Demerit points are assigned to a driver's DMV record after convictions for certain traffic violations. Different violations carry different numbers of demerit points depending upon the offense.

Virginia DMV generally classifies point-carrying violations as 3-point violations, 4-point violations, and 6-point violations. The number of DMV demerit points is separate from the fine, court costs, or other consequences associated with a traffic conviction.

Virginia DMV states that demerit points remain valid for two years from the date the offense was committed. This should not be confused with how long the underlying conviction remains visible on a driver's DMV record. Depending upon the particular offense, a conviction may remain on the driving record longer than the associated demerit points remain active.

Safe-driving points work in the driver's favor. Virginia DMV awards one safe-driving point for each full calendar year that a person holds a valid Virginia driver's license and drives without a violation or suspension. A driver may accumulate a maximum balance of five safe-driving points.

DMV also permits qualifying drivers to receive safe-driving points through successful completion of a driver improvement clinic.

In qualifying circumstances, yes. Virginia law provides that satisfactory completion of a qualifying driver improvement clinic can result in five demerit points being subtracted from a driver's accumulated demerit points. If the driver has fewer than five accumulated demerit points, the result may include a reduction of existing demerit points and/or an award of safe-driving points. However, a driver's safe-driving-point balance cannot exceed five.

The rules can differ depending upon WHY the driver is attending the clinic, so the reason for attendance matters.

A qualifying driver may voluntarily attend a DMV-certified driver improvement clinic. Under Virginia Code § 46.2-498, a person who voluntarily attends and satisfactorily completes a qualifying clinic may be eligible for a reduction in demerit points and/or an award of safe-driving points.

The safe-driving-point benefit from completing a driver improvement clinic generally may be received only once within a two-year period. Virginia law also provides an alternative benefit involving certain insurance-premium reductions. A person voluntarily attending must identify the reason for attending because the safe-driving-point benefit and insurance-premium-reduction benefit are not both received for the same voluntary clinic completion.

DMV may require a driver to complete a driver improvement clinic because of the driver's age, convictions, or accumulation of demerit points.

For drivers age 18 and older, DMV currently states: at 8 demerit points in 12 months or 12 points in 24 months, DMV sends an advisory letter; at 12 demerit points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months, DMV requires completion of a driver improvement clinic; at 18 demerit points in 12 months or 24 points in 24 months, DMV suspends the driving privilege for 90 days and requires completion of a driver improvement clinic before restoration, followed by a probationary period.

Different rules apply to younger drivers. If DMV has directed you to attend a clinic, follow the instructions and deadline contained in your DMV notice.

A Virginia court may also require a defendant to attend a driver improvement clinic. If the court requires attendance, the court determines whether the driver will receive safe-driving points upon successful completion.

If the court has authorized safe-driving points, the driver must provide the required court documentation to the driver improvement clinic. Virginia DMV states that safe-driving points will not be awarded for court-required attendance if the clinic does not receive the necessary court documentation.

Virginia DMV permits qualifying driver improvement clinics to be completed online. For an online clinic, the course and final test must be completed through a DMV-licensed online driver improvement clinic provider.

If you are taking a course because a court ordered or requested it, check with that court before enrolling to determine whether the court will accept an online course. Court acceptance should never be assumed.

No. DMV demerit points and the underlying traffic conviction are different things. Completing a driver improvement clinic may affect a driver's DMV point balance when the applicable requirements are satisfied, but that does not mean the underlying conviction disappears from the driver's record. How long a conviction remains on a DMV record depends upon the particular offense.

Before registering for an 8-hour Driver Improvement Clinic, determine why you are taking it. Common reasons include voluntary attendance for safe-driving points, DMV-required attendance, court-required attendance, court-related voluntary attendance, and insurance-related attendance.

The rules and potential benefits are not identical in every situation. When registering for a driver improvement clinic, accurately identify your reason for attending and provide any required documentation.

Ivy Virginia Driver Improvement provides general educational information for Virginia drivers. This information is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. DMV requirements and the consequences of traffic convictions depend upon the driver's individual record and circumstances. Drivers should review their DMV notice or court order and contact Virginia DMV, the applicable court, or an attorney when appropriate.