Extra fees. Hidden fees. They seem to sneak into the price of most products and services, including driving school costs.
Although you may think these prices are “made up” and only serve the purpose of increasing a company’s profit margin, usually the fees are legitimate and go to outside vendors and merchants.

Driving School and Behind-the-Wheel Classes

Gasoline

Driving school prices will fluctuate depending on the state and city of the school. One of the main reasons behind the behind-the-wheel course cost is gasoline prices. If you live in a city with expensive gas prices, then it may be worth it to consider taking a driving class in a different city, which has lower gas prices. Also, some cars have better gas mileage than others. It may be beneficial to find a behind-the-wheel course that will allow you to drive your own car during the class (especially if your own car gets great gas mileage). You may also want to avoid the worst cities for traffic in the US when choosing where to go to driving school.

Instructors

Driving school instructors also charge varying prices. Their hourly rate depends on experience, and again, also city and state.
Do not be tempted to choose a driving school based solely on their price! Make sure the driving instructor is qualified and the school’s curriculum is up to date.
Driving courses could end up costing you hundreds of dollars. If your state doesn’t require taking a driving school to receive a driver’s license and will allow you to practice driving with a family member at home, then it could save you a lot of money if you’ve got the time to train with parents, or with your children.

Online Driver’s Ed

DMV Reporting Fee

Some states will allow individuals to take the written portion of the driver’s ed training online. Prices are competitive for each state, but you may see extra fees added on to these courses as well. You may notice a DMV Certificate Processing Fee tacked on to the course price. This is how much the state’s DMV charges the online school to report their completion to the DMV and to have them add it to the student’s driving record. This amount of money goes straight to the DMV. The online driving school does not get to pocket any of it.

Mailing Fee

You may also see mailing fees added to your online driver’s ed receipt. This, of course, goes to the post office for stamp costs if you choose to have your certificate mailed to you. Some schools offer free downloads, where you can print the certificate from a home computer. Check to see if your school offers this benefit.

Online Defensive Driving Courses

State Fees

Online defensive driving courses are driving courses that can either help remove points off of one’s driving record, stop points from being added to one’s driving record, or give you a reduction on your auto insurance. Because they are dealing with driving records, they are dealing with the state’s DMV or a state’s driver’s license office, and online schools may charge state reporting fees. These fees differ depending on the state. As of 2020, the NY DMV charges $8.00 per certificate, and the Michigan Department of State charges $17.50 for their reporting fee.

Postal Fee

Physically mailing a completion certificate may be mandatory in some states. For those states where it is mandatory, you will see a regular mail fee from $1.00 and up. If you are in a hurry to turn in the certificate to your court, expedited shipping along with extra shipping costs may appear on your bill.

Extra Options, Extra Fees

Online defensive driving schools also may offer various bonus options to make their courses more fun or easier to complete. They may offer an audio read-along or a video option for an additional cost. Extra sample test questions and expedited shipping have also been popular add-on items students will pay extra money to receive.

Online Traffic School Courses

Online traffic schools are driving courses for those who wish to stop the points from a traffic ticket going on their driving record. You may see additional fees for DMV reporting, mailing, audio, video, and expedited shipping on the receipt depending on the online school. Please note that some COURTS will actually charge additional fees for giving you the opportunity to take traffic school. You will pay that fee to the court when you pay your ticket; you will not pay that fee to the traffic school – with one exception:

Arizona Traffic School Exception

Arizona is the only state where you WILL pay the traffic school the court fees if you are eligible to take traffic school. In other states, you will pay the traffic ticket fine and any additional court fees to the court and the traffic school fees to the traffic school. For Arizona, you will pay ALL fees to the traffic school.

The traffic school does not KEEP the court fees, however. They are responsible for paying those fees to the court for you, from your payment.

If you recently received a traffic ticket, need a defensive driving course, or want to take a driver’s education course, click here for the prices and the lowest fees: www.MyImprov.com

Taking an online traffic school can be an easy way to keep points from getting on your license and can help your insurance rates stay low too. But don’t forget that you have to choose a school the DMV accepts, or they won’t give you credit for it. So, if you’re asking yourself how long does a defensive driving course take, make sure you consider more than just the time involved. Here’s how long each state requires you to complete traffic school according to their state law.

California 

In California, traffic school is 8 hours. However, if you take it online there are no timers, so actual course time will depend on the individual. It could take one to two hours or the entire eight. There is a mandatory 25 question multiple choice quiz at the end in which you need to get 70% correct to pass. Make sure you study!

New York

Traffic school in New York is best known as a defensive driving course. It can stop points from being added to your driving record due to a recent traffic ticket and it can also get NY residents a 3-year auto insurance discount. It will take six hours to complete online. You can finish the course at your own pace.

Texas  

When you receive a traffic ticket in Texas you can take a Driving Safety Course which is very similar to traffic school. The course is 6-hours, but the online version includes 60 minutes in mandatory breaks, so you only have to spend a total of 5 hours taking it.

Florida  

Most FL traffic violators can attend a 4-hour online traffic school or basic driver improvement (BDI) course instead of receiving points on their driving record. However, due to allowance for breaks, students will only have to spend 3 hours and 15 minutes in the BDI online version.  Offenders who have taken the 4-hour course in the last 12 months or are habitual traffic offenders may be designated by the court to take an 8-hour course. There are no timers for this online program, which means students will be able to finish more quickly.

Arizona   

It could take up to 48 hours for an online traffic school to verify your eligibility to take the online course, but once you are deemed eligible, you are required to spend a minimum of 4 hours in the traffic school/defensive driving program.

Kentucky 

Once you receive an eligibility letter from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet you can sign up for an online KY traffic school or 4-hour Aware Driver Course. You must spend a minimum of four hours in the course to obtain your proof of completion certificate and point reduction from the state.

Indiana  

Online Indiana defensive driving school is also four hours long. You can do the entire course in one sitting or log off and back on as often as you like until the four hours have been accumulated.

Nevada  

In Nevada, you are required to spend at least five hours in traffic school online. There is also an 8-hour online DUI course available to those who were ordered by a NV court to take a “Driving Under the Influence” course. The online requirement for this course is six hours.

Virginia

Virginia traffic school is one of the longest online driver improvement courses in the country. It is an 8-hour course, but actual online course time allows for an 80-minute break, which means there is a 6-hour and 40-minutes study time requirement.

Georgia  

Like many states, Georgia has a self-paced online traffic school. You can take it at a time that works for you, complete it all at once, or do it in stages. You will however, must spend a minimum of 6 hours in the course.

New Jersey  

New Jersey requires you to spend at least six hours in traffic school. You can actually remove two points from your NJ driving record by taking the MyImprov NJ MVC approved defensive driving course.

Tennessee 

Four hours is the time you’ll spend taking an online traffic school in Tennessee. You can complete it at a time that’s convenient for you, but you’ll need to spend that length of time to have the course count.

Idaho  

Idaho requires a six-hour defensive driving program or traffic school for their point reduction program. Many sites offer a 10-chapter course that is 36 minutes each. Students can log off and back on as often as they wish. Fortunately, with online traffic school, you can take the course when it’s convenient for you.

What Else Should You Know About Online Traffic School?

There’s usually a final exam to take, and you’ll also have to make sure the course completion certificate finds its way to your insurance company if your state and insurance company gives auto insurance discounts for those who complete the online course.

So, how long does traffic school take? From around one or two to more than eight hours, depending on the state you’re in. Knowing the laws and regulations for DMV approved traffic school in your state is important, make sure you are getting the right program for your needs.

Arizona drivers license renewal is different from what most states require. No matter your age, your AZ drivers license is valid until you turn 50. Once that happens you must renew it and it has to be renewed every five years after that. That may sound really simple, but there’s more to the issue than just getting your license once. Keeping it up to date is important, and you have to do that in specific ways. If you fail to follow state guidelines your license won’t technically be valid, even if you don’t have to officially renew it. Here’s what you really need to know about Arizona license renewal.

Your License is Good Until You’re 50 Years Old

Most states have set times that a license is good for, such as three years or five years. But with the State of Arizona, a driver’s license is good until the license holder turns 50. That’s true whether the license is issued when you’re 16 or when you’re 49. You won’t get a license renewal notice in the mail, so you want to make sure you’re paying attention to when the license expires. Make a note of it somewhere and be aware that you’ll need to do a few things to keep your license valid up until you turn 50, as well.

 Vision Test

Even when your license isn’t up for renewal, you must have your vision tested every 12 years. You’ll need to do that at the DMV, in person, and you’ll also need to prove your identity when you come in for that test. You can show them your current driver’s license and one other document, such as a passport or a social security card. If you pass the vision test there won’t be any problem with your license, and it will continue to stay valid until you reach 50 years old. If you fail the vision test, you may need to see an eye doctor or have your license suspended or revoked.

Keeping Your Picture Updated

When you come into the DMV for your vision test, you’ll also need a new photo taken. A person’s appearance can change quite a bit in 12 years, so it’s important that you have a photo that reflects your true appearance. You can’t bring in a photo of yourself, as you must have the picture taken there at the DMV. There are special rules for this if you’re in the military and stationed far away from home, as you can get a license that states it’s valid without the photo until you can get back to the DMV in person to have your photo updated.

After 50, Your License Needs Renewed Every Five Years

Once you turn 50, the rules change. Your license will only be valid for five years, and you’ll need to renew it completely for each five-year period. You won’t be able to just have a new picture taken and take a vision test. There are fees each time you renew a license, as well, but they’re lower for people who are over 50. Those who have a suspended license will need to get it reinstated before having it renewed, and those who are getting a Travel ID will only see their license be valid for a maximum of eight years. These special circumstances and licenses must be treated the right way, and it’s well worth your time to visit the DMV if you have questions or concerns about your license or its renewal.

New York traffic laws are strict compared to many other States and Canadian provinces. If you find yourself in receipt of multiple moving violations in New York, and/or some adjoining territories as described below, you may want to check your driving record and how to sign up for a point reduction program which will also produce an auto insurance reduction. Also, if you are a beginning New York driver, or you are an experienced driver who is new to the area, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the point system for New York licenses. Learn to understand how points are accrued on your driving record and what steps you can take to decrease the impact of points on your license, and how repeated violations can lead to suspension or revocation of your driver license as well as receiving penalties from your insurance company.

NYS Point System

Most common traffic violations in New York lead to the addition of points to your driver license as well as the requirement to answer for your ticket by either paying a fine or appearing in court. It’s important to note that you don’t get points on your driving record until you admit guilt or are convicted of the offense. You must pay or not appearing can lead directly to the suspension of your license regardless of your points status. If you receive a ticket it’s always in your best interest to deal with it promptly and look into a point reduction program or your insurance company may raise your rates.

The table below details the points assigned when you are convicted of a traffic violation:

How many points to suspend license in NY

VIOLATION	POINTS
Speeding Points (MPH over posted limit)
1 to 10	3 points
11 to 20	4 points
21 to 30	6 points
31 to 40	8 points
Over 40	11 points
Reckless driving	5 points
Failed to stop for school bus	5 points
Followed too closely (tailgating)	4 points
Inadequate brakes (private car)	4 points
Inadequate Brakes (employer’s vehicle)	2 points
Failed to yield right-of-way	3 points
Disobeying traffic control signal, STOP sign or YIELD sign	3 points
Railroad crossing violation	5 points
Improper passing, changing lane unsafely	3 points
Driving left of center, in wrong direction	3 points
Leaving scene of property damage incident	3 points
Child safety restraint violation	3 points
Improper cell phone use	5 points
Use of a portable electronic device (“texting”)	5 points
Any other moving violation	2 points

source: NY DMV Tickets

Per the NY seat belt traffc law, a driver will receive 3 points if a passenger under 16 years old is not wearing his belt. In addition to points on your driving record, you may be liable for NYS speeding ticket fines as well as speeding tickets for NY points. A large percentage of points are assigned to those who are not watching the speed limit, will break the traffic law, plead guilty and receive a 3, 4, 6 or 8 point ticket.

New York driver’s license points are not assigned for any bicycle or pedestrian violations. You will also have to pay a driver responsibility assessment to the NY DMV when you accumulate 6 or more points within 18 months.

One interesting note: traffic violations in other States of the United States do not add points to your New York license or driving record, but violations in some parts of Canada do. The Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario have reciprocal agreements with New York State for speeding ticket points, so violations there will add the appropriate number of points on license NY, and vice versa for Canadian drivers from those provinces.

Points and License Suspension in New York State

If you get an 11 point total on your license in an 18 month period, your license is suspended. As described below, to get 11 points on your driving record in New York state is not the only situation that can lead to license suspension or revocation. However, repeated minor traffic violations will lead directly to a suspended license.

Of note, the point total is added to your license until you are convicted or are pleading guilty to the offense, but the date of the violation is used for calculation of your point total in a given 18 month window.

If your license is suspended, a notice will be sent to the address on file with the New York DMV. It will contain detailed instructions for how to proceed and information about point reduction. If you are unsure of your license status or whether or not you’ve collected points in the last 18 months, you can check at the portal on the NY DMV web site.

Point Reduction and Suspension Removal

If you get 11 points, or have accumulated points on your license and are near suspension within 18 months or your license has already been suspended, you can remove points through participation in a New York State approved Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP). This defensive driving course is basically a non-behind-the-wheel driving school, and it can subtract 4 points from your license for purposes of a suspension and reduce your insurance rates by 10%. It’s important to note if you participate in PIRP, all points remain on your license, but four of those points from the last 18 month period will not be counted for purposes of a suspension. The details of this program can be found on the New York DMV website where you can receive a free consultation about the point system and point reduction process.

When Points Don’t Matter

The most severe consequence for a traffic violation is when the consequence is a felony and the points will stay on your driving record for 10 years (and there is no hope of point reduction). There are some offenses that lead directly to the immediate suspension or revocation of your driving license, outside collecting them in the last 18 months, and even if you have no points on your driving record. Offenses that carry this penalty include traffic violations such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to answer or pay a traffic ticket, driving without insurance or being involved in an uninsured motorist accident, or being the driver in a motor vehicle crash that involved a fatality. You can also lose your license for non-traffic violations such as failure to pay child support or accruing excessive debt to the state of New York. If you suspect your license might be suspended or revoked, you can check your status and receive a driver responsibility assessment at the portal on the NYS DMV web site. You will also be able to check which online insurance reduction programs are state-approved.

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Driving alone in a car is a significant milestone in a teen’s life. It represents a major increase in responsibility and accountability. In New York State, teens must complete a process with several distinct milestones before being declared fully capable of operating a motor vehicle unsupervised. This process is fairly rigorous compared to that of most states, but it is simple to follow. Most teens complete it with little or no difficulty, granted they take the time to learn the required material.

It is always possible things might go wrong especially early in a teen’s driving career. Even the most responsible and level-headed teens can make mistakes. In New York, the penalties for moving violations for drivers under 18 are severe, particularly those involving excessive speeding or cell phone use while driving. If this has already happened, a state-approved defensive driving course can significantly mitigate the impact of teen driving mistakes and mishaps.

New York Learner Permit                                       

The ultimate goal for teens who want to earn the right to drive unsupervised is a drivers’ license, and the first step toward that goal is to acquire a New York State Learner Permit. Learner permits allow new drivers to operate a vehicle under the supervision of another driver who is over the age of 21 and licensed for the type of vehicle being operated. This means a new motorcycle driver must be supervised by a licensed motorcycle driver. New drivers cannot drive even if properly supervised in the following locations:

• Within a park in New York City
• On any bridge or tunnel under the jurisdiction of the Tri-borough Bridge and Tunnel Authority
• On the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River, or Taconic State parkways in Westchester County
• In a DMV road test area

More information on the New York Learner Permit can be found on the NY DMV website.

Acquiring a Junior Drivers License or Senior Drivers License

Once a teen acquires a Learners Permit, the process to gain a full drivers’ license in New York depends primarily on the age of the driver. Under no circumstances can a driver under the age of 16 get a license. Drivers 16-17 years old can apply for a Junior Drivers’ License (Class DJ), which is like a Learners Permit but may allow the young driver to operate a vehicle unsupervised in some parts of New York under the Graduated License Law (described below).

The process for acquiring a Junior Drivers License is similar to that of acquiring a Senior License.  New drivers must take a pre-licensing class and pass both a written test and a road test at a New York DMV office. It’s not strictly necessary but highly recommended that a new driver make an appointment for both tests and make use of the appropriate area of the NY DMV Website for specifics on classes certified by the NY DMV in preparation for the tests. However, it’s universally acknowledged that the best preparation for both the test and safe unaccompanied driving by a teen is significant amounts of practice under the supervision of a mature, capable, responsible driver.

A driver who is 17 years old and has a Junior License for 6 months or more is eligible for a Senior License. Once a new driver turns 18, they are automatically eligible for a Senior License as long as all other requirements are met.

The Graduated License Law and Additional Restrictions for NY Drivers Under 18

The Graduated License Law imposes additional restrictions on young drivers in New York. This law divides the State into three zones (New York City, Upstate New York, and Long Island), each with their own restrictions for Learners Permit and Junior License holders. These restrictions vary by time of day; for example, in Upstate New York, a Junior License holder can drive unsupervised from 5AM to 9PM, and from 9PM to 5AM as long as the driver is traveling straight from home to a job or school class. In New York City, a driver with the same license is prohibited from driving regardless of the circumstances. It’s very important for Learners Permit and Junior License holders to understand the exact laws in effect based on their situation. Consult the Graduated License Law web page.

• Guidelines and steps for applying for a new California Driver’s License for teens – Read more at Applying for a New California Driver’s License (For Teens).
• Curious about free driving lessons for low-income families in New York Does New York offer free driving lessons for low income families?

The state of Virginia is very serious about maintaining safe speeds on the road. As anyone who travels any part of I-95 or I-64 on a regular basis knows, those arteries are perpetually under construction, clogged with traffic, or both and as Virginia’s population of those who have not yet taken a defensive driving course grows, every road has more cars on it than it did in the recent past. Fines and other penalties for traffic offenses in Virginia can vary widely based on the circumstances, but there is a consistent policy applied statewide that is strict but easy to follow. The primary source document for Virginia traffic ticket fines and other penalties is the Virginia Driver’s Manual, available online. The good news is traffic school, which is readily and cheaply available online, will soften the blow of most Virginia speeding ticket cost.

What to do When You’re Caught Speeding

If you find yourself on the side of the road with flashing lights in your rear-view mirror, in Virginia as most other places, you should know the Officer who pulled you over generally has some latitude to issue you a warning for minor offenses. So, it won’t hurt to be courteous. If you don’t get off with a warning, Virginia speeding ticket fines can be stiff; a base charge of $200 and an additional fine for each mile over the limit are not uncommon.

From there, additional speeding and /or traffic fines will be added depending on the particulars of the driver and situation. If you’re caught speeding in one of Virginia’s many scenic construction zones, that can as much as double your speeding fines, especially when workers are present. Other factors that can increase the cost of your ticket might include lack of a seatbelt for you or your passengers, problems with your car’s safety equipment, and reckless driving.

How Much More Will Your Ticket Be?

Reckless driving in Virginia is defines as 20 miles per hour over the posted limit or 80 miles per hour or more regardless of the limit. Failure to appear in court or pay your fine on time if you plead guilty will cost you more money. Also, it’s beyond the scope of this article, but driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can easily push your Virginia speeding ticket fine into the thousands of dollars before legal fees.

Beyond the monetary cost, it’s important to understand the Virginia demerit system, particularly for Virginia citizens or people who transit Virginia regularly. Depending on the severity, each Virginia traffic ticket is worth 3-8 points. A driver who acquires 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months will have 90 days to complete Virginia traffic school, also referred to as the Driver Improvement Course. 18 points in 12 months or 24 points in 24 months will result in automatic revocation of a Virginia driver’s license, and a judge can permanently revoke a license for excessive or very rapid accumulation of demerits.

Traffic School to the Rescue

Traffic school can greatly soften the blow of multiple traffic violations by lowering fines and removing demerits. Failure to complete mandatory traffic school can result in a suspended or revoked license, so if you have a lead foot, find a good online traffic school that you can complete easily.

Traffic school is especially important for Virginia drivers under 18 years of age as the standards for license suspension or revocation are much stricter for these high-risk drivers.
Also of note, a Virginia Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) can be suspended or revoked based on much stricter criteria than a regular license, and a CDL can be revoked for a traffic violation committed when not driving for work.

• Discover the cost of speeding in Alabama! Our latest blog, How much is a Speeding Ticket in Alabama?

Virginia has an old, rich history compared to many of the newer states. As one of the regions first founded by the British and first states to offer defensive driving for ticket dismissal, it’s an extremely important part of the country. Here are some interesting Virginia state facts, from the historic ages and into the modern era.

1. Virginia Colony Facts

Virginia’s Jamestown was the first of the original 13 colonies and was set up for cultivating silk. However, after silk failed as a cash crop, it was replaced by tobacco. Tobacco remains a primary cash crop of Virginia today — and one of the major contributors to the economy.

2. The Origins of Thanksgiving

Many people don’t realize that Thanksgiving is a part of Virginia history; the first Thanksgiving in North America was celebrated in Virginia in 1619. This is two years before the Plymouth Thanksgiving, which is generally known as the “first Thanksgiving.”

3. Virginia Controls the Internet

Up to 70 percent of all internet traffic is said to move through Virginia. It’s consequently considered to be the “Internet Capital” of the world as well as the East Coast Silicon Valley.

4. Shires Once Dominated

Though it may sound like something from a fantasy realm, the Virginia state map was once broken into shires — in fact, it’s the only state to have broken itself up in that way. This tradition originated from England, but later the shires were broken into (far less whimsical) counties.

5. Virginians Love Vanity Plates

Once they get out of traffic school, Virginia citizens buy vanity plates. Coming in at 16%, Virginia has the largest percentage of vanity plate vehicles on the road. It’s said that one in ten vanity plates are located in Virginia.

6. Civil War History

Museums in Virginia account for a lot of Virginia tourism, and it’s no wonder: Virginia was the site of more civil war battles than any other state. A total of 120 major battles were fought in Virginia during the Civil War, and tourists can still see some of the most popular battle fields.

7. 6.5 Million Bottles Sold

In addition to the cash crop of tobacco, Virginia also produces a lot of wine. 6.5 million bottles of wine are sold in Virginia annually, with several romantic vineyards now dotting the state.

8. In Living History

The world’s largest living history museum — Colonial Williamsburg — is situated within Virginia. If you want to see some examples of old time living, this is where you go. Authentic set pieces abound, including restored businesses, homes, and political buildings, and actors are available to educate and entertain.

9. Tough on (Traffic) Crime

Virginia has more traffic lawyers per capita than any other state — and by a significant margin. A commonly known state fact is that Virginia has some of the most stringent traffic laws within the entire country, so drivers should beware when they cross into state lines.

10. Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is the longest recreational beach in the entire world; it boasts 35 miles of coast. In fact, it currently holds a Guinness World Record for that very fact.

11. The Dogwood

Virginia doesn’t have a state flower. Rather, it has a state tree that doubles as the state flower: the dogwood tree. It’s the only state to combine both.
Virginia has such an incredible and lengthy history that these are only some of the most interesting facts. Both tourists and residents in Virginia can learn a lot about the state through the plentiful network of museums and schools.

In New York, if you want to operate a Taxi business or be a Taxi or Uber driver, you need to have completed a defensive driving course and your must have a TLC license. TLC means the Taxi and Limousine Association, an agency created in 1971 and tasked with regulating and licensing New York’s taxicabs, for-hire vehicles, and commuter vans. This association has a board whose commission consists of nine members, eight of them don’t receive a salary. The only salaried person is the chair, and his duty is to preside over the public commission meetings.

Notably, TLC regulates and licenses more than fifty thousand vehicles and more than one hundred thousand drivers. Also, the agency performs emissions and safety inspections of the cross to fourteen thousand taxicabs, three times every year. Moreover, the agency makes biennial inspections of all their TLC-licensed vehicles, making it the most active licensing regulatory agency in the U.S. Want to know how to get TLC license? Easy! Apply for TLC license by following the steps below.

Submitting an Online License Application

TLC has an official website where you can submit your license application online. You can do this by downloading and filling out the TLC application form. This way, you can easily retrieve and turn in your TLC application without much hassle.

You can complete the application by selecting the “apply for a new license” button which is located on the left side of the page. After which, you will be required to select the “type driver” application you are seeking. The driver license types include Street Hail Livery (SHL) driver, for-hire, and medallion. Select one amongst these. Upon receiving your application number, save it or memorize since you will need it when completing the rest of the license requirements. You should then regularly check your TLC application status.

Steps to Acquiring TLC License

There are several steps you need to follow before acquiring your TLC license. However, TLC license requirements are cheap and essential. If you do everything properly, you will no longer have problems with the NYC traffic department. The steps for TLC new application are listed and expounded below.

Upgrade your License

In New York, you will get an NYC license after successfully completing your driving course. To complete the TLC license application, you first need to upgrade the NYC license to become a class E license. This is essential if you plan to drive taxis around the city. The upgrade can cost you between $21 and $28, depending on your age and driving experience.

Take a Defensive Driving Course

To keep your license in good standing, you will need to take a defensive driving course every 18 months. The defensive driving course only takes six hours in New York. It includes information about safe driving and traffic laws. You can either take an online course or an in-person one which makes it very convenient. The cost varies from $30 to $40 depending on the company you choose. After finishing the course, you will get the certificate within seven business days.

Get a Medical Exam

The TLC agency requires all drivers to be fit to ensure that they can drive vehicles safely. As such, you need to visit your physician to get a comprehensive physical examination. After the examination, the physician will fill out and stamp the medical report. This medical exam report can be downloaded and printed from the TLC website.

Take a Drug Test

You can take a drug test anywhere within New York, but it is recommended that you take it in an area near the TLC office. To get the test, all you need to do is to show your driving license and pay a $26 fee. After that, a urine sample will be taken, and the results of the test will be forwarded to TLC. If you successfully pass all of your tests, you will get your TLC Certification.
If you wish to operate or drive for an Uber business in New York, Uber TLC is a necessity, and you can only acquire it by following the above-described procedure. Remember to check your TLC new application status regularly in case additional information is needed.

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• Ensure your driving record is up to date – Perform a Florida Drivers License Check today at Florida Drivers License Check!
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The debate on whether a vehicle should have a front license plate has failed to come to a solid conclusion. People
living in states that require a front license plate only seem to be content with the law. However, as your defensive driving course declares, a study by Texas
A&M done in 2012 showed that there are several pros of having two tags as opposed to having front car tags alone. Those
in favor of the law assert that a front plate for car decreases its aesthetic appeal while reducing the cost of having
an additional plate.

One Plate Is Enough

It would seem rather obvious that drivers look after their road safety. But the issue of safety is not top on the list
when a person wants the finely crafted nose of their car to be unobstructed. When a car is a vintage or a classy piece
of art, a driver will most times prefer not to have a front license plate. Some sophisticated cars such as the Lotus do
not have the capability to mount a plate on the front side. It will, therefore, come as no surprise that such car models
will be common in states such as Florida; a Florida front license plate is exempted by law. Other models such as the
Chevrolet 2014 Corvette has a front plate bracket that is removable hence, a driver can obey all state license plates
laws at all times.

Double Check That

A quick license plate lookup by state shows that only 19 states allow for vehicles to have a single rear plate while in
states such as California, a license plate is mandatory both in the front and rear. A vehicle that has a second plate
makes it easy for traffic cameras to take photographs of those running red lights and stop signs. The photographs also
enable authorities to capture toll pay defectors and those who drive off unattended parking lots and pay garages. In
addition, license plate automatic readers linked to databases enable the task of electronically tracking of scofflaws to
be simple.

The states that enforce the front license plate law, California, New York, and 29 others (see full list below), are
receiving a very large revenue due to the ticket fines collected those violating the law.
A vehicle can easily drive away scot-free in toll stations where having only one plate is state law, even as the rear
plates become unreadable. License plate readers also make it easy to locate cars that have been stolen. Police use the
technology to compare plate numbers with ‘hot list’ databases of stolen cars. Witnesses also have a higher chance of
identifying suspicious crime-oriented vehicles when such vehicles bear duo plates.

Despite these benefits of duo plates, legislature has attempted to reverse Texas front license plate law to no avail.
However, the Ohio front license plate law is still a pending issue in the state’s general assembly. The front license
plate law in California is in full effect. The states whose proposals to change to single plate are driven by the
argument, “One plate costs less than two.” A counter argument can be brought up however, that a vehicle owner is
required to replace a license plate after five years. Therefore, the cost spread over a five period is too low to be
considered a liability to vehicle owners.

The Verdict

In conclusion, adding a license plate or having a single rear license plate are campaigns that may never end. The bottom
line is that states rarely alter their license plate laws. It is likely a state such as NY front license plate may never
be changed to a rear-plate-only requirement. This is because the State is populous with high vehicle traffic volumes
that necessitate the use of license plate reader technology. In less dense States, the singular rear plates may not be a
hindrance to enforcement of traffic law and order.

States That Require Front License Plates

Alaska

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Iowa

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Minnesota

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

North Dakota

Ohio

Oregon

Rhode Island

South Dakota

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

Wisconsin

Wyoming

New York City is teaming with fancy restaurants, fine diners, and gourmet eateries. If there’s one thing the city is known for, it’s their salivating selection of restaurants that you can choose to eat at. There’re so many great restaurants and each one of them are in high demand. Which could only mean one thing – restaurant wars.

Making a reservation at your favorite NY restaurant can require you to spend upwards to 2 hours waiting outside in the cold. Everyone has had the experience of looking through the window of their favorite hub for grub, watching the people enjoying the food, warmth, and ambiance. You learned a plethora of ways to fight the traffic from a defensive driving online course NY, so how are you still being left out in the cold? Literally!

We’ve put together a bullet proof list of ways you can get through the busy streets to make it to your restaurant reservation. No more late registrations, long lines, and traffic busts. Eating at your go-to restaurant is supposed to be delicious, not stressful.

Leaving Early, the 45-minute Rule

Traffic is unforgiving. No matter what circumstance you’re in, traffic will move at the same pace: excruciatingly slow. That’s why you should beat the jams and leave earlier than expected for your dining night out. When you want to make sure you arrive at a location on time, you should apply the 45-minute rule to your departure. However long you predict it will take you to arrive at the restaurant, leave 45-minutes before that. The worst-case scenario is leisurely taking your time getting to your table.

Make a Reservation in Advance

If you’d like to dine at a high-end restaurant, best of luck. Often, making a reservation could be your only way. What’s worse is you could have to make a reservation just to make a reservation. That’s a whole new level of being stuck in line. A smart strategy to land those seats at the most in-demand restaurant in town is to reserve your seat days in advance. This idea might sound ludicrous, but what’s more ludicrous is the waitlist just to sit down.

Make a Reservation Under a Celebrity Name

This is the Hail Mary of reservation seating. If you must make a reservation, pull out your best impersonation skills and mimic a celeb making a reservation. Is it so crazy to say “Gosling, table for 2” in your most seductive voice? It sure is. But, it might be crazy enough to work!

Be Polite and Don’t Cause a Scene

Being polite is the secret trick to having a better experience when you’re on a night out. It might go without saying, but, when people don’t get their way, you often see a meltdown, especially in customer service or the food industry. You can cut expectations by staying cool and collected, because when you do, you might notice your waiting time goes from an hour to 30 minutes.

Try out Restaurants that are off the Grid

When you can’t get into the restaurants you want, try going off the grid. Adventuring out into the great unknown is a great way to expand your tastes and experiences. You’ll be surprised with the number of hidden gems that exist outside of your city or town. You can make a day trip of exploring what else is out there. You might just find a new regular place. Regardless, the road less traveled is one with fewer people making reservations at restaurants.

Every day, all over the world, drivers are crashing into each other. These crashes are usually due to unsafe driving, lack of attention on a driver’s part, or the occasional outside factor, like wildlife darting across the road. But when did this start? Who can claim the first automobile accident, from way back when cars were a new invention?

First Fatal Accident (Sort Of)

August 31, 1869 was the day when the first person died from injuries caused by something like a car. However, most people do not count this as the first car accident, as the vehicle is quite a long way from the cars we know today. Mary Ward, an accomplished scientist, was riding in an experimental steam powered vehicle built by two of her cousins. As she was thrown from the vehicle on a curve, then broke her neck under it, the experiment was probably not considered entirely successful. However, there is a lesson to be learned here: scientific curiosity aside, don’t get in an experimental vehicle until proper tests have been run.

First Car Versus Bicycle

Widely considered to be the real first accident, this occurred on May 30, 1896, during a “horseless wagon race” in New York City. Henry Wells lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a bicyclist named Ebeling Thomas. The bicyclist broke his leg, and the driver was arrested. If only there was a New York Defensive Driving course back then, a lot of chaos could have been avoided. However, as there were several other bicyclists arrested that day for the 1896 equivalent of speeding, perhaps a certain amount of chaos was just par for the course at that time.

First Car Versus Nature

John William Lambert built the first successful automobile in America, so it’s appropriate that he also was involved in one of the first car crashes. In Ohio City, Ohio, in 1891, Lambert’s vehicle came upon a tree root sticking out of the ground. The vehicle hit the root and Lambert lost control, so it slammed into a hitching post. Both John Lambert and the other person in the car walked away with only minor injuries. Ohio City boasts that this was the first car accident, though that should perhaps not be considered a badge of honor. It’s also possible that the above accident from 1896 is considered the first because it is the first to involve more than one vehicle.

First Pedestrian Death in the United States

On September 13, 1899, the first pedestrian death in the United States occurred. (The first pedestrian death ever recorded was three years before that, in the United Kingdom.) In New York City Henry H. Bliss was getting out of a streetcar. Unfortunately, he was never able to reach the curb, as he was struck by an electric powered taxi, and he was not able to overcome the damage done to his head and chest. The driver of the cab was initially arrested, but he was ultimately released. There is now a plaque at the site of the accident.

First Car Versus Car

Oddly, there is no reliable information available regarding the first time one car crashed into another car. There is a popular rumor about an accident in Ohio. The rumor says that there were only two cars in the entire state of Ohio, and they somehow managed to crash into each other in 1895. However, as that story has never been proven, and historical fact makes it seem unlikely, the first crash involving two vehicles remains a mystery.

New York City is built on its public transportation. The Empire City is highly regarded as having the best public transportation in the country – nay – world! You can get anywhere you need to in the city by hopping on a train, bus, or taxi… but maybe not an Uber or Lyft.

The reason being, New York City is, as of recently, enacting regulations to limit the use of Uber and Lyft in the city.

Before you ask, it’s not because drivers have been avoiding their online defensive driving course. It’s because the app overlords are causing extreme devastation to the taxi market in the city. Instead of people hailing cabs, they’re hailing push notifications on their phones. Here’s how NY is limiting Uber & Lyft drivers in the city.

The Poison in the Big Apple

The city’s taxi cab services are being taxi’d out of town by their for-hire driver competitors. The rise for on-demand rides makes it challenging for cabbies to make a living. They are unable to compete with the volume of consumers migrating to these platforms developed by people, thousands of miles away in Silicon Valley. Instead of waiting on the street to wave down a taxi, people are instead calling an Uber or Lyft from their phone.

The shift is causing taxi drivers to leave their companies, suffer financially, and, in one instance, commit suicide. One of the leading voices that emerged from this treading competition came from one cabbie who took their own life to draw focus to, in their opinion, the unjustified encroachment of ride sharing apps on the market. Along with this devastating act, they expressed concerns of financial burden, which caused anxiety and stress. All of which was rooted from the increase competition from Uber and Lyft.

The Regular Regulation

The regulations the city plans to implement are license caps on the amount of Uber and Lyft drivers. This will start limiting the number of drivers who are able to work for these ride sharing companies. The goal in mind is to decrease the amount of drivers working for ride sharing companies and encourage others to take reigns behind a taxi cab.

Taxi cab accounted for roughly 13,600 drivers in the city, whereas Uber and Lyft accounted for about 80,000 drivers. Moreover, the rise of rideshare drivers is increasing by 1,300 drivers per month. With numbers like these, it’s not surprising why taxi drivers are running their meters out of town. Not only are Uber and Lyft drivers increasing, but taxi drivers are exponentially decreasing overtime. This furthermore increases the gap between these fleets.

Pushback Notifications from the Apps

Uber and Lyft are both retaliating in their own unique way. Uber initiated a celebrity campaign to help discourage the bill from passing. The celebrities tweeted out against the government stating that the new regulation will prohibit job growth, especially for people who live in the outer boroughs.

Another tactic Uber schemed was designing their app to have a “De Blasio” feature. This was to openly mock the mayor of New York City who supported the bill by drawing attention to the new regulation inside of the app.

Overall, Uber and Lyft are pushing back against the new regulation by leveraging as much support as they can from their followers and loyal users. This is just another example of business survival of the fittest in the concrete jungle.

Buying a car is often regarded as a horrible investment of your money. By the time you drive it off the lot, it depreciates in value – never again reaching the initial price for which you purchased it. That’s why when you buy a car, you want to make sure it will last longer than the time it takes to pay off your auto loans.

So, which new cars last the longest after being purchased?

iSeeCars.com answered this question with their in-depth survey of the cars people owned the longest after driving it off the lot. The factors for why people hold onto these cars varies. However, a few common reasons are reliability with defensive driving, low maintenance cost, and induction as an additional member of the family. Below are the top NEW CARS owned by people the longest after they were purchased.

Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition is favorite among families – and singles who just want a lot of room. Part of the reason why the Expedition is owned for so long is because of its spacious interior that allows you to store cargo and people. It’s the perfect vehicle investment for the family.

Chevrolet Corvette

People who purchase a Chevrolet Corvette often keep it for 9 years. That’s years of high speed driving down highways and roads in a flashy sports car. It’s no doubt that anybody who owns a Corvette will want to hold onto it like their memories of peaking in high school.

Toyota Sequoia

The Toyota Sequoia is an SUV that caters to families. Which is one major contributor to why it’s owned for so long before being traded or sold. But, if you spent $50,000 on a new car, you would want to get your money’s worth out of it.

Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is perfect vehicle to transport you for the, on average, 8.8 years of ownership. Moreover, its durability makes it a highly reliable car that will happily overstay its welcome. The Toyota 4Runner should be called the Toyota 5Seater, because it fits the entire family.

Toyota Avalon

With another Toyota vehicle ranked on the top list, you can tell their favorite when it comes to a long-term commitment. The Toyota Avalon is no different. It’s a luxury vehicle, and the most luxurious part about it is how long you’ll own it.

Ford Explorer

In the Ford Explorer, you’ll be able to explore the world with the amount of time you have together. Sport utility vehicles are family favorites because they’re comfortable for a group of people and they’ll still fit your luggage.

Chevrolet Suburban

A good suburban is the perfect complement to living in the suburbs. That’s why they’re a popular choice among families. Moreover, they’re the type of car you remember growing up in and wonder what happened to it when you went off to college.

Honda Accord

According to the survey, the Honda Accord is usually owned for 8.3 years before it’s discarded with the rest of the memories you build with it. The reason why the Accord is reliable car is because of its fuel efficiency and comfortable interior.

Ford Taurus

The Ford Taurus is part of Ford’s sedan line. The reason why most people keep their car is because of the power they feel when driving it. That or the reliability of driving a vehicle that’s built tough.

Honda Odyssey

With the Honda Odyssey, you could own it long enough to complete your own little odyssey. At least, you would be able to fit entire ship’s crew inside this large minivan, with its large interior and seating room. Just remember this vehicle isn’t very buoyant

To check out iSeeCars’ rankings for the top POPULAR, top NEW PASSENGER, top NEW PICKUP TRUCKS and top LONGEST-KEPT MODELS BY STATE, CLICK HERE

Earlier this year, self-driving cars were causing a bit of commotion in the public. This year, more than ever, self-driving cars were operable on the streets and becoming a common sight to be held. However, this dreamy futuristic reality came to an abrupt halt when an autonomous Uber car struck a pedestrian crossing the street. Perhaps they could have practiced better defensive driving.

This caused a dramatic uproar among people who were already questioning the presence of self driving vehicles on the roads.

But, just like the Terminator in three different iterations, Uber is back. They’re streamlining their self-driving cars on the streets, and we have the details of what passengers and pedestrian cross walkers can expect. Here’s everything you need to know about Uber’s heroic, or villainous, return.

A Not So Autonomous Update

Uber is releasing their fleet of autonomous cars on the streets with a new stipulation. They are driving manually by a human. It’s a not so autonomous update on the vehicles that are marketed as… autonomous.

Implementing a new safety standard, these cars will be monitored in real time to collect data on the performance of the vehicles. The drivers themselves will be serving as guinea pigs (better known as “test drivers”) during this trial period. The goal of this is to create a new, safer version of the inventive ride-sharing idea.

The drivers will be accompanied by another employee, who are called “mission specialist.” They are responsible for recording data and testing the features that would eventually be used in autonomous driving. Working with the drivers, the team aims to document the on-goings of the vehicle before it turns fully autonomous.

Along with testing the performance parameters of the light and radar detectors in the cars, Uber will be creating new HD maps of the Pittsburgh area with their manual drivers. Uber plans on using Pittsburgh as the hub of its testing ground. Putting as much distance as they can from Arizona.

Where to Find the Vehicles

The vehicles are being rolled out in one specific area. That place is none other than Pennsylvania. More specifically, Pittsburgh. The reasoning behind relaunching the autonomous vehicles in the Keystone state is because Pittsburgh was most heavily affected during layoffs when self-driving cars took over.

Now, the cars are back – but with a manual driver. To influence more job growth in the area, Uber is taking charge and employing drivers to drive the autonomous vehicles in the city. It could be a generous gesture or an act to correct some nasty karma.

Uber’s Autonomous Future

After the fatal crash that occurred in Arizona earlier this month, Uber reported the driver was streaming The Voice while driving the vehicle. The autonomous features of the vehicle failed to find the pedestrian crossing the street, while the driver failed to be paying attention to the street. This combined called for a deadly recipe.

Along with ensuring that their vehicles are performing at optimal capacity, Uber is encouraging trusted drivers to accompany the autonomous cars. Screening responsible drivers who know how to work with self-driving vehicles will be detrimental to the future of Uber. Without drivers who can be trust, Uber might encounter another incident to what happened in Arizona, and, ultimately, set the self-driving vehicle industry back several years.

The future of Uber’s autonomous car endeavors is still uncertain. Over the next year, everyone will be watching whether the company can tame cars that, technically, have a mind of their own.

Traffic jams are the bane to every commuters’ existence. There’s no feeling more infuriating than the one that is caused from having your car stuck in a gridlock while running late for work. They arrive at the worst time!

If everyone decided to enroll in traffic school, we might see a lot less traffic on the roads. But, alas, that day may never come. In the meantime, we can all take pleasure in convincing our friends, coworkers and family members that our traffic tales are the tallest. Everyone has a unique traffic story, and, today we’re compiling a list of the most compelling stories that happen while gridlocked. Here are our top 5 traffic stories.

Baby Birth on Board

In 2013, Atlanta, Georgia experienced a horrific snow storm that brought all cars on its major highway to a halt. People were livid at the sight of mother nature’s white fury covering the roads. They had places to be and people to visit. One couple in particular had somewhere to be – and it was the hospital.

The couple was pregnant with a child and they were on their way to the hospital to give birth. The traffic created a road block for them, but not the baby. “Alice” was there to witness the couple give birth to a baby, with the help of others, in a snowstorm… in traffic. Afterwards, there was a soiree at the nearby Taco Bell to party.

Highway Horsepower

It was just another day for “Bill and Diane.” They were commuting to work in Houston, Texas, the sky was clear, and there was an unusual amount of traffic on the road. In the corners of their eyes, something caught their attention.

As they turned around, they saw a long line of horses walking through the gridlock traffic being manned by their riders. The rodeo was in town, and the horse riders were caravanning to town via horseback. It was a great time for rodeo fans, but a bad time for the 9 to 5’ers.

Changing Perspective

Writer “Antonio” was sitting in traffic one day – as he did every day. Relatable, we know. To the right of his car, a person began honking sporadically. “Antonio” noticed their car was rear ending the vehicle in front of them.

“Antonio” rolled down his window to give the reckless driver a piece of his mind, but, before he could say anything, the driver snapped back at him. They weren’t rear ending the car in front of them, because the car in front of them was backing into them. Just then, “Antonio’s” perspective of the road completely changed.

Needle Through the Thread of Traffic

Seattle is known for its coffee and rain. However, what people often forget is the amount of traffic located in the seaport city. “Will Sanders” was retired and vacationed to the city once a year. From his hotel room, he could see the famous Space Needle in the distance. Then, as every curious tourist decides to do, he got in his car to check out the tower.

What was hoped to be a curious trip through the city turned out to be a horrific experience in stand-still traffic. It took Sanders two and a half hours to finally give up on his journey and head back to his hotel room. After parking, he walked to the Space Needle… in 10 minutes.

Typhoon Season

A lot can happen in 12 hours. For 14-year old Patricia Lontoc, it was getting to know her mom and dad a little bit more while they were in standstill traffic. The reason for the traffic jam was because a typhoon was striking their area.

Where Lontoc is from, Typhoons are a natural part of the season. However, what wasn’t a natural part of the season, was the irreplaceable experience she gained from getting to know her family a bit closer.

New York has a reputation. People find it easy to stereotype your classic New Yorker as being rageful, full of attitude, and rough around the edges. That might be obvious from the representation the state receives in movies and television shows.

Maybe not so obvious is the level of driving skills New Yorkers have. New York City is full of efficient public transportation options, so it’s understandable that plenty of people living in the state don’t have the same experience driving vehicles as others. Enrolling into a defensive driving course online might not even fix this issue. That’s why we’re exploring just how bad NY drivers are.

The Statistics

In a national report published by carinsurancecomparison.com, New York State was ranked 32nd in reckless drivers. That’s a good rating. The worst state to drive in was Montana, which is understandable, because everyone rides horses there.

Interestingly, New York, a state known to be aggressive in nature, was not so aggressive in its driving nature. Believe it or not, but the state that has built its reputation on ripping people new ones are very polite drivers – at least moderately. The reason being is potentially, because people take it out on each other through furious rage yelling on the streets.

Accident Reports

There’s something more interesting about this statistic. According to the New York Health department, on average, there are 1,098 deaths reported every year in the state due to road incidents. On top of that are 12,093 hospitalized visits from people injured in a traffic-related event.

If New York is the 32nd ranked state for reckless drivers, that means other states, more reckless than New York, have a higher number of deaths and traffic-related injuries. The question shouldn’t be, how bad are NY drivers, but how bad are drivers? We’re looking at you Montana.

New York contains the 3rd most congested city in the world, harsh winters with ice freezing over roads, and mindless animals jumping in front of cars in the forests. The driving conditions are not in the favor of the locals. Despite all of this, New York still preservers as the 32nd reckless drivers state. That’s pretty good considering the odds are not in their favor.

Hey! I’m Walkin’ Here!

Whether it’s ride sharing apps, classic taxis, bus drivers, or other modes of public transportation, getting around the city or any other part of the state is quick and simple. Transportation is so efficient in the state, even the rats don’t have a problem getting around the city. That’s why it’s important to demystify the stereotype that not all New Yorkers are atrocious drivers.

Sure – they might chew you out for walking or almost hitting them when they are trying to cross the street… or highway, but it’s coming from a good place. They might be yelling, “You almost hit me, you $#&@!” But what they are really yelling is, “New York state is stereotyped as having poor drivers, please take an initiative to help change that by being a defensive driver, have a nice day!” Don’t make other New York drivers look bad by being an awful driver.

While traveling around the state, remember to be a defensive driver. If you’re not, you can’t use the excuse that New York is a reckless state. The average driver has a pretty good experience with operating a vehicle, so that means you should too.