So your driving antics have finally caught up to you.
The ticket you received is looking awfully large, and you're reevaluating your life choices.
Well, how would you like it if I told you that ticket could be dismissed?
In Hawaii, if you receive a traffic ticket, in some circumstances, the court may allow for its dismissal, providing you complete a defensive driving course from a traffic school.
These courses can also be used to reduce your insurance costs as the course makes you a safer driver that insurance providers trust.
These Courses used to be completely in-person
But...
Thanks to technological advancement and State approval, these courses can now be taken completely online in the comfort of your own home!
Down below, I’ve listed the top 5 best online traffic schools in the State of Hawaii that will provide you the most convenient way of completing the course without having to attend any boring lectures.
Best Hawaii Online Traffic Schools
Note - While you can dismiss a fine through a traffic school in Hawaii, this depends on the nature of the crime committed and if the traffic school is approved. Please consult your local court before selecting a course from this list.
The top 5 are:
Let’s dive into the details.
Improv Traffic School
Improv is in a class of its own when it comes to online defensive driving courses.
They know that you want something that is informative yet creative.
That’s why Improv has teamed up with well-known Hollywood writers and comedians to create a course that they call ‘infotainment’.
By combining info and entertainment, Improv makes this course much more than just an obligation by providing users with an engaging course that never lets you feel bored.
Instead, they keep you engaged and upbeat with their engaging content that you can unwind to, just like a good Netflix special.
So if you're looking for a course that you can enjoy after coming home from a long day of work, there is no option better than Improv.
This course provides you so much more than just an online lecture.
With its bite-sized course structure that divides complex chapters into small, easily digestible lessons, this course knows how to keep your attention.
Fun interactive mini-games and animated infographics will keep you absorbed in the course allowing you to study it for a much longer period of time without feeling drained.
All in all this course is perfect if you want to complete the whole thing in one sitting and be done with it.
So if you're running on a tight schedule and want to get over this quickly then this course was made for you.
With the ability to start lessons immediately and a 90-day period to complete the course, this school certainly gives you a long period of time if you have a busy schedule.
Backed by the American Safety Council, this comprehensive course includes everything you need to pass the final defensive driving test with flying colors.
While it may not be the most enjoyable course, it is the cheapest at just around $20, so it's a great choice if you’re hard up for cash.
If you want the cheapest course around that’ll still give you a fighting chance in the final test then this course could be an option to consider.
With an option to try this course for free before you buy it, this school gives you adequate time to assess if it's right for you.
Believe me when I tell you that this course is so convenient that you can do it practically anywhere.
In the line at Starbucks?
No problemo.
With applications available on all mobile devices including your laptop, this course can be completed practically anywhere.
If you're the type of person that picks up your phone every 5 minutes this is a perfect option being available anytime, anywhere.
Another great course that competes with Safe Motorist on price, this course integrates reading, listening, and video content to give you an easy learning experience.
Established in 2011 they may not have as much experience as the other courses on this list.
However, the features they provide like live-chat allow you to access experienced professionals at any time, meaning you’ll never be left hanging.
The site isn't that modern or interactive but if you're looking for a simple course that can tick all the essential boxes, then this is an option you should go over.
Driver Defensive Course/Online Traffic Schools FAQ
Should I Take a Defensive Driving Course?
A defensive driving course is for people who:
- Have been ordered by a court to attend
- Are looking to dismiss a ticket
- Are looking for cheaper car insurance
- Are looking to improve their driving skills
A court may order you to take a defensive driving course as part of your ticket in which case taking this course is mandatory.
Failure to do so may lead to your license being suspended.
Is Traffic School And Driving School The Same Thing?
Not quite.
Driving school teaches Driver’s Ed courses that are taken by teens before they are allowed to get a license.
This course explains the basic details of driving such as the meaning of signs and appropriate speed limits.
You will never need to do a driver’s ed course after you get your license.
A traffic school teaches Defensive Driving courses that are designed for present license holders.
It goes over the laws and rules of the road as well as other important driving safety points.
Will My Insurance Go Down if I Go To Traffic School?
Possibly yes.
A defensive driving course is usually a consideration for insurers when deciding your insurance rates as completing this course has been shown to make drivers safer on the road.
You could expect a 5-20% decrease in your insurance costs.
Additionally, Improv Traffic School is linked to GEICO, so you may want to consider their course if GEICO is your insurer.
However, you should check with your insurance provider before taking a course to see whether they accept the traffic school you take the course with.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Defensive Driver?
It really depends on how much you are willing to study and whether you take an online or in-person course.
An online course provides you with the ability to do the course at any time, anywhere, and is much easier and faster to go through than a traditional in-person course.
Some people even breeze through it in less than 30 minutes!
However, if you want to take it slow and steady you could complete the course in 4 days if you put in an hour every day.
In-person courses are often single one-day lessons that are a minimum of 4 hours.
So you'll probably have to commit a day to the lessons and the final test at the end of it.
Can I Get Traffic Points in Hawaii?
No.
Hawaii recently scrapped their point system, meaning traffic violations don’t carry points anymore, only a fine.
However, violations still show up on your record and repeated violations could result in warnings and eventual driver license suspension.
Serious offenses such as a DUI could result in an immediate suspension of your license.
Should I Go to Traffic School in Person or Online?
Online traffic schools are becoming increasingly popular among drivers across the country.
This is because online traffic schools offer the convenience of taking a course from the comfort of your own home instead of attending a course in a local traffic school that may be difficult to reach.
The convenience of online defensive driving courses provides drivers with an opportunity to complete the course even if they have a busy schedule.
Some people however do prefer in-person defensive driving courses.
If you appreciate constant feedback and interaction with an instructor then you may want to consider in-person lectures.
If you can find an in-person course that is!
Conclusion
So if you're looking for an easy and convenient way to dismiss your traffic fine, comply with a court order or reduce your insurance cost.
These online defensive driving courses do all that quickly and reliably, saving you the misery of having to sit through a 4-hour lecture
Just pick any option you like from the list above, and I'm sure you'll be done by tomorrow!