Can You Take a Virginia Driver Improvement Course More Than Once?

If you have already completed a Virginia driver improvement course in the past, you might be wondering whether you can take it again. Maybe you have picked up new demerit points, or you want to earn additional safe driving credits to keep your record clean. The good news is that yes, Virginia does allow drivers to retake a driver improvement course — but there are specific rules and waiting periods you need to know about.

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about retaking a Virginia driver improvement course, including eligibility requirements, waiting periods, and the benefits of completing the course multiple times.

Virginia's Rules for Retaking a Driver Improvement Course

The Virginia DMV permits drivers to complete a driver improvement course more than once, but not without limitations. Under Virginia law, you can take the course for point credit once every 24 months (two years). This means that if you completed a course in March 2025, you would be eligible to take it again starting in March 2027.

This 24-month rule applies specifically to voluntary course completions taken for the purpose of earning safe driving points. If a court orders you to complete a driver improvement course as part of a traffic case disposition, that court-ordered completion operates under separate rules and does not necessarily reset or affect your voluntary completion timeline.

According to the Virginia DMV, approximately 300,000 drivers complete a driver improvement course each year — and a significant percentage are repeat participants taking advantage of the 24-month retake option to maintain a clean driving record.

Benefits of Taking the Course Again

There are several compelling reasons to retake a Virginia driver improvement course, even if you have already completed one before.

Earn 5 Safe Driving Points

Each time you complete an approved driver improvement course, you can earn up to five safe driving points on your Virginia driving record. These positive points help offset any demerit points from traffic violations. If you received a ticket since your last course completion, retaking the course is one of the fastest ways to improve your record. Learn more about Virginia driver improvement and how it works.

Reduce the Impact of Demerit Points

Virginia's demerit point system assigns negative points for traffic violations — ranging from three points for minor offenses to six points for serious violations. Accumulating too many demerit points can lead to license suspension. By retaking the driver improvement course every two years, you create a buffer of positive points that helps protect your driving privileges.

Potential Insurance Discounts

Many Virginia auto insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have recently completed a driver improvement course. Since these discounts typically expire after a set period, retaking the course allows you to renew that discount and continue saving on your premiums. Check with your insurance provider about their specific discount policies for driver improvement course completion.

How the 24-Month Waiting Period Works

The 24-month waiting period is calculated from the date you completed your most recent voluntary driver improvement course. Here is what you need to keep in mind:

The clock starts on the date your course completion certificate was issued, not the date you started the course. If you completed a course on January 15, 2025, your next eligible completion date would be January 15, 2027. Taking the course before the 24-month window has passed means you will not receive point credit for the early completion.

It is a good idea to keep records of when you completed your previous course. You can also check your Virginia driving record to verify your last course completion date. If you are unsure about your eligibility, the ABC Driving Improvement blog has additional resources to help you understand your options.

Court-Ordered vs. Voluntary: What Is the Difference?

Understanding the distinction between court-ordered and voluntary driver improvement courses is important when planning to retake the course.

A court-ordered driver improvement course is required as part of a traffic court ruling. The court mandates completion within a specific timeframe, and failing to finish can result in additional penalties. A voluntary course is one you choose to take on your own to earn safe driving points or qualify for insurance discounts.

Here is the key difference: a court-ordered completion does not count against your 24-month voluntary retake window. This means that if you were ordered by a court to complete the course six months ago, you may still be eligible to take a voluntary course for point credit, depending on when your last voluntary completion occurred.

How to Get Started with Your Next Course

If you are ready to retake a Virginia driver improvement course, the process is straightforward. ABC Driving Improvement offers a DMV-approved 8-hour online course that you can complete entirely at your own pace from any device.

Our course is approved by the Virginia DMV, and your completion certificate is submitted electronically — meaning your safe driving points are applied to your record quickly and without hassle. At just $74.99, it is an affordable investment in keeping your driving record clean and your insurance rates low.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I take a Virginia driver improvement course for point credit?

You can take a Virginia driver improvement course for safe driving point credit once every 24 months. The waiting period is calculated from your most recent voluntary course completion date. Court-ordered completions follow separate rules and do not affect your voluntary retake eligibility.

Will retaking the driver improvement course remove demerit points from my record?

Completing the course earns you up to five safe driving points, which help offset demerit points on your record. While the course does not erase existing demerit points, the positive points you earn create a net improvement on your overall point balance, reducing the risk of license suspension.

Can I take an online driver improvement course the second time around?

Yes. Virginia allows you to complete an approved online driver improvement course each time you retake it. There is no requirement to attend an in-person class for repeat completions. ABC Driving Improvement's 8-hour online course is fully DMV-approved and can be completed from home on your own schedule.

Ready to earn five safe driving points and protect your Virginia driving record? Enroll in ABC Driving Improvement's DMV-approved online course today — it is fast, affordable, and 100% online at just $74.99.