Best Online Traffic Schools in California: How to Choose

Finding the best online traffic school in California isn't easy, given all the factors you need to consider. Some promise fast completion but charge hidden fees that can drain your budget. Others are cheap but lack flexibility or cut corners when it comes to the learning experience.

In this guide, we’ll show you what to look for in a traffic school course to save time, money, and stress. Let’s dive in.

How to choose the best online traffic school in California

While there are hundreds of traffic schools in California, only a handful are likely to meet your needs. That’s why it’s important to determine what matters most to you: flexibility, mobile access, engaging content, quick completion, or all of the above.

Not sure where to start? Below are the key factors to consider when choosing an online traffic school.

Decide on the course format

California drivers can take traffic school online or in person. There's also the option to sign up for hybrid courses, which combine online and classroom instruction.

Let's go over each option to help you make the right choice:

Online courses: The lessons are self-paced, mobile-friendly, and accessible from anywhere. Depending on the course provider, you could study from your smartphone or tablet and finish in as little as two or three hours. Choose this option if you have self-discipline and can hold yourself accountable.
In-person courses: Classroom instruction requires at least eight hours of study, so you can't complete the course in one sitting. This option offers less flexibility and often costs more than online learning, but it allows for live interaction and may benefit students who struggle with self-motivation.
Hybrid courses: Some traffic safety courses blend online and in-person instruction, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. Participants enjoy the convenience of online study with the added benefit of live interaction, which can make it easier to grasp complex concepts and stay on track. A potential drawback is that you still have to travel to attend the course.

Online traffic school offers the most flexibility and convenience, but it's not ideal for everyone. With that in mind, consider your schedule, preferences, and learning style before deciding on a course format.

Find a DMV-approved course

Not all traffic schools are approved by the California DMV. If the course provider isn’t licensed, your completion certificate won’t be valid.

To avoid this issue, use the Occupational License Lookup tool to verify its license.

Take Best Online Traffic School, for example. The course provider has license number #E1314, per the DMV’s database. Plus, its license is active, not expired, suspended, or revoked.

Review the course content and features

The DMV requires traffic schools to follow a standard curriculum that covers key topics, such as defensive driving, hazard recognition, and accident prevention. However, course structure and delivery can vary from one provider to another.

For instance, some courses are fast-paced and interactive, featuring videos, animations, and practice tests. Others are more text-heavy and traditional, which may not work for students who struggle to stay engaged.

Also, check what else is included. Can you study from mobile devices, or do you need a computer? Is your progress saved automatically? Are students allowed to retake the course or final exam, and is it free?

Ask about these features, or better yet, request a sample lesson to get a feel for the course. Also, make sure you don't have to pay extra for course retakes, certificate delivery, online support, and other standard services.

Compare cost and value

The cost of traffic school in California varies from one provider to the next, depending on:

Course format (online, in-person, or hybrid)
School reputation and credentials
Location
Services provided

Best Online Traffic School charges a flat fee, which covers unlimited course retakes and exam attempts, live chat support, and other services — in addition to the study materials. That’s half as much as some other schools that tack on extra fees.

While you shouldn't base your decision on price alone, it doesn't make sense to pay more for the same content and services you could get elsewhere for less. So, compare multiple schools based on cost and value, then select one that checks all the right boxes.

Note that you’ll also need to pay a traffic school administrative fee to the court. This fee is separate from the course cost and varies depending on the jurisdiction where you were ticketed.

Assess customer support

Good customer support can make a big difference, especially when you have pressing questions or run into tech issues. That's why it's essential to choose a course provider that's available 24/7 and can respond to inquiries across multiple channels.

Contact the school by phone, email, or live chat before signing up. If they take days to reply or give a canned answer, move on and look for a different provider.

Read student reviews and testimonials

DMV approval doesn't guarantee a smooth learning experience or great customer service. Want to know more about these things? Look for student reviews and testimonials on platforms like Trustpilot, Reviews.io, and the Better Business Bureau.

Make sure you also look up the school’s name. A quick online search can uncover hundreds of reviews on Google Maps, Reddit, and social media. Pay attention to student feedback on instruction quality, study materials, support response time, and certificate delivery.

Why take traffic school?

In California, drivers can attend online traffic school for one-point moving violations. This quick course could save you thousands of dollars and help you avoid license suspension.

Listed below are its key benefits:

Keep points off your driving record: Have you received a ticket for running a red light, failing to yield, or using a handheld cell phone while driving? If so, you may be eligible to complete traffic school to keep points off your record. The ticket will still appear on your DMV record, but the point associated with it won’t show up on background checks or count toward your point total.
Avoid insurance rate increases: In California, a single traffic ticket can raise your auto insurance premiums by 20-30% per year for three consecutive years. Completing traffic school will hide the point from insurance carriers, preventing your rates from going up. The savings can run into thousands of dollars.
Ensure court compliance: Most courts in California allow eligible drivers to attend traffic school for minor offenses. There are also cases where the court may order traffic school as part of a plea deal. Finish the course on time to stay compliant with the law and avoid extra fines.
Prevent license suspension: The DMV will automatically suspend your driver’s license if you accrue four points in 12 months, six points in two years, or eight points in three years. Traffic school allows you to hide one point from your record, potentially helping you keep your license.
Refresh your driving knowledge: By attending traffic school, you can pick up valuable tips and become a better driver. It's an opportunity to refresh your knowledge of traffic laws and learn safe driving techniques.
Save time and effort: Online traffic school is cheaper, faster, and more convenient than classroom instruction. You can study when your schedule allows, take breaks as needed, and revisit topics you're struggling with.

FAQs about Best Online Traffic Schools in California

Is there anything else you want to know about the best online traffic schools in California? Here are some common questions we get from students:

Can I do traffic school online for a speeding ticket in California?

Yes, you can take traffic school online for a speeding ticket or other qualifying offenses. Just make sure you choose a course provider licensed by the California DMV.

How much is traffic school in California online?

Expect to pay anywhere between $25 and $70, depending on the course provider. Generally, online traffic school involves lower costs than in-person courses.

How can I find a traffic school online that’s DMV-approved?

The DMV provides a list of state-approved traffic schools on its website, along with their contact details. Filter the results by course format, language, location, or other criteria, then reach out to the providers you're interested in.