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Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC) eligibility
Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC)
The Basic Driver Improvement Course program allows eligible drivers to take a refresher course of basic traffic safety principles. Drivers who successfully complete the BDIC through an approved sponsor can avoid points or ticket information from being reported to their insurance company.
How do I enroll in BDIC?
- Make sure you’re eligible: If you’re eligible to enroll in BDIC, the Michigan Department of State will send you a letter informing you that you have 60 days to enroll in and complete the course, if you choose to do so.
- Find an approved course sponsor: Contact an approved course sponsor to sign up
for BDIC. The course can be offered online or in a classroom setting. To
enroll, most course sponsors offer enrollment online, through their website, or
by phone. Please see the links below for a list of approved sponsors.
What do I need to enroll in and complete BDIC? (Choose tab)
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Eligibility
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Course requirements
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Fees
Per state law, only certain traffic violations and citations are eligible to be referred to BDIC.
If you are eligible to take BDIC:
- The Michigan Department of State will mail a letter to your recorded address informing you that you have 60 days to enroll in and complete a course through an approved sponsor, should you choose to do so.
- You must have a valid, non-commercial Michigan driver’s license when you sign up.
You can’t enroll in BDIC if any of the following apply:
- The ticket you were issued isn’t eligible for BDIC under state law
- You had more than 2 points on your driving record at the time the ticket was issued
- The ticketed violation was a criminal offense
- The ticket was issued while you were operating a commercial vehicle (CMV)
- The ticket wasn’t issued in Michigan
- You have a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- You don’t currently have a valid Michigan driver’s license
To successfully complete and pass BDIC, meet the following requirements through an approved course sponsor:
- Complete the course within the prescribed 60-day period: If you’re eligible, the Michigan Department of State will send a letter informing you of the deadline to enroll in and complete BDIC.
- Complete the minimum 4 hours of course time: Before you can take the final BDIC exam, you must fulfill all required course instruction/study hours.
- Pass the BDIC written exam: Your course sponsor will notify the Michigan Department of State of your test score and course results after you take the BDIC exam.
If you successfully complete and pass BDIC, the department will add the ticket to your driving record but won’t post the points. Neither will be reported to your insurance agency.
Class fees are set by BDIC course sponsors. Per state law, sponsors can’t charge more than $100 per course.
Contact an approved course sponsor for fee rates and course information.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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What is the Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC)?
The Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC) program provides eligible drivers with an optional refresher course on basic traffic safety principles. The course is offered through sponsors approved by the Michigan Department of State.
Those who successfully complete and pass BDIC will see the original ticket added to their driving record, however, the Michigan Department of State won’t post the points or report the ticket and/or points to the driver’s insurance agency.
All BDIC courses utilize a standard statewide curriculum. Classes are offered online and in person. The course is recognized at the federal, state, and local level for effectiveness in reducing collisions and moving violations among drivers.
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I received a letter stating that I'm eligible to enroll in BDIC. Am I required to do so?
No, BDIC is optional for eligible drivers. However, should you choose in enroll in BDIC and successfully complete the course through an approved sponsor, the Michigan Department of State won’t report the ticket and points against your license to your insurance provider. Instead, only the original ticket will be added to your driving record.
Please note that if you are eligible, you must enroll and complete BDIC within 60 days of being notified by the Michigan Department of State. You can enroll in the course multiple times within this period; however, you can only pass the course once. If you pass BDIC and are later issued another ticket that would otherwise be eligible for BDIC, you can’t take and pass the course a second time.
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What if I miss the 60-day deadline?
If you miss the 60-day deadline, the points and the violation will be added to your record and made available to your insurance company. Per state law, the Michigan Department of State can’t offer extensions for BDIC participants.
Should you miss the 60-day deadline and later receive another qualifying ticket and are notified that you are again eligible for BDIC, you may attempt to pass the course for the second (more recent) ticket. Some course sponsors may have policies on taking the course or attempting the test multiple times.
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I received a ticket in another state. Can I enroll in BDIC through an approved sponsor in Michigan?
Out-of-state tickets aren’t eligible for BDIC. However, some states offer an equivalent course for drivers licensed in another state. For more information, contact the convicting court.