Florida Traffic School Online: BDI Course Guide
Complete guide to Florida's Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course — how to take it online, eligibility, costs, and how it dismisses your ticket.
In Florida, traffic school is called the Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course. It's a 4-hour course that keeps points off your license and prevents your insurance from going up.
Here's everything you need to know about taking it online.
What is the Florida BDI course?
The BDI course is Florida's version of traffic school. It's approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). When you complete the course, the ticket still appears on your record but no points are added.
That's the key: no points means your insurance company has no reason to raise your rates.
Florida is unique
Unlike most states where traffic school hides the ticket entirely, Florida's BDI course prevents points from being added. The ticket still shows on your record, but without points, your insurance company typically doesn't raise your rates.
Who is eligible?
You can take the BDI course if:
- You have a valid Florida driver's license
- The violation is a moving violation (speeding, red light, careless driving, etc.)
- You have not elected the BDI course in the past 12 months
- You have not elected BDI more than 5 times in your lifetime
- The violation is not a criminal traffic offense
How to take the Florida BDI course online
- Elect the BDI option with your court (you must do this before your court date)
- Sign up for an approved online course
- Complete 4 hours of course material
- Pass the final exam — 40 questions, you need 80% to pass
- Get your certificate — We electronically report your completion to the FLHSMV
How long does it take?
The course is 4 hours long. Florida requires you to spend a minimum of 4 hours in the course — the system tracks your time. Most people finish in one sitting.
You can take breaks and come back. Your progress is saved automatically.
How much does it cost?
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| NoToTicket course fee | $39.99 |
| Court election fee | $0–$16 |
| Traffic fine | Varies by violation |
| Total (course + fees) | $39.99–$55.99 + fine |
You still pay the fine
Electing the BDI course doesn't eliminate your traffic fine. You still pay the fine — the course just prevents points from being added to your record.
What does the Florida BDI course cover?
The FLHSMV requires these topics:
- Florida traffic laws and regulations
- Right-of-way rules
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Distracted driving
- Sharing the road with vulnerable users
- Crash avoidance techniques
Florida BDI course: the numbers
| Without BDI | With BDI |
|---|---|
| Points added to record | No points added |
| Insurance increase: ~$671/year | No insurance increase |
| 3-year insurance cost: ~$2,013 | $0 insurance cost |
| Total extra cost: $2,013+ | Total course cost: $39.99 |
How many times can you take the BDI course?
Florida allows you to elect the BDI course:
- Once every 12 months
- Up to 5 times total in your lifetime
After you've used all 5 elections, points will go on your record for future tickets.
Use your elections wisely
You only get 5 lifetime BDI elections. Don't waste them on small tickets if you can avoid it — save them for when you really need them. That said, the insurance savings make it worth using every time.
What if I miss the deadline?
If you don't elect the BDI option before your court deadline, you lose the chance. The points go on your record, and your insurance goes up for 3 years.
Most Florida courts give you 30 days to elect the BDI option. Don't wait until the last minute.
Start your Florida BDI course today
Keep those points off your record and your insurance rates down. Take the course online, on your schedule.
Related reading:
- Florida BDI Course: Complete Guide
- Does Traffic School Remove Points?
- How Long Does Traffic School Take?
- How Much Does a Speeding Ticket Raise Your Insurance?
Ready to take the Florida BDI course?
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