As a resident of the Commonwealth, you know that driving in Virginia requires attention to safety and adherence to the law. What you might not fully appreciate is the direct link between your driving habits and your pocketbook, as well as your privilege to drive. This connection is managed through the often-misunderstood Virginia license points system.
At our driving school, we believe in empowering drivers not just with skill behind the wheel, but with knowledge of the rules that govern their license. Understanding the Virginia driving points system is the first step toward maintaining a clean record, minimizing insurance costs, and ensuring you have a positive safe driving points balance.
The Virginia DMV point system is unique, using both positive and negative points. When you first receive your Virginia driver's license, you start with a neutral balance of zero (0) points.
What are safe driving points? Simply put, safe driving points are positive points that reflect a commitment to safe, violation-free driving. They serve a crucial purpose: they act as a buffer. In the event you receive a minor traffic ticket and accumulate demerit points, your existing safe driving points will offset those negative points, helping you avoid a negative balance that could trigger DMV action.
The absolute best driving record you can have in Virginia is a +5 safe driving points balance. Reaching and maintaining this balance should be the goal of every responsible driver.
Achieving a positive point balance is a testament to your safe habits. There are two straightforward ways to earn safe driving points in VA:
The first method is the slowest but most consistent: drive safely! The DMV automatically assigns one safe driving point for each full calendar year that you hold a valid Virginia driver's license and are not convicted of any traffic violation, nor have your license been suspended.
The second, much faster way, is to complete a DMV-approved Driver Improvement Clinic voluntarily. This is a powerful tool for maintaining your license:
This course is not just about points; it’s an eight-hour educational program designed to reinforce defensive driving techniques, update you on Virginia traffic laws, and ultimately make you a better, safer driver. If you're looking to clean up your record quickly or simply maximize your buffer, a DIC is the right choice.
A conviction for reckless driving in Virginia—which can include driving in excess of 85 mph or 20 mph over the posted speed limit—results in a penalty of six demerit points. This maximum point assessment immediately drops your point balance substantially and stays on your record for eleven years, significantly impacting your insurability. It is a serious offense, often classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
The DMV monitors your record closely. Accumulating too many demerit points in a short period will trigger severe administrative action, up to and including license suspension.
How many points is a suspended license in VA?
For drivers age 18 and older, the DMV will take action if you reach these thresholds:
For younger drivers (under 18), the penalties are even stricter, with a second conviction resulting in a 90-day license suspension.
This highlights why maintaining a positive safe driving points balance is your best defense against losing your license. Those positive points are a cushion that can keep you out of the critical negative balance zone.
It is imperative that you know your current point status. Don't wait until you get a ticket or a notification from the DMV.
The only way to check points on license VA and determine your exact point balance is to officially request your driving record from the Virginia DMV.
Remember, a driving school or an attorney cannot simply call the DMV and ask for your point balance; you must obtain the official record yourself.
Finding Your Course: Convenient Options for the 8 Hour Driver Improvement Clinic
Many drivers looking to proactively earn safe driving points find us by searching for a specific location, such as "driver improvement clinic Richmond VA" or "traffic school Henrico." We understand that convenience is a major factor when you are voluntarily committing eight hours to traffic school.
The good news is that we are approved to serve the entire Commonwealth, and our DMV-approved Driver Improvement Clinic is offered in highly flexible formats to suit your needs:
At our driving school, we’re dedicated to teaching the habits that keep your record clean and your point balance positive. We emphasize the principles of defensive driving that not only help you avoid tickets and demerit points but, more importantly, prevent accidents.
Whether you are a new driver just starting with a zero balance or an experienced driver looking to erase demerit points and maximize your safe driving points balance, our DMV-approved Driver Improvement Clinic is your best tool.
By understanding the Virginia license points system, respecting the penalties like those associated with reckless driving, and knowing how to check points on license VA, you are actively investing in your future on the road. Drive safe, drive smart, and keep that point balance positive!