
The Best Online Driver Improvement Courses in Maryland (2026)
Comparing 6 reviewed options from 20 Maryland-approved online schools
Maryland Traffic School: Key Facts (2026)
- Online course available
- Yes — for ticket dismissal
- Ticket dismissal
- Yes
- Course length
- 8 hours
- Typical cost
- from $19.95
- Eligibility
- Valid MD license, MVA-approved course, not more than 5 points on record
- Certificate submission
- Driver Submits
Last verified August 2026
Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration allows an approved online driver improvement course for probationary drivers looking to remove points from their record and for drivers seeking a voluntary insurance discount from participating carriers. The program is more focused on point management than ticket dismissal, and it works best for drivers close to a suspension threshold or for those with an active probationary license. MVA-approved courses run about 8 hours online. Course tuition averages $22. Eligibility is restricted to drivers with 5 or fewer points on their record. Insurance discount varies by carrier and is separate from the point reduction. Maryland drivers looking at a routine speeding ticket should focus first on the court appearance, since contesting or negotiating the charge is often the strongest lever on the insurance impact. The course is a useful secondary hedge.
The True Cost of a Ticket in Maryland
Maryland drivers pay a $90 fine and about $1,779 in three-year insurance surcharges for a 10-mph-over ticket, roughly $1,869 all-in. The fine is about 5% of the total. Maryland's driver-improvement relief is limited. Record expungement is available under specific court-discretion conditions but is not a broad path to preventing a routine surcharge. There is no state-mandated insurance discount tied to course completion. For a Maryland driver, options are limited. If the ticket is contested at the court level or through the MVC, that is the strongest path to preventing the insurance impact. Course completion alone will not typically move the surcharge.
GoToTrafficSchool
Best ValueIn their own words
“Lowest price guarantee, 6M+ customers — approved in almost every state”
Pros
- Lowest price guarantee — beats any competitor
- Pay later option: take full course free, pay only at final exam
- A+ BBB rating
- 6M+ drivers served since 2000
- Available in almost all states
Cons
- −Only 230 Trustpilot reviews — thin social proof
- −Upsell-heavy: extra charges for read-along and same-day certificate
- −Mixed customer feedback on support and add-ons
DriveSafe Online
Top RatedIn their own words
“Investopedia's ‘Best Overall’ — 4.8 stars, 6,700+ reviews, cinematic video course”
Pros
- 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating across 6,747 reviews
- Named Best Overall Online Defensive Driving Course by Investopedia
- Full-screen cinematic video — no text walls
- Money-back guarantee if certificate not accepted
- No hidden fees
Cons
- −Not available in all 50 states
- −Course length varies by state — confirm your state's requirement before enrolling
I Drive Safely
Editor's ChoiceIn their own words
“America's most widely accepted online traffic school — all 50 states, 26,000+ verified reviews”
Pros
- Available in all 50 states
- 26,000+ verified Trustpilot reviews at 4.8 stars
- Electronic certificate submission — no mailing required
- Lowest price in most states from $19.95
Cons
- −Course design feels dated compared to newer competitors
- −No dedicated mobile app — browser-based only
Traffic School Online
Top RatedIn their own words
“Top-rated traffic school — 4.8 stars across 7,500+ Trustpilot reviews, state-approved nationwide”
Pros
- 4.8-star Trustpilot rating across 7,500+ reviews
- State-approved in covered states
- Electronic submission to court or DMV included
- Money-back guarantee
- Strong customer support reputation
Cons
- −Limited state coverage vs all-50-state providers
- −No dedicated mobile app
DriversEd.com
In their own words
“Trusted since 1998 — 10,000+ reviews, all 50 states, premium course experience”
Pros
- 10,000+ Trustpilot reviews with 4.7 stars
- Available all 50 states
- In business since 1998 — one of the most established providers
- Comprehensive course content with strong state-specific material
Cons
- −Higher price point than competitors
- −Related to iDriveSafely — same parent company (I Drive Safely LLC)
We independently research and review all schools. Prices are checked periodically and may change or differ at checkout — confirm the current price on the school's site. We may earn a commission if you enroll via our links, at no extra cost to you.
MarylandTraffic School Rules & Requirements
Online Status
Online — ticket dismissal
Minimum 8 hours required
Eligibility
Valid MD license, MVA-approved course, not more than 5 points on record
Court Acceptance
MVA-approved online defensive driving accepted. Probationary drivers can remove points. Insurance discount available through approved providers.
Certificate Submission
Driver Submits
Official DMV
Maryland Traffic School FAQ
Can I take defensive driving online in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland MVA-approved online driver improvement courses are accepted for point reduction and insurance discount purposes.
How long is Maryland defensive driving?
Approved online courses run about 8 hours. Drivers can complete the material across multiple sittings.
How much does Maryland defensive driving cost?
Course tuition typically runs $19.95 to $30 for MVA-approved online providers.
Who is eligible for Maryland defensive driving?
Drivers with 5 or fewer points on their record. Probationary drivers and drivers with recent moving violations are the primary candidates. Drivers with more than 5 points typically need to complete a different MVA program.
Does Maryland defensive driving dismiss my ticket?
No. The course reduces points and may qualify you for a voluntary insurance discount from participating carriers. Ticket dismissal in Maryland is handled at the court level, not through defensive driving.
Will my Maryland insurance go down after the course?
Some Maryland carriers offer a voluntary discount for approved course completion. The discount is not state-mandated. Check with your specific insurer before enrolling.
All 14 DMV-licensed online traffic schools in Maryland
Source: Official Maryland DMV records · Last verified 2026-04-08
| Name | License # | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| (Approved by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration) | MD-approved | 301-341-1700 | Visit |
| (Approved by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration) | MD-approved | 301-341-1700 | Visit |
| A Widmyer Driving School | MD-approved | 301-791-7676 | Visit |
| Alfredo's Driving School, Inc. | MD-approved | 410-266-8192 | Visit |
| Glen Burnie, MD 21062 | MD-approved | 410-768-7000 | Visit |
| Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration | MD-approved | 410-768-7000 | Visit |
| www.alfredosdrivingschool.com | MD-approved | (301) 885-0077 | Visit |
| www.bestdriving.com | MD-approved | 410-398-6053 | Visit |
| www.driveontimeschool.com/ | MD-approved | 301-829-7387 | Visit |
| www.driveontimeschool.com/ | MD-approved | 301-829-7387 | Visit |
| www.facebook.com/cecildrivingschool/ | MD-approved | 443-944-5288 | Visit |
| www.facebook.com/cecildrivingschool/ | MD-approved | 443-944-5288 | Visit |
| www.gregsdrivingschool.net | MD-approved | 410-877-7100 | Visit |
| www.linneldrivingschool.com | MD-approved | 301-559-2341 | Visit |
This directory lists all DMV-licensed online schools in Maryland. Schools above have been independently reviewed. Directory listings have not.