Basic Driver Improvement, or Florida traffic school, is a 4-hour defensive driving course that a driver can elect (volunteer) to attend after receiving a Florida traffic ticket (moving violation). The benefits of the course are:
No points on driving record – Points are not assessed. A notation is placed on the driving record that adjudication was withheld for the offense.
Reduces fine amount – The fine amount will be reduced by 9% for drivers that elect to take traffic school.
Prevents auto insurance from increasing – Specifically, Florida law states that if a driver completes a BDI course, his or her auto insurance company cannot raise the policy rate, cancel the policy or non-renew it based on the offense unless the driver was found at fault in a crash (§626.9541, F.S.).
Keeps “Safe Driver” notation on driver license – This applies if the driver already had a safe driver notation before receiving the ticket.