Arizona Traffic School Eligibility: What You Need to Know

Received a traffic ticket or a notice from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)? Understanding how to address the situation and choose the right course of action is critical for keeping your driving record in good standing. In Arizona, two primary programs — defensive driving school (DDS) and traffic survival school (TSS) — exist to help drivers handle traffic violations and improve their driving habits. While they may seem similar at first glance, these programs serve different purposes and have distinct eligibility requirements. 

In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences between defensive driving school and traffic survival school, who qualifies for each, and what you need to know before enrolling. 

Defensive Driving School: A Tool for Ticket Dismissal

Defensive driving school is a court-approved driver improvement course designed to help eligible drivers dismiss a single traffic ticket and avoid accumulating points on their driving record. It’s a proactive way to handle minor moving violations while learning valuable strategies for becoming a safer driver.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to attend defensive driving school in Arizona, you must meet the following criteria:

One ticket every 12 months: You may only complete traffic school once every 12 months to dismiss a traffic ticket. If you’ve attended traffic school within the past year, you’re not eligible.

Eligible violations only: Defensive driving school is available for minor moving violations, such as speeding or failure to yield. Serious offenses, like reckless driving or violating involving injuries, do not qualify.

Course deadlines: You must complete the traffic school course at least seven days before your court date.
Driver’s license status: You must hold a valid, non-commercial driver’s license. Drivers who hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are not eligible for ticket dismissal, though they may attend the course voluntarily for educational purposes.

How It Works

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, you can enroll in an Arizona Supreme Court-approved defensive driving course. These courses last around four hours and are typically offered both in person or as online traffic school. After successful completion, your ticket can be dismissed, and no points will be added to your record. This can also help prevent increases in insurance rates due to traffic violations.

Traffic Survival School: Correcting Risky Driving Behaviors

Traffic survival school is different; it’s a mandatory program aimed at addressing serious or repeated violations. Drivers are assigned to TSS by the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to help prevent license suspension and encourage safer driving practices.

When You Might Be Assigned to TSS

• Point accumulation: Accumulating eight or more points on your driving record usually results in an MVD requirement to attend traffic survival school. 
• Major violations: Drivers with offenses such as red-light running, aggressive driving, or causing an accident with serious injury have to attend TSS. 
• Underage violations: Drivers under 18 who commit their first moving violation are typically required to take a TSS course. 
• How It Works

 If you are required to attend TSS, you will receive a Corrective Action Notice (CAN) from the MVD outlining the next steps. The course is an eight-hour session designed to help drivers reflect on their habits and make meaningful improvements. Completion is required to avoid license suspension, and attending the traffic school online is not an option. 

Key Differences Between Defensive Driving and Traffic Survival Schools

Take Control of Your Driving Record

If you have questions about your eligibility for defensive driving school or traffic survival school, Stop and Go Driving School is here to help. Contact us today to get expert assistance, learn about our state-approved courses, and take the next step toward resolving your traffic issue.