How Virginia’s Safe Driving Point System Works

Virginia's driving point system is one of the most important—yet often misunderstood—aspects of maintaining your driver's license and driving privileges in the Commonwealth. Unlike most point systems that only assign negative points for violations, Virginia uniquely offers both demerit points (negative) and safe driving points (positive), creating opportunities for drivers to improve their records and offset past mistakes.

Whether you're a new driver building your record, someone dealing with recent violations, or simply want to understand how to maintain a clean driving history, this comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about Virginia's safe driving point system.

How Virginia's Point System Works

Virginia's point system tracks your driving behavior through a combination of positive and negative points on your driving record maintained by the DMV.

The Dual Point System

Two Types of Points:

Virginia is unique in offering both:

Demerit Points (Negative):

• Assigned for traffic violations and convictions

• Accumulate on your driving record

• Remain for specific periods (typically 2 years)

• Can lead to license suspension if too many accumulate

• Increase insurance premiums

Safe Driving Points (Positive):

• Earned for good driving behavior and completing approved courses

• Added to your record as positive points

• Remain for 5 years from date earned

• Offset demerit points to prevent suspension

• Demonstrate responsibility to courts and insurers

Why the Point System Exists

Driver Accountability:

Virginia's point system serves several important purposes:

Public Safety:

• Identifies high-risk drivers who need intervention

• Removes dangerous drivers from roads temporarily

• Encourages safer driving behavior

• Reduces crashes and fatalities

Progressive Consequences:

• Minor violations result in license warnings

• Moderate violations trigger driver improvement requirements

• Serious violations or patterns lead to suspension

• Repeat offenders face increasingly severe penalties

Rehabilitation Opportunities:

• Safe driving points allow recovery from mistakes

• Driver improvement courses provide education

• System encourages improvement rather than just punishment

• Good behavior is rewarded

Demerit Points: Understanding Negative Points

Before understanding how to earn positive points, you need to know how demerit points work against you.

Common Violations and Their Point Values

6-Point Violations (Most Serious):

• Reckless driving

• Driving on suspended license

• Racing

• Passing a stopped school bus

• Driving under the influence (DUI)

• Manslaughter involving a motor vehicle

4-Point Violations (Serious):

• Speeding 20+ mph over limit

• Aggressive driving

• Passing improperly

• Following too closely

• Failing to yield right-of-way causing an accident

3-Point Violations (Moderate):

• Speeding 10-19 mph over limit

• Improper passing

• Failing to obey traffic signals

• Improper turning

• Failure to yield right-of-way

Other Violations (Variable Points):

• Improper equipment: 3 points

• Improper brakes: 4 points

• No headlights when required: 3 points

• Texting while driving: 3 points

• Driver license violations: 3-4 points

How Long Demerit Points Stay On Your Record

Point Duration:

Demerit points remain on your Virginia driving record for:

On Your DMV Record:

• 2 years from conviction date (for most violations)

• 11 years for serious offenses (DUI, manslaughter)

• Visible to DMV, courts, and law enforcement

For Point Calculation:

• Points count toward suspension threshold for specific periods

• Under 18: 9 points in 12 months, 12 points in 24 months

• Age 18-20: 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months

• Age 21+: 18 points in 12 months, 24 points in 24 months

For Insurance:

• Insurance companies may consider violations for 3-5 years

• Even after points expire, conviction history may affect rates

• Duration varies by insurance company policy

Point Thresholds for Consequences

License Suspension Triggers:

Accumulating too many demerit points results in license suspension:

Drivers Under 18:

• 9 points in 12 months = 90-day suspension

• 12 points in 24 months = 90-day suspension

Drivers Age 18-20:

• 12 points in 12 months = 90-day suspension

• 18 points in 24 months = 90-day suspension

Drivers Age 21 and Older:

• 18 points in 12 months = 90-day suspension

• 24 points in 24 months = 90-day suspension

DMV Requirements:

Before reaching suspension, the DMV may:

• Send warning letters

• Require driver improvement course completion

• Schedule driver reexamination

• Impose probationary status

Safe Driving Points: Your Positive Opportunity

Now for the good news: Virginia allows you to earn positive safe driving points that can offset negatives and demonstrate responsible driving.

How to Earn Safe Driving Points

Two Primary Methods:

Method 1: Driver Improvement Course Completion

The most common way to earn safe driving points:

Requirements:

• Complete a Virginia DMV-approved driver improvement course

• 8-hour curriculum covering defensive driving and safety

• Pass all required quizzes and final exam

• Course provider reports completion to DMV

Points Earned:

• 5 safe driving points added to your driving record

• Points remain on record for 5 years

• Can be earned once every 2 years in Virginia

Frequency:

• You can earn 5 points once every 24 months

• Wait period starts from completion date of previous course

• No limit on lifetime completions (just must wait 2 years between)

Method 2: One Year Without Violations or Suspensions

Automatic point credit for clean driving:

Requirements:

• Drive for one full year (365 consecutive days)

• No moving violations during that period

• No license suspensions or revocations

• Maintain valid license and registration

Points Earned:

• 1 safe driving point added automatically

• DMV adds point at the end of clean year

• Continues for each additional clean year

This method is automatic—no action required from you.

How Safe Driving Points Work

Offsetting Demerit Points:

Safe driving points directly offset demerit points:

Example 1:

• You have 6 demerit points from violations

• You complete driver improvement course

• You earn 5 safe driving points

• Net points: 1 demerit point remaining

Example 2:

• You have 4 demerit points

• You complete driver improvement course (5 safe points)

• Net points: 1 safe driving point (positive balance)

Buffer Protection:

Safe driving points create a protective buffer:

• If you have 5 safe points with no demerits, you're +5

• A future 3-point violation makes you +2 (5 safe - 3 demerit)

• Still positive balance, far from suspension risk

• Safe points cushion against future mistakes

Point Calculation Examples

Scenario 1: Teen Driver Recovery

Marcus (age 17) received:

• Speeding ticket: 4 demerit points

• Improper lane change: 3 demerit points

• Total: 7 demerit points

His parents enrolled him in ABC Driver Improvement:

• Completed course and earned 5 safe driving points

• Net points: 2 demerit points (7 - 5 = 2)

• Avoided being close to 9-point suspension threshold

• Insurance accepted certificate for minor discount

Scenario 2: Adult Building Buffer

Jennifer (age 34, clean record) proactively completed driver improvement:

• Started with 0 points (clean record)

• Completed course: +5 safe driving points

• Six months later: received 3-point speeding ticket

• Net points: +2 safe driving points (5 - 3 = 2)

• Still has positive balance

• No immediate insurance impact

Scenario 3: Multiple Violations

David (age 28) accumulated points over 18 months:

• Reckless driving: 6 points

• Speeding: 4 points

• Total: 10 demerit points

He completed driver improvement course:

• Earned 5 safe driving points

• Net points: 5 demerit points (10 - 5 = 5)

• Reduced his point total significantly

• Still has room before 18-point suspension threshold

• Demonstrated improvement to insurance company

Strategic Use of Safe Driving Points

Understanding when and how to earn safe driving points maximizes their benefit.

Proactive Point Building

Before You Need Them:

Smart drivers earn safe driving points before violations occur:

Benefits:

• Create buffer against future mistakes

• Reduce impact if you do receive a ticket

• Demonstrate responsibility to insurers (potential discounts)

• Peace of mind knowing you have cushion

Best For:

• New drivers starting their record

• Drivers with clean records who want protection

• Anyone seeking insurance discounts

• Drivers in high-enforcement areas

Reactive Point Recovery

After Receiving Violations:

Use safe driving points to recover from mistakes:

Benefits:

• Offset demerit points immediately

• Reduce suspension risk

• Demonstrate improvement to courts

• Show insurers you're addressing issues

Best For:

• Drivers with recent violations

• Those approaching point suspension thresholds

• Drivers wanting to reduce insurance impact

• Court-ordered course completions

Timing Considerations

When to Complete a Course:

Strategic timing maximizes benefit:

Soon After Violation:

• Demonstrates immediate responsibility

• Offsets points while fresh

• May influence insurance rate increases

• Shows court you're addressing behavior

Before Court Date:

• Demonstrates proactive improvement

• Judge may view favorably

• Could influence case outcome

• Certificate available for court submission

Every 2-3 Years:

• Maintain ongoing safe point buffer

• Refresh safe driving knowledge

• Continuous insurance discount eligibility

• Stay current on law changes

Before Points Expire:

• If you have safe points approaching 5-year expiration

• Complete new course to maintain buffer

• Prevent point gap in your protection

Safe Driving Points and Insurance

Safe driving points benefit you beyond DMV records—they affect insurance too.

Insurance Discount Eligibility

Course Completion Benefits:

Earning safe driving points through course completion often qualifies you for:

Premium Discounts:

• 5-15% reduction on auto insurance premiums

• Discount typically lasts 3 years

• Applies to liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage

• Can save $100-300+ annually depending on premium

Rate Increase Mitigation:

• If you have violations, discount may offset rate increases

• Demonstrates to insurer you're improving

• May prevent highest tier rate increases

• Shows responsibility and commitment

Demonstrating Responsibility

Beyond Discounts:

Safe driving points signal positive behavior:

To Insurance Companies:

• You're proactive about safety

• You invest in education

• You're lower risk than similar drivers without points

• You're likely to file fewer claims

To Courts:

• You're taking violations seriously

• You're working to improve

• You're committed to safer driving

• You deserve consideration

Checking Your Point Balance

Knowing your current point status helps you make informed decisions.

How to Check Your Points

Virginia DMV Online:

1. Visit the Virginia DMV website

2. Navigate to "Driver Records"

3. Request your driving transcript

4. Pay the small fee (typically $8-13)

5. View complete point history

By Mail:

1. Complete DMV transcript request form

2. Mail with payment to Virginia DMV

3. Receive transcript by mail in 1-2 weeks

4. Review complete driving record

In Person:

1. Visit local DMV customer service center

2. Request driving record transcript

3. Pay fee and receive immediately

4. Review with DMV staff if needed

Understanding Your Transcript

What You'll See:

Your driving record transcript shows:

Violations:

• Date of violation

• Type of offense

• Court of conviction

• Demerit points assigned

• Conviction date

Safe Driving Points:

• Date earned

• Reason (course completion, clean year, etc.)

• Points awarded (+5 or +1)

• Expiration date (5 years from earning)

Net Point Balance:

• Current demerit point total

• Current safe driving point total

• Overall net balance (positive or negative)

License Status:

• Valid, suspended, or revoked

• Any restrictions or endorsements

• Expiration date

Common Safe Driving Point Questions

How many times can I earn safe driving points?
You can earn 5 safe driving points once every 2 years by completing a Virginia DMV-approved driver improvement course. There's no lifetime limit—just the 24-month waiting period between courses.

Do safe driving points expire?
Yes. Safe driving points earned through course completion remain on your record for 5 years from the date earned. Points earned for clean driving years also remain for 5 years.

Can safe driving points prevent license suspension?
Yes! Safe driving points offset demerit points. If your net point total stays below suspension thresholds, you avoid suspension. Example: 17 demerit points minus 5 safe points = 12 net points (below the 18-point suspension threshold for drivers 21+).

What if I complete a course but still get suspended?
If you've already exceeded suspension thresholds, earning safe points may not prevent suspension, but they still benefit you by reducing overall point totals and demonstrating improvement, which may help when seeking license reinstatement.

Do safe driving points help with out-of-state violations?
Safe driving points earned in Virginia offset points on your Virginia record. If you receive an out-of-state violation reported to Virginia DMV, your Virginia safe points can offset those demerit points.

Can I earn safe driving points if my license is suspended?
Generally no—you must have a valid driver's license to complete a driver improvement course. However, courts may order course completion as a condition of reinstatement.

Will safe driving points remove violations from my record?
No. Safe driving points offset the demerit points assigned to violations, but the violations themselves remain on your record. The conviction history stays visible even when points are offset.

How do I know if my safe driving points were added?
Request your driving transcript from Virginia DMV 2-3 weeks after completing your course. The transcript will show your safe driving points, when they were earned, and when they expire.

Earn Safe Driving Points with ABC Driver Improvement

Ready to build your point buffer, offset violations, or reduce insurance premiums? ABC Driver Improvement's Virginia DMV-approved course makes earning 5 safe driving points easy and convenient.

Why Choose ABC for Safe Driving Points

Guaranteed Point Credit:

✓ Full DMV Approval – Guaranteed safe driving point eligibility
✓ Automatic Reporting – We report completion to DMV for you
✓ 5 Points Earned – Full credit on your driving record
✓ 5-Year Duration – Points remain for maximum benefit

Complete Course Easily:

✓ 100% Online – Complete from home on your schedule
✓ Self-Paced – 8 hours, split however you prefer
✓ Mobile-Friendly – Work on any device
✓ 24/7 Access – Available whenever you are

Fast Certificate Delivery:

✓ Within 24 Hours – Quick certificate processing
✓ Digital Format – Immediate download available
✓ Court Accepted – Recognized statewide
✓ Insurance Eligible – Qualifies for premium discounts

Affordable Investment:

✓ Just $74.99 – Complete course with all features
✓ No Hidden Fees – Everything included
✓ Great ROI – Insurance savings exceed cost
✓ Point Value – Preventing suspension worth thousands

The ABC Advantage

More Than Points:

When you complete our course, you earn:

• 5 safe driving points on your record

• Insurance discount eligibility (5-15% savings)

• Updated knowledge of Virginia traffic laws

• Defensive driving skills that prevent tickets

• Confidence in adverse conditions

• Better awareness and hazard recognition

You're not just earning points—you're becoming a genuinely safer driver.

Take Control of Your Driving Record Today

Don't wait until you're facing suspension or dealing with multiple violations. Proactively earn safe driving points now to:

• Create protective buffer against future mistakes

• Reduce your auto insurance premiums

• Demonstrate responsibility to courts and insurers

• Offset existing demerit points

• Refresh your driving knowledge

• Build confidence in your abilities

Earn 5 safe driving points that remain on your record for 5 years—all for just $74.99.

Earn Safe Driving Points Now →

Contact ABC Driver Improvement

Questions about safe driving points or how they work?

• Phone: (804) 223-2038

• Email: contact@abcdrivingcourse.com

• Website: www.abcdrivingcourse.com

Our team can explain how safe driving points benefit your specific situation, answer questions about the point system, and help you start earning your 5 points today.

ABC Driver Improvement's Virginia DMV-approved driver improvement course helps you earn 5 safe driving points that remain on your record for 5 years. Our 100% online, self-paced course is available 24/7 and delivers certificates within 24 hours. Offset violations, build protective buffers, reduce insurance rates, and become a safer driver. Earn your safe driving points today for just $74.99.