The Best Online Traffic Safety Schools in Washington (2026)
Online courses in Washington are for insurance discounts, not ticket dismissal
Washington does not assess license points or formally dismiss traffic tickets — instead, the state offers ticket deferral, where the court agrees not to report the conviction to the Department of Licensing (DOL) if you complete an approved defensive-driving course. The DOL tracks ticket counts rather than points; 4 moving violations in 12 months or 5 in 24 months triggers license probation, with 2 additional tickets leading to a 30-day suspension. To defer a ticket, you must request court permission before your appearance date, qualify under court-by-court rules (typically a minor moving violation, no other pending citations, no prior deferral within the past 7 years), and complete a 4-hour Level 1 course. The 7-year limit is per driver, not per ticket. Drivers required by the court to take a Level 2 8-hour course — typically habitual or serious violators — fall under a different track that does not produce a deferral. Once-every-7-years availability also applies to license-suspension early-termination via the DOL's safe-driving course path.
Insurance discount only
Traffic school in Washington is for insurance discounts, not ticket dismissal. Check your eligibility with your court before enrolling.
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. We may earn a commission if you enroll via our links at no extra cost to you.
WashingtonTraffic School Rules & Requirements
Online Status
Online — insurance discount only
Minimum 8 hours required
Eligibility
Valid WA license, DOL-approved course, voluntary enrollment
Court Acceptance
Washington State has no point system. Online defensive driving primarily used for voluntary insurance discounts. Traffic school does not dismiss tickets in WA — drivers must pay or contest violations through courts.
Certificate Submission
Driver Submits
Official DMV
Notes
Online allowed for insurance discount only — not ticket dismissal.
Washington Traffic School FAQ
Can I do Washington defensive driving online?
Yes. Washington-approved online defensive driving courses are available (including from iDriveSafely and others). Ensure your course is approved for Washington deferred finding before enrolling.
Does Washington defensive driving dismiss my ticket?
Washington does not dismiss tickets. Instead it offers a deferral — the court does not report the ticket to the DOL, so it does not appear on your driving record or reach your insurer. You must plead no contest and request deferral before your appearance date.
How often can I use Washington’s deferred finding program?
Once every 7 years. You may only defer a traffic ticket once in any 7-year period. You must also not have any other citations pending at the time of requesting deferral.
How long is a Washington defensive driving course?
The standard Washington Level 1 defensive driving course is 4 hours, designed for most minor moving violations. A Level 2 course is available for more serious violations.
Who submits my certificate in Washington?
The driver submits the completion certificate to the court by the deadline the court sets (typically 60 days). Most courts do not grant extensions, so complete the course promptly.
Can I do Washington traffic school online?
Yes. Washington DOL-approved online courses are accepted for both Level 1 and Level 2 deferral requirements.
How long is Washington traffic school?
Level 1 (first-time minor offenders): 4 hours. Level 2 (habitual or serious violators, court-ordered): 8 hours.
How often can I do Washington traffic school?
Once every 7 years. You must not have deferred a ticket within the past 7 years and must not have any other citations pending.
All 9 DMV-licensed online traffic schools in Washington
Source: Official Washington DMV records · Last verified 2026-04-08
| Name | License # | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course type: In-person | WA-approved | 253-512-0911 | Visit |
| Course type: In-person | WA-approved | 253-512-0911 | Visit |
| Course type: In-person/Virtual | WA-approved | 888-206-1328 | Visit |
| Course type: Self-paced online | WA-approved | 509-544-0911 | Visit |
| Course type: Self-paced online | WA-approved | 509-544-0911 | Visit |
| Course type: Self-paced online; English and Spanish | WA-approved | 360-756-8777 | Visit |
| Course type: Virtual | WA-approved | 800-392-8594 | Visit |
| List of providers | WA-approved | 360-393-8769 | Visit |
| Need more help? | WA-approved | 360-902-3900 | Visit |
This directory lists all DMV-licensed online schools in Washington. Schools above have been independently reviewed. Directory listings have not.