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For California drivers who want to have a traffic ticket dismissed by attending traffic school, the first decision they must make is whether to enroll in a classroom-based traffic school or an online traffic school. While each has their advantages, many experienced drivers who want their ticket dismissed opt for an online program. Here’s a look at the differences between classroom-based and online traffic schools.

All CA Traffic Schools Meet the State’s Requirements

Although traffic schools are private entities, they all must meet California’s requirements to be approved by the state. The number of hours of instruction and passing requirements are dictated by the state. Thus, there isn’t any significant difference in content between classroom-based or online traffic schools. Any program that’s approved by the state, regardless of whether it’s in a classroom or online, will qualify for getting a ticket dismissed.

Classroom-Based CA Traffic Schools Sometimes Include Driving Experience

Some classroom-based schools pair classroom instruction with practical driving experience. This lengthens the duration of the program without adding any new information, but it provides valuable practice for inexperienced drivers.

For this reason, new drivers sometimes prefer a classroom-based approach to an online school. The extra practice can reinforce the lessons learned in the classroom and help build confidence.

Experienced drivers who are enrolling in traffic school, however, usually don’t need the additional driving time — especially if they’re commercial drivers and spend many hours behind the wheel for work. They may need a reminder on basic driving safety and a refresher on California’s laws, but they usually don’t need parallel parking practice. Thus, the practice time that some classroom-based schools provide is only marginally, if at all, beneficial for these drivers.

Online CA Traffic Schools Are Engaging and Flexible

Rather than patterning themselves after the rigid structure of school, online traffic schools adapt themselves to meet the needs of their students. They have three specific advantages over classroom-based programs.

First, online traffic schools are more engaging. Instead of relying on old-fashioned lectures and textbooks, they often use multimedia presentations to teach their content. Specific methods vary from school to school, but many have engaging images and videos. Many drivers, especially ones that have been out of school for a while, find these methods of instruction easier to pay attention to. As a result, they get more out of the program.

Second, drivers who enroll in online traffic schools can adapt the schedule to their particular needs. Drivers must still complete the state-mandated number of hours, but they have a lot of leeway in how they do this. Not only can drivers complete the modules at any time they’d like to, but they can also do them all at once or spread them out over several days. In contrast, when enrolling in a classroom-based program, drivers must show up at the stipulated time — regardless of how inconvenient it is.

Finally, online programs can be completed from the comfort of home or while on the road. There’s no need to go to a physical classroom. As long as there is an internet connection, it’s possible to do the coursework.

Many Drivers Opt for Online Traffic School

While classroom-based traffic schools have their place, online traffic schools have many advantages over classroom ones. If you’re trying to get a California traffic ticket dismissed by attending a traffic school, you’ll likely find that an online one meets your needs, and is more engaging, flexible and convenient.