Virginia driving lesson · Penalties & License Actions
Driver Improvement Program & Demerit Points
A 3-minute lesson from the Virginia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
DMV keeps a record of every conviction a Virginia resident receives and assigns demerit points to traffic offenses and moving violations. It watches how many points you pile up in 12- and 24-month windows, and teens face stricter action after a single violation.
DMV monitors how many demerit points you receive within a 12-month and a 24-month period. Details are in Moving Violations and Points Assessment (DMV 115).
If an under-18 driver doesn't finish the clinic within 90 days, DMV suspends the privilege until the clinic is completed and a reinstatement fee is paid.
You're 17 and get your second speeding conviction for a violation committed at 17. DMV will suspend your driving privilege for 90 days. A third would bring revocation for one year or until 18, whichever is longer.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
How many demerit points can a single conviction add to your driving record?
Three, four, or six points
Only one point per conviction
Ten points per conviction
One, two, or three points
Answer: Three, four, or six points
Convictions may be assigned three, four, or six demerit points depending on the offense.