How Many Hours Is Online Traffic School?
Written by Mary Salatino
You probably didn't plan on spending your day thinking about traffic school, but here you are. Maybe you're looking because of a recent ticket, your insurance company mentioned a discount or you want to protect your driving record. Whatever the reason, you're likely wondering, “How many hours will this take?”
The good news is that New York makes the process straightforward. The 5 1/2-hour program is fully online, state-approved and designed to be completed at your own pace (breaks are encouraged). Let's take a closer look at what to expect.
About Online Traffic School
Online traffic school offers a convenient way to complete state-approved driver improvement courses from anywhere with internet access.
In New York, this program is officially known as the Internet Point and Insurance Reduction Program (IPIRP). It's designed to help drivers reduce points on their license and earn up to a 10% discount on auto insurance premiums.
The online course covers the same material as the classroom version, including safe driving practices, New York traffic laws and accident prevention strategies.
Unlike in-person classes, online traffic school lets you log in and out as needed, progress at your own pace and finish on your schedule.
Whether you're trying to clean up your driving record or save on insurance, online traffic school makes it easy and flexible to meet your goals.
Traffic School Duration
In New York, the minimum length for an approved online traffic school course is five hours and 30 minutes of instruction, as required by the NYS DMV. Most students complete our defensive driving course in about six hours total.
The course is self-paced. Whether you want to finish it all in one afternoon or spread it out over several days, the choice is yours. You'll have 30 days from the time you begin to complete the program, giving you flexibility to fit it into your schedule.
Your progress is saved automatically, so you can log in and out as often as you like without losing your place. Start and stop whenever it's convenient. Just be sure to finish within the 30-day window to receive full credit.
Who Should Take Online Traffic School?
Online traffic school is for anyone who wants to be smarter and safer behind the wheel. You don't need to have already received a ticket to take this course.
However, if you recently got a traffic ticket in New York, this course could help you avoid penalties by reducing points on your license. It might even save you from suspension.
If your insurance rates have gone up, it's also a smart way to earn a mandatory 10% discount on your premiums for the next three years. Even if you haven't had a ticket or rate hike, brushing up on defensive driving skills is never a bad idea.
New drivers can benefit too. If you're preparing for your road test, the course offers real-world driving tips and insights that go beyond the basics.
In short, this course is for you if:
- You've received a traffic ticket in the last 18 months
- You want to reduce points on your license
- You're looking to lower your insurance costs
- You're a newer driver who wants more confidence on the road
- You want a refresher to be a safer, more informed driver
No matter your reason, online traffic school gives you a flexible, stress-free way to meet your goal from the comfort of home.
Eligibility Requirements
Good news — most drivers in New York are eligible to take online traffic school. But there are a few basic requirements to keep in mind.
To take the course, you must:
- Have a valid New York State driver's license (or be eligible to drive in NY)
- Not be enrolled in another IPIRP course at the same time
- Only take the course once every 18 months for point reduction, or every 36 months for the insurance discount
And remember: You don't need to have a traffic ticket to take the course. Many drivers take it proactively just to get the insurance discount or refresh their defensive driving skills.
Traffic School Topics
The purpose of traffic school is to reinforce safe driving habits, update your knowledge of traffic laws and help you become a more responsible driver. It's also a great way to reduce your risk of future violations and potentially lower your insurance premiums.
Our online course is divided into four engaging modules that cover essential topics such as defensive driving strategies, safe driving behaviors and an overview of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. You'll also review driver improvement techniques that can help you avoid accidents and tickets.
A detailed course outline is provided below so you know exactly what to expect.
Module 1
- Introduction
- Traffic Crash Problems
- DWI and Other Hazardous Acts
- Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
Module 2
- Psychological Factors
- Driving Distractions
- DWI Prevention
- Blood Alcohol Concentration
- Legal and Financial Consequences
- Avoiding Impaired Driving
Module 3
- Crash Dynamics
- Safety Equipment
- Watching the Road
- Following and Stopping Distances
- Vehicle Emergencies and Sharing the Road
- Intersections and Roadways
Module 4
- New York Traffic Laws
- Traffic Signals and Signs
- Streets and Intersections
- School Buses and Emergency Vehicles
Each module ends with a multiple-choice quiz, which you'll have five minutes to complete. A passing score is 75% or higher. Throughout the course, you'll also answer brief content questions to reinforce key concepts.
Once you meet the time requirement, complete all content questions and pass the final module quiz, you're done — no final exam required.
Course Benefits
Online traffic school offers more than just a refresher on safe driving. In New York, it can help reduce up to four points from your driving record* for violations within the past 18 months to help prevent license suspension.
It also qualifies you for a mandatory 10% discount on your auto insurance, which lasts for three years.
You can retake the course every 18 months for point reduction and every 36 months to renew your insurance discount.
Below is a summary of common violations and how many points each one carries under New York's point system:
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding (1 to 10 mph over the limit) | Three points |
| Speeding (11 to 20 mph over the limit) | Four points |
| Speeding (21 mph or more over the limit) | Six points |
| Speeding (31 to 40 mph over the limit) | Eight points |
| Speeding (more than 40 mph over the limit) | Eleven points |
| Reckless driving | Five points |
| Failure to stop for a school bus | Five points |
| Following too closely (tailgating) | Four points |
| Improper cell phone use or texting while driving | Five points |
| Running a red light | Three points |
| Failure to yield right-of-way | Three points |
*The course does not remove points from your permanent driving record. It can only subtract up to four points to help prevent suspension if you accrued 11 or more points in the last 18 months.
Post-Completion Steps
Once you finish the course and pass all the quizzes, we'll report your completion to the NYS DMV — usually within a week. It may take up to 10 weeks for the NYS DMV to update your driving record.
We'll also mail you a certificate you can send to your insurance company to get a 10% discount on your liability, no-fault and collision premiums. Certificates typically arrive in seven to 10 days by mail, but faster shipping is available for an extra fee after you finish the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to wait to see my insurance discount?
Once you submit your certificate to your insurance company, the 10% discount is typically applied to your next billing cycle. Be sure to follow up with your insurer if you don't see the change reflected within a few weeks.
Can I take the course again if I've already completed it before?
Yes. You can retake the course once every 18 months for point reduction and once every 36 months for the insurance discount. Be sure to keep track of your completion dates so you remain eligible.
What happens if I don't finish within 30 days?
If you don't complete the course within the 30-day window, you'll need to re-register and start over. That's why it's helpful to pace yourself and log in regularly to stay on track.
Can I take this course on my phone or tablet?
Of course! The course is mobile-friendly and works on most smartphones, tablets and computers. All you need is an internet connection to access your materials and resume where you left off.
Sign Up Today!
Ready to lower your points, save on insurance and become a safer driver without sitting in a classroom? Enroll in our New York online traffic school today!
Our easy, self-paced course fits your schedule, offers expert instruction and reports directly to the NYS DMV so you don't have to worry. Plus, you'll get your insurance discount certificate fast to start saving right away.
Don't wait — start your course now and take control of your driving record and insurance rates