Many California courts now accept certain online, homestudy, and "video" traffic schools. These online and homestudy traffic schools are not licensed by the DMV but by the individual county courts. Be aware that some courts do not accept any online schools. Before taking an online school, make sure it is accepted in the court that has jurisdiction over your case. Completion certificates from all DMV licensed traffic schools are accepted in all traffic courts in California since these schools are licensed by both the DMV and the individual courts.

All California traffic courts will accept a certificate from a DMV licensed traffic school. Since DMV traffic schools are state licensed, many other states will also accept a California DMV completion certificate for a citation in their state. California drivers can complete a DMV licensed traffic school for tickets in Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida, Missouri and several other states I wouldn't be caught dead in.

Advantages of Online Traffic School

Online traffic schools are now accepted in most California traffic courts and are becoming increasingly popular. They can be convenient for people who are strapped for time, agoraphobic, or who like to learn about traffic safety in their underwear while consuming a pound cake. Online schools are also great for those too busy to attend a traditional traffic school and have fifty bucks that says their computer nerd buddy can do it for them between porn downloads (this is, of course, illegal and not recommended;a cited motorist must complete his own class).

Online traffic schools cost about the same as DMV licensed traffic schools though they typically take far less time to complete. I have friends who claim to have completed an online school in less than 2 hours, a huge time savings over the state-mandated 8 hours of lecture, gore videos, folding metal chairs and mind-numbing tedium that typifies many traditional traffic schools. Also, going to a "real" traffic school involves driving your car and the possibility of an accident, another speeding ticket, a parking ticket, or being mugged on the way to class (traffic school instructors are underpaid and often desperate). Since you're already in the hole with your current ticket, why risk further harm?