Driver Safety Courses Can Lower Rates
May 17, 2024
By taking a proactive approach and completing a Defensive Driving course, you can secure immediate and long-term benefits for safe driving and lower your auto insurance costs.
In addition to learning more about becoming a safer driver, there are potential benefits to your pocket book for choosing to take a Florida driver improvement course
Successfully completing the Basic Driver Improvement course can entitle Florida drivers to up to a 10% reduction in their insurance premiums. Upon completion, your course provider will issue a certificate, which qualifies you for the discount. Once your insurance company receives this certificate, they will process and apply the appropriate discount.
Accumulating too many tickets or points on your Class E driver's license can lead to hefty fines. That's why completing a defensive driving course can be a valuable step in maintaining your driving privileges. The completion certificate in Florida is valid for three years, provided you are not involved in any at-fault accidents or convicted of moving traffic violations during that period.
What is a Florida Class E driver’s license?
A Class E driver’s license allows you to operate any non-commercial motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 pounds. This includes passenger cars, trucks, recreational vehicles, and 15-passenger vans (including the driver). Additionally, it covers two or three-wheel motor vehicles with an engine size of 50 cc or less, such as mopeds or small scooters. Farmers, drivers of military vehicles, and drivers of authorized emergency vehicles are exempt from obtaining a commercial driver license but must still obtain a Class E driver license.
Florida Driver Improvement Courses
Completing approved defensive driver training comes with lots advantages. The Florida Driver Improvement courses are specifically designed to teach effective crash prevention techniques and offers various benefits for new drivers seeking a license as well as older drivers and those who have received traffic violations. Below are common types of defensive driving courses:
- Basic Driver Improvement Course (4 hours) – Receiving a traffic ticket can be an inconvenience, especially when it comes to points being added to your driver's license. Points can lead to increased insurance premiums up to 18% for your first infraction and as much as 50% for multiple violations. To take advantage of the opportunity, you must elect to attend the BDI course within 30 days of receiving a traffic citation. After completing the traffic school course, you must provide proof of completion and documentation of paid fines and fees to the court.
- First-Time Drivers DATA Course (4 hours) – Also known as the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education or TLSAE course, Florida's Drug, Alcohol and Traffic Awareness (DATA) requirement must be met before a first-time driver can apply for a learner’s permit regardless of age. Court-ordered DATA training is also required for people under 21 years of age who had their license suspended for an alcohol level of .02 to .05%, even though .08% is considered to be DUI. Under Florida’s Zero Tolerance Policy a driver under 21 can be charged after one drink. Sunshine State requirements can be met by completing the online DATA course.
- Mature Driver Program (6 hours) – Florida offers mature driver programs tailored to meet the unique needs of senior citizens. Senior drivers (aged 55 and older) in Florida can benefit from reduced auto insurance rates by completing the course. The Mature Driver Program is available online and aims to positively influence driving behavior and help participants adjust to age-related physical changes. Upon successful completion, drivers receive a certificate they can present to their insurance company for a potential discount. The exact amount of the discount varies by providers.
- Aggressive Driving Course (8 hours) – This course is designed to help drivers understand how their attitude can lead to dangerous or high-risk habits behind the wheel. The court-ordered driver improvement class can be required by state courts as well as most county courts for drivers with multiple traffic offenses, such as speeding violations, citations for street drag racing or super-speeder (about 20 mph over speed limit) violations. Florida’s aggressive driving course is in-person only and may be used as a pre-trial diversion requirement for driver’s entering into a plea bargain.
- Advanced Driver Improvement Course (12 hours) – If your driver's license has been suspended or revoked, or if you need to complete a course due to a court order (like the Three Crashes in Three Years Law*), or have habitual non-DUI traffic offenses, the advanced driver improvement training is approved by the FLHSMV. The course teaches participants to take responsibility for their actions, recognize the consequences of poor driving, and develop strategies to avoid future issues. Completing this course can fulfill court requirements and potentially avoid further penalties or consequences.
There are numerous benefits associated with completing an approved driver safety course. Since Florida auto insurance providers weigh numerous factors when determining the risk level of a given driver, completing the appropriate driving improvement course can help mitigate your risk category, in addition to improving your driving habits.
*NOTE: Three Crashes with Three Years requires drivers who have been convicted or pled no-contest to a third traffic offense that caused a crash within a 36-month window to complete the driver improvement course as well as spend time behind-the-wheel for training and assessment.
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By following the guidelines set forth by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, both first-time and licensed drivers can elect to take the appropriate driver improvement course to satisfy their specific needs. At Nsurance Nation, we can assist with finding the best deal possible based on your insurance risk category. Contact an independent agent today at 833-450-9490.
