Is IMPROV® approved by my state's DMV?

Yes. IMPROV® is licensed and approved by DMVs, courts, and insurance companies in over 40 states including New York, California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, New Jersey, Georgia, and Indiana. Approval varies by state and course type — visit your state's course page to confirm eligibility.

How much does a defensive driving course cost?

Course prices vary by state, typically ranging from $24.95 to $59.95. For example: New York PIRP is $29.95 + $8 DMV fee, California Traffic School is $24.95, Texas Defensive Driving is $27.95, and Arizona is $38.95. IMPROV® regularly offers discounts of up to 50%.

How long does it take to complete the course?

Course length depends on state requirements. Most courses range from 4 to 8 hours. You can complete the course at your own pace — logging in and out as needed — on any device. You have up to 30 days from registration to complete most courses.

Can I take the defensive driving course on my phone or tablet?

Yes. All IMPROV® courses are fully mobile-friendly and work on any modern device — desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet. No app download is required. Your progress saves automatically so you can switch devices mid-course.

Will completing a defensive driving course lower my car insurance?

Yes, in most states. Insurance carriers in 34 states offer premium discounts of up to 10% for completing an approved defensive driving course. In New York, a 10% discount on liability, no-fault, and collision premiums is mandated by law for three years after completing the PIRP course.

Is there a final exam?

Most IMPROV® courses do not have a traditional final exam. The New York PIRP course has no final exam — only short 2-3 question chapter quizzes that can be retaken unlimited times. Some states may require a brief knowledge check at the end of each chapter.

How quickly will I receive my completion certificate?

Most certificates are issued electronically upon completing the course. For Arizona, your certificate can arrive in as little as 30 minutes. For New York, IMPROV® automatically reports your completion to the NYS DMV. Physical certificates can also be mailed if required.

Can I take the course to dismiss a traffic ticket?

In many states, yes. Traffic school and defensive driving courses can be used to dismiss eligible traffic violations in California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and others. Eligibility depends on the type of violation, your driving history, and court approval.

How many students have used IMPROV®?

Over 5 million students have completed courses with IMPROV® since the company was founded in 1989. IMPROV® has over 200,000 customer reviews with a 4.7-star average rating on Shopper Approved.

Does IMPROV® offer fleet or commercial driver training?

Yes. Through IMPROVLearning, the company offers commercial fleet safety training programs designed to reduce vehicle crashes and improve driver behavior using behavioral science and AI-powered coaching. Visit improvlearning.com/fleet-training for details.

Home/ Authors/ Julie Eydman

IMPROV® Author

Julie Eydman

Content Contributor

Defensive DrivingInsurance & LawTraffic School

149 articles published Team: Marketing, IMPROV®

About Julie Eydman

Making Driving Safety Make Sense

Julie Eydman, Ed.D., is Chief Operating Officer at IMPROV and a contributor to the myimprov.com blog. With 20+ years spanning technology, marketing, and learning strategy, she leads cross-functional teams that build and scale user-centered driver education programs, data-driven customer experiences, and operational systems that make training easier to deliver and easier to complete. Passionate about driver safety, Julie brings doctoral-level rigor to research and analysis, translating complex topics into clear, practical guidance drivers can use right away. She holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Change & Leadership and a master’s in Learning Design & Technology.

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Articles by Julie Eydman

Latest Writing

A sample of Julie Eydman's published work.

California

Understanding CA License Points and How to Check Your Driving Record

Imagine you’re cruising down the highway, feeling the wind in your hair and enjoying your...

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Arizona

Understand Arizona Red Light Violation Penalties and Laws

Driving in Arizona is filled with picturesque landscapes and beautiful weather, but it’s also essential...

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General

Consequences of Reckless Driving Ticket California: A Look at Vehicle Code 23103

Picture this: You’re driving home after a long day at work, and you make a...

15 min read Read Article →

Traffic Laws

Understanding Washington Traffic Tickets – Penalties and Fines

No one enjoys receiving a traffic ticket, but understanding the consequences and how to navigate...

16 min read Read Article →

General

How Fast Will You Get NY Certificate

How Fast Will You Get Your New York Defensive Driving Certificate? You finished your New...

13 min read Read Article →

General

How to Reinstate a Suspended License in New York: Step-by-Step

Quick Answer Find out exactly why your license was suspended, resolve that underlying cause, pay...

15 min read Read Article →

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