For Ohio drivers, maintaining a clean driving record is essential. Not only does a good record protect against fines and potential suspension, but it also helps keep insurance rates manageable. Unfortunately, traffic violations can quickly add points to a license, and once these points accumulate, drivers may face serious consequences. However, there is a solution: taking a state-approved remedial driving course. This option allows drivers to credit points on their record, helping to lower their point total, prevent suspension, and promote safer driving habits.
Understanding Points on a Driver’s License
In Ohio, like in many other states, traffic violations contribute points to a driver’s license. These points serve as a record of past infractions, with each type of violation adding a different number of points depending on its severity. For instance, minor infractions, like speeding slightly over the limit, may add two points, while more serious offenses, such as reckless driving or driving under the influence, can add six points or more. Once a driver accumulates 12 points within two years, they may face suspension, as well as potential fines and restrictions. Taking a remedial driving course provides a valuable opportunity to credit points before reaching this threshold, offering a way to maintain a cleaner driving record and avoid penalties.
What Is a Remedial Driving Course?
A remedial driving course is a specialized program designed for drivers who have accumulated points due to traffic violations. This course goes beyond the basics of driving; it’s structured to provide drivers with essential skills and knowledge in defensive driving, accident prevention, and updated Ohio traffic laws. By completing a state-approved remedial course, drivers can credit points on their record, effectively lowering their point total. Improved Driving offers an Online Remedial Driving Course specifically designed to help Ohio drivers credit points. Fully online and self-paced, this course allows participants to complete the curriculum on their own schedule, making it a convenient choice for those with busy lives.
How a Remedial Course Helps Credit Points
Taking a remedial course provides a straightforward way to credit points on a license. First, drivers need to enroll in a state-approved course, such as Improved Driving’s Online Remedial Driving Course, which is specifically approved to credit points for Ohio drivers. After enrolling, participants complete the course at their own pace. Upon successful completion, they receive a certificate, which serves as official proof that they’ve met the requirements. To receive the point credit, drivers simply submit this certificate to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The BMV will then process the certificate and deduct eligible points from the driver’s record. This process not only improves a driver’s point total but also protects against future penalties.
Benefits of Crediting Points Through a Remedial Course
The primary benefit of taking a remedial driving course is the ability to credit points on a license, but there are additional advantages as well. Lowering your point total helps prevent reaching the 12-point suspension threshold, allowing drivers to continue operating their vehicles legally. For those who rely on driving for work, family obligations, or personal freedom, avoiding suspension can be invaluable. Additionally, a lower point total can positively impact insurance rates. Insurers often charge higher premiums to drivers with points on their record due to the perceived risk. Crediting points helps create a cleaner record, which can potentially result in more affordable insurance premiums. Beyond the financial benefits, remedial courses help participants improve their driving skills.
By teaching defensive driving techniques, accident prevention strategies, and Ohio traffic laws, the course provides knowledge that makes drivers more aware and responsible behind the wheel. This increased awareness leads to better decisions on the road, reducing the likelihood of future violations. With an improved driving record, drivers often feel greater confidence and peace of mind, knowing they are better equipped to navigate the roads safely.
What Drivers Learn in a Remedial Driving Course
Remedial driving courses cover a comprehensive set of topics that equip drivers with the skills they need to stay safe. Defensive driving is a key component, as it teaches participants how to anticipate hazards, stay alert, and respond calmly to unexpected challenges. Defensive driving is widely recognized as one of the most effective methods for accident prevention and can make a real difference in a driver’s ability to avoid collisions. The course also covers accident prevention techniques. Many accidents result from common driving behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and following too closely. By understanding the causes of these accidents and learning ways to avoid them, drivers can reduce their risk of violations and stay safer on the road.
Staying informed about traffic laws is another essential part of the course, as Ohio’s regulations frequently update. Participants learn about current traffic laws, including speed limits, right-of-way rules, and DUI regulations. This knowledge helps drivers remain compliant with Ohio’s driving laws and reduces the risk of unintentional violations. Additionally, the course reinforces safe driving habits. While crediting points is an important outcome, the ultimate goal is to prevent future infractions altogether. By emphasizing responsible behaviors, such as obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions, and remaining patient on the road, the course encourages drivers to adopt safer practices.
Who Should Consider a Remedial Driving Course?
While any driver with points on their record can benefit from taking a remedial course, it’s especially beneficial for those nearing the 12-point suspension threshold. Crediting points can provide a valuable buffer, allowing drivers to avoid suspension and continue driving legally. Drivers facing high insurance premiums due to a high point total can also benefit from crediting points, as it may contribute to a cleaner record and lead to lower premiums over time. Finally, any driver interested in long-term road safety can benefit from the defensive driving skills and safe driving habits taught in a remedial course. Safer driving benefits everyone on the road, and the knowledge gained from a remedial course is valuable for life.
How to Enroll in Improved Driving’s Remedial Driving Course
Enrolling in Improved Driving’s Online Remedial Driving Course is a straightforward process. Drivers interested in crediting points can visit Improved Driving’s website, create an account, and register for the course. Once registered, participants can begin the video-based lessons immediately and complete them at their own pace. The flexibility of the course allows drivers to fit it into their schedules as needed. Upon completion, drivers receive a certificate, which they can submit to the Ohio BMV to process their point credit. This convenient format makes it easy for drivers to complete the course and get the point credit they need to maintain a clean record.
OTPD is Here for You!
For a convenient, efficient way to manage your driving record, check out the Online Two Point Driving Course. Based in Independence, Ohio, OTPDC provides the best-value driver improvement courses. Visit our website to learn more!
Jim Trakas is a licensed instructor with the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Driver Training Program. He has a distinguished history of public service, including his role as a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives and current Councilperson at Large for the City of Independence.
As the founder and owner of the American Online Learning Center, Jim has been providing comprehensive behavioral corrective programming since 2014, helping individuals achieve meaningful personal growth and development.
Jim’s commitment to service extends to his military background, where he has earned several prestigious honors. He was awarded the Ohio Commendation Medal by the Ohio Army National Guard and the Pandemic Campaign Medal by the United States Public Health Service. Additionally, he is an Honor Graduate of the Ohio Military Reserve Training Academy’s Officer Candidate School and a two-time recipient of the Military Proficiency Award, as well as the Military Achievement Award.
