Driver Safety in Florida
In Florida, BDI stands for "Basic Driver Improvement." It refers to a defensive driving course that is designed to improve a driver's knowledge of traffic laws, safe driving practices, and defensive driving techniques. The BDI course is commonly taken by drivers who have received a traffic citation for a moving violation and wish to avoid having points added to their driving record.
Here's a brief overview of Florida's Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course:
Purpose: The BDI course aims to educate drivers about safe driving habits and reduce traffic violations by providing drivers with the opportunity to attend a defensive driving course instead of having points assessed on their driving record.
Eligibility: You are generally eligible to take the BDI course in Florida if you have received a moving violation citation for a non-criminal traffic offense. However, eligibility may be subject to certain restrictions and limitations, including how often you can take the course.
Course Content: The BDI course typically covers topics such as Florida traffic laws, road safety, defensive driving techniques, and strategies for avoiding accidents. The course is designed to enhance drivers' knowledge and encourage safer driving behaviors.
Course Length: BDI courses in Florida are four hours long. You can choose to take the course either in person at a designated location or online from an approved provider like 1SafeDriver.com or their affiliate Yellw Ticket Traffic School.
Benefits: Upon successful completion of the BDI course, you can avoid having points added to your driving record for the specific violation you attended traffic school for. Additionally, taking the course may make you eligible for an insurance discount from your auto insurance provider.
Final Exam: At the end of the BDI course, you will typically need to pass a final exam. If you fail the final exam, you will have the opportunity to retake it.
Completion Certificate: After passing the final exam, you will receive a completion certificate, which serves as proof that you have successfully completed the BDI course. You must submit this certificate to the appropriate authorities, such as the Clerk of Court or the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), to ensure that your completion is recorded.
Insurance Discount: Some insurance providers in Florida offer discounts to policyholders who have completed a BDI course. Contact your insurance company to inquire about any potential discounts and their specific requirements.
Keep in mind that the specific procedures and requirements for taking a BDI course in Florida may vary based on your individual circumstances and the nature of your traffic violation. Always follow the instructions provided by the DHSMV or the court to ensure that you receive the intended benefits of completing the course.