Virginia RADEP Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the Virginia Reckless / Aggressive Driver Education Program (RADEP), 12-hour courses, 4-hour Supplemental RADEP, Driver Improvement, online versus classroom completion, court acceptance, certificates and Virginia DMV points.
Which Virginia RADEP Course Are You Looking For?
These are the three primary course paths explained throughout this site.
Understanding Virginia RADEP
What does RADEP stand for?
RADEP stands for Reckless / Aggressive Driver Education Program. It is a term commonly used for additional traffic-safety education associated with reckless or aggressive driving matters in Virginia.
How many hours is Virginia RADEP?
The complete traditional classroom path is commonly structured as 8 hours of Driver Improvement plus 4 hours of Supplemental RADEP, for 12 total hours.
Is RADEP the same as an 8-hour Driver Improvement course?
No. A standard Virginia Driver Improvement clinic is generally an eight-hour course. The traditional complete RADEP pathway adds an additional four-hour reckless/aggressive driving education component.
What does “8+4 RADEP” mean?
“8+4” is shorthand for eight hours of Driver Improvement plus four hours of Supplemental RADEP. Together, those two components create the traditional 12-hour pathway.
Does everyone charged with reckless driving have to take RADEP?
Do not assume that every reckless-driving case has the same educational requirement. Course expectations can depend on the court, attorney recommendation and circumstances of the case. Verify what is expected before registering.
12-Hour, 8-Hour or 4-Hour?
How do I know whether I need 8 hours or 12 hours?
Check the exact wording of your paperwork or instructions. If it says only Driver Improvement, that generally refers to the standard eight-hour Driver Improvement course. If it says 12-hour RADEP, that generally refers to the complete reckless/aggressive driver education path.
When the wording is unclear, ask the court or your attorney before choosing a course.
What if I already completed an 8-hour Driver Improvement course?
If your previous 8-hour completion is acceptable for your requirement, you may need only the 4-hour Supplemental RADEP component rather than another complete 12-hour course.
Can my 8-hour certificate be from another school?
Driver Training Solutions can accept qualifying Virginia 8-hour Driver Improvement certificates completed through another school for the supplemental 4-hour pathway.
If your requirement is court-related, confirm that the court or your attorney accepts the prior completion together with the supplemental course.
What if I have not completed an 8-hour course?
The four-hour Supplemental RADEP course by itself is not the complete traditional 12-hour pathway. If you need the complete program, review the 12-hour classroom or 12-hour online options.
Online vs Classroom RADEP
Can the full 12-hour RADEP program be completed online?
A complete 12-hour online RADEP option is available. Before registering, confirm that online completion is accepted for your individual requirement.
Will every Virginia court accept online RADEP?
Do not assume that every court will accept online completion. Court practices and individual instructions can vary. Confirm online acceptance with the court, your attorney or other referring authority before enrolling.
What is the difference between online and classroom RADEP?
The classroom path traditionally consists of an 8-hour Driver Improvement class plus a separate 4-hour RADEP component. The complete online option allows the full RADEP course to be completed remotely when online completion is accepted.
How much does classroom RADEP cost?
The current classroom total is $200: $100 for the 8-hour Driver Improvement component plus $100 for the 4-hour RADEP component. Classroom payment is cash only.
How much does the 12-hour online RADEP course cost?
The current 12-hour online RADEP price is $149.99.
How much does the 4-hour online RADEP course cost?
The current 4-hour Supplemental Online RADEP price is $89.99.
RADEP, Driver Improvement & Safe-Driving Points
RADEP completion and Virginia DMV safe-driving-point eligibility are not the same issue.
Does the 12-hour online RADEP course give +5 DMV safe-driving points?
No. The single 12-hour online RADEP course described on this site is not used for Virginia DMV safe-driving points.
Does the 4-hour Supplemental RADEP course give +5 DMV points?
No. The four-hour Supplemental RADEP course itself does not award Virginia DMV safe-driving points.
Can an 8-hour Driver Improvement course result in safe-driving points?
Yes, depending on the reason for attending the Driver Improvement clinic and applicable Virginia DMV rules.
Virginia DMV currently states that voluntary Driver Improvement attendance receives safe-driving points. Court-required attendance requires appropriate court documentation if points are to be awarded.
Who determines points when Driver Improvement is court-required?
Virginia DMV states that when Driver Improvement is court-required, a court document stating that safe-driving points are to be awarded must be presented to the clinic.
Consult the court documentation and current Virginia DMV rules rather than assuming points will automatically be awarded.
Can someone under age 20 take online Driver Improvement?
Yes. Virginia DMV currently states that individuals of all ages may elect to take an online Driver Improvement course through a DMV-licensed online Driver Improvement clinic provider.
This DMV rule concerns Driver Improvement. It should not be confused with whether a particular court accepts online RADEP for an individual case.
Does a regular online Driver Improvement course satisfy CDL requirements?
No. Virginia DMV states that an ordinary online Driver Improvement clinic does not meet the requirements of a Commercial Driver Improvement Clinic.
Commercial drivers should use the Virginia DMV requirements applicable to commercial-driver clinics.
Certificates, Deadlines & Documentation
How do I receive my online RADEP certificate?
After successful completion of the applicable online course, the completion certificate is processed and sent by email.
Should I keep a copy of my certificate?
Yes. Keep your completion documentation and follow the instructions given by the court, attorney or referring authority regarding submission.
When should I complete RADEP before court?
Do not wait until the last moment. Complete the course early enough to allow certificate processing and to meet any deadline imposed by the court or your attorney.
Does completing RADEP guarantee that my charge will be dismissed or reduced?
No. Completing RADEP or Driver Improvement does not guarantee dismissal, reduction or any other particular legal outcome.
Hampton Roads Classroom RADEP
Where are classroom RADEP courses offered?
Scheduled classroom instruction is offered in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Portsmouth. Always confirm the location assigned to your particular class before traveling.
What are the classroom locations?
Virginia Beach:
AScIS Business & Technology Center
209 Business Park Drive
1st Floor, Suite 100C
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Chesapeake:
Hampton Inn & Suites
1421 North Battlefield Boulevard
1st Floor Conference Room
Chesapeake, VA 23320
Portsmouth:
Taylor Shoppes at Tyre Neck Center
3026 Tyre Neck Road
2nd Floor, Suite D
Portsmouth, VA 23703
What are the typical classroom times?
Typical scheduling is 9:00 AM–5:30 PM for the 8-hour Driver Improvement component and 9:00 AM–1:00 PM for the 4-hour RADEP component.
Always confirm the actual date, location and start time for your class.
How do I pay for classroom RADEP?
Classroom tuition is cash only. The current price is $100 for the 8-hour Driver Improvement component and $100 for the 4-hour RADEP component.
RADEP Content Available in Spanish
Is a 12-hour RADEP option available with content in Spanish?
Yes. The current online course is originally presented in English, but after entering the course, Google Translate can display the lessons, instructions, quizzes and final exam in Spanish.
Is the Spanish-content RADEP course a separate Spanish-language course?
No. The underlying course is presented in English. Spanish content is displayed through automatic Google Translate functionality after the student enters the course.
Is Spanish-speaking customer service available?
No. Customer service and technical support are provided in English.
How much is the 12-hour Spanish-content online RADEP option?
The current price is $159.99.
Driver Training Solutions LLC
More than 20 years of Driver Improvement and traffic-safety education experience.
Program Administrator Damon Hogan has more than two decades of Driver Improvement instructional experience, including American Automobile Association Driver Improvement Program experience and National Safety Council training experience.
Contact Driver Training Solutions
For questions about available Driver Training Solutions courses, registration or classroom scheduling, call or text directly.