Traffic Violator School Program
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Purpose
The purpose of this page is to assist the prospective traffic violator school owner, school operator, and school instructor applicant by describing the requirements to obtain a license from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
What Is . . .
Traffic Violator School Handbook.
A "traffic violator school" is a business which for compensation provides, or offers to provide, instruction in traffic safety, including, but not limited to, classroom defensive driver concepts, for persons referred by a court. CVC Section 626
A traffic violator school owner is any natural person, association, or corporation that owns a traffic violator school. CVC Section 626.8.
A traffic violator school operator is a person who directs and manages the operations of a traffic violator school. CVC Section 626.6
A traffic violator school instructor is any person who provides instruction to traffic violators on behalf of a traffic violator school. CVC Section 626.4
The California Vehicle Code provides for the licensing of traffic violator schools and instructors. CVC Section 11200. These regulations appear in Title 13, California Code of Regulations, Title 13, Article 4.7, Traffic Violator Schools and Instructors.
Background Investigation
A background investigation is conducted on all applicants. Failure to disclose any and all convictions requested on the application may result in the refusal or denial of your license. The department may refuse to issue a license to any applicant who has been convicted of a crime or committed any act or engaged in any conduct involving moral turpitude which is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the licensed activity. A conviction based on plea of nolo contendere is a conviction within the meaning of this section. CVC Sections 11106, 11206.5, 11211, 11215, and 11215.7. Persons previously working under a license issued by DMV, which was revoked or suspended for cause may also be denied a license. In addition, the California Code of Regulations (CCR) and other sections of the California Vehicle Code provides guidelines used by the department in determining whether a license should be issued. CCR, Title 13, Chapter 1.
Additional Information
Completion Certificates
Traffic Violator School Completion Certificates can be purchased at DMV Field Offices participating in the Traffic Violator School Program or by requesting them from the:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Traffic Violator School Unit
P.O. Box 932342
Sacramento, CA 94232-3420
MS L224
Phone (916) 229-3127
These certificates are purchased in a lot of 50 each for a total price of $75.
Suggested Study Material
Applicants are urged to prepare themselves before taking an examination. Books and publications on the subject of driver safety and education are available at libraries, automobile clubs, and the employing school.
California Vehicle Code. Division 1, Sections 626 et al, 1650, 1670, and 1671; Division 5, Chapter 1.5, Sections 11200 et al; Divisions 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 12. The California Vehicle Code is available for purchase from the Department of Motor Vehicles and can also be found on the DMV website.
California Drivers Handbook. Available free of charge at any Department of Motor Vehicles office.
California Code of Regulations. Title 13, Articles 2.5, 4 and 4.7, Sections 345 et al.


