Questions about the Michigan BDIC
Everything below is specific to Michigan's Basic Driver Improvement Course, which is run by the Secretary of State — not a court. California's program works differently; read the California FAQ for that.
Call 800-772-0682 with your eligibility letter in hand and we'll read it with you before you pay anything.
Eligibility and your letter
How do I know if I'm eligible?
The Michigan Department of State mails eligible drivers a letter after the ticket. If you received one, you're eligible — it also names your completion deadline. If you didn't, call us before you buy anything.
What are the requirements?
A valid non-commercial Michigan license, two or fewer points on your record, a ticket issued on or after December 31, 2010 for an eligible civil infraction, and the violation must not have happened in a commercial motor vehicle.
Do I need the court's permission?
No. BDIC is a Secretary of State program — the notice comes from the state, not from a court, and you enroll directly with an approved sponsor like us.
Can I take BDIC more than once?
You can only use BDIC to avoid points one time. That's why it's worth being deliberate about which ticket you spend it on — call us if you're weighing that decision.
Can I take the course voluntarily?
You can take a driver improvement course as a refresher at any time, and some insurers offer a discount for it — ask yours. But the points benefit only applies when the state has found you eligible.
Deadlines
How long do I have?
Your letter states the deadline, and it's typically 60 days from the date the letter was issued. You must enroll and finish within that window.
What happens if I miss it?
The points for your violation are assessed and the ticket becomes available to your insurance company. That's the whole benefit gone, so treat the date on the letter as firm.
My deadline is tomorrow. Can I still finish?
Possibly. The state requires four hours of course time before the exam, so if you can commit an evening, register now and call us so we can watch your reporting go out the moment you pass.
Price and fees
How much is the course?
$44.99, flat. Reporting your result to the Department of State, exam retakes, and an emailed certificate copy are all included. Michigan law caps BDIC course fees at $100.
Why is Michigan more than California?
They're different programs with different state requirements, exams and reporting obligations. The Michigan course is separately built and separately approved.
Any other fees?
None to us, and there's no separate state fee to pay through us. Your ticket's fine itself is still owed to the court that issued it.
Taking the course
Is there really a four-hour minimum?
Yes. Michigan requires you to complete the required course time before you can take the final exam. We can't shorten it, but you can split it across as many sittings as you like and we hold your place.
Can I take it on my phone?
Yes — phone, tablet or laptop, nothing to install. Progress saves automatically, including your logged course time.
What's on the exam, and what if I fail?
Questions come from the modules you just read. If you don't pass, retake it free — just make sure you pass before your deadline. Over 99% of our students pass, most on the first try.
What does the course actually cover?
Michigan traffic law and the points system, right-of-way and the Michigan left turn, winter and low-visibility driving, work zones and school buses, distracted driving and OWI consequences.
Points and insurance
Does the ticket disappear from my record?
No. The Department of State adds the ticket to your driving record but does not post the points, and neither the ticket nor the points are reported to your insurance agency.
Will my premium go up?
The point of BDIC is to keep this violation from reaching your insurer at all. Pricing is always your insurer's decision, so confirm specifics with them.
Who tells the state I passed?
We do. Your score and completion go to the Department of State — no paperwork for you — and you get an emailed copy of the certificate for your records.
I started and stopped. Can I resume?
Yes — log back in and your logged hours and place are still there. Nothing extra to pay, no restart.
Start your Michigan BDIC — $44.99
Beat your 60-day deadline. Call 800-772-0682 and we'll read your letter with you.