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

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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.

Traffic Laws

Demystifying Ohio License Points: Understanding the BMV Point System

Navigating the complexities of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Point System, or the...

14 min read Read Article →

Traffic Laws

What You Need to Know About Indiana License Points

Driving in Indiana comes with the responsibility of understanding the state’s license point system. But...

9 min read Read Article →

Florida

The Florida License Point System Explained

Navigating Florida’s busy streets and highways can be daunting, but understanding the state’s point system...

13 min read Read Article →

Arizona

Arizona License Point System Explained

Navigating the Arizona roadways can be challenging, and sometimes, even the most careful drivers may...

11 min read Read Article →

General

Understanding GA License Points: Your Guide to Points & Reduction in Georgia

Navigating the complex world of Georgia’s point system, or GA license points, can be overwhelming,...

11 min read Read Article →

General

Understanding the New Jersey License Points System

Do you know how the New Jersey License Points System affects you as a driver?...

12 min read Read Article →

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