So, are you a California driver, who for some reason wants to take traffic school classes? Perhaps you have accumulated the dreaded points on your driving record. Maybe you hope to learn some ways to make you a safer driver. For whatever reason, the first thing you need to do is find out if you are in fact eligible. Unfortunately, not just anyone can enroll in a certified California traffic school to have a ticket dismissed.
Following are some reasons why an applicant might be denied admission to a state driving course.
Do Not Hold a Valid Driving License
You must be currently licensed to drive to take a traffic course. Someone who is underaged, for example, will likely be denied. The school would not want to be blamed for teaching a possibly immature student how to operate a motor vehicle. The decision on the proper time to teach a young person to drive is best left to parents and guardians.
Likewise, if you have been denied the right to drive, perhaps for some criminal infraction, schools will not accept your application. Perhaps you needed a guide to reporting a CA auto claim and you forgot to report it correctly. Speak with the court about your condition first to see if they will lift any restrictions that are temporarily or permanently barring you from driving in the state.
Attended CA Traffic School Recently
Since licensed drivers who complete a course receive insurance discounts and license point reductions, officials have had to place understandable limitations on attendance. At present, you can only take such a course once every 18 months.
Failed to Appear in Court
Drivers who fail to appear in traffic court on their assigned dates cannot take these courses. Completing the program provides guaranteed benefits that such a person might be ineligible to receive. Schools see no reason to admit someone, letting them spend time and money on classes, who will not be able to receive all the things promised other graduates.
If you are in this situation, the first step is to talk with the traffic court to handle the outstanding violation. Then, and only then, should you apply for driving school.
Were an On-Duty Commercial Driver
The government takes road safety seriously. Those with the responsibility of driving large trucks must be held accountable for accidents they cause.
If you are a commercial truck driver and are cited for violating the rules of the road or causing an accident, you cannot take part in either an in-person or online traffic school. In general, these programs are only for private, non-commercial drivers whose infractions occurred in non-business-related vehicles.
Were Under the Influence
Traffic school is designed to teach participants how to drive more safely. If your violation involved drugs or alcohol, then the course is not for you.
Most schools cannot provide the psychological and medical counseling necessary to fully deal with potential substance abuse problems. Instead, you should seek the advice of a certified rehabilitation center with properly trained staff.
You Were Driving at an Excessive Speed
Those cited for driving 25-mph more than the speed limit are ineligible for most traffic schools. Operating a vehicle at such excessive speeds puts you and others at serious risk.
Speak with a professional psychologist about this risk-taking behavior to find out if there are underlying conditions that need eradication.
Are You Eligible for CA Traffic School?
So, do you meet the criteria? If so, then you can get started today. Just contact a reputable, certified traffic school. They usually have classes both in-person and online, for your convenience. Also, discuss classes with your family, friends and coworkers to see if they would be interested in enrolling as a group. Many schools offer group discounts.
If for some reason you fall into one of the above ineligible categories, start working to change things. Then, apply for admission once you fully qualified. Remember that successful students receive license point reductions and discounted auto insurance rates.