Course

  1. Enroll in the Course: Visit the DriveSafe Online website and sign up for the Virginia Driver Improvement Course. The course is VA DMV- and court-approved and designed to meet strict requirements.
  2. Complete the Course: The DriveSafe Online Virginia Driver Improvement Course is interactive, user-friendly, and 100% online, with full-screen videos that make learning easy and interesting. The course typically takes about 8 hours to complete as required by Virginia law. You can start and stop at your convenience, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
  3. Pass the Final Exam: At the end of the course, you’ll need to pass a final exam to receive your certificate of completion. DriveSafe Online courses are designed to help you pass the final test. In fact, 99% of users pass on their first attempt.
  4. Submit Your Certificate to the DMV: Once you pass the exam, you will receive a certificate of completion. Simply print and submit this certificate to the Virginia DMV to have the safe points added to your driving record.
  5. Earn Your Safe Points: After the DMV processes your certificate, you’ll receive 5 safe driving points on your record. These points can help offset any demerit points and improve your overall driving record.

Additional Tips for Maintaining a Good Driving Record

  • Follow Traffic Laws: Always obey speed limits, traffic signals, and road signs. Adhering to these laws not only keeps you safe but also helps you avoid demerit points.
  • Practice Defensive Driving: Stay alert, anticipate other drivers’ actions, and be prepared to react safely. Defensive driving can prevent accidents and keep your record clean.
  • Avoid Distractions: Keep your focus on the road by avoiding distractions such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving.
  • Plan Ahead: Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Rushing can lead to speeding and other risky behaviors.
  • Stay Sober: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. DUI offenses carry severe penalties, including high demerit points.
This guide provides essential information on how to improve your driving record in Virginia through the safe points system, ensuring safer driving practices and better overall driving conditions.