Top Tips to Pass Traffic School on Your First Try

Posted On May 23, 2025May 23, 2025

Have a traffic ticket you need to go away? Oh, don’t worry — traffic school for ticket isn’t as scary as it sounds. In some cases, it’s even a good way to keep your driving record clean and prevent higher insurance rates. The best part? Give yourself a chance to pass traffic school (for the first time). If you are able to stay focused and take heed of some easy tips, you too could pass traffic school on your first go-round!

Here in this write-up, we will take a look at some easy and practical tips that will enable you to win over traffic school and accomplish it in a stress-free manner.

Select a Traffic School Approved by Your State

The very first thing to do is to be sure you’re on the right course. However, make sure always to attend a state-approved traffic school, whether online or in person. If your local DMV or court doesn’t approve them, then they don’t count.

Tip: See your court paperwork or DMV website for a list of approved schools.

Know the Deadline

Defensive driving can be completed before the due date. Your ticket could go on your record if you’re late.

What to do:

• Circle the date on your calendar.
• Aim to complete the course a couple of days before the deadline in case there are any hiccups.

Pick the Right Format for You

Traffic school is available online or in a classroom. Online is more flexible, but some people learn better in person.

Ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy reading off a screen?
• Can I stay focused at home?
• Choose the medium in which you can do your best.

Pay Attention to the Lessons

But while traffic school can seem tedious, the rest of the book really does have all the answers you need to pass.

Tips to stay focused:

• Take notes while you read.
• Turn off your phone or TV.
• If the course is long, take short breaks.

Don’t Rush the Quizzes

Most traffic schools intersperse small quizzes after each chapter. These quizzes are preparation for the final test.

What to do:

• Read each question carefully.
• Review the lesson if you are unsure of the answer.
• Don’t suppose unless you have to.

Take the Final Test Seriously

The last test is usually a breeze, provided that you pay attention in the lessons. Most  states let you retake the test if you don’t pass it the first time, but of course, the best way to do it is to pass it once and for all!

Tips for the final test:

• Turn off all the noise, and go to a quiet, distraction-free place.
• Read each question slowly.
• Refer to any notes you have taken (if permitted).

Don’t Cheat

Most online traffic schools are not strict about cheating. Some record your time or require you to prove your own identity.

Be genuine and put in the legwork on your own. It’s the best way to confirm you have understood the material.

Obtain Your Certificate of Completion

Once you pass, have the school send a certificate of completion to the court or the DMV. Some schools will accomplish this for you automatically; other schools will require you to print out and mail this form from your home.

Review all of the details to avoid delays.

Final Thoughts

It is perfectly doable to pass traffic school for ticket the first time. Choose a reputable school, stay on course, pace yourself with the quizzes, and don’t procrastinate. Follow these Simple Steps to complete the course and be back out on the road with confidence.