1
8-Hour Driver Improvement Component
The Driver Improvement portion addresses defensive-driving principles, traffic laws, risk recognition and safer driving decisions.
Virginia Reckless Aggressive Driver Education Program
RADEP Courses — Online & Classroom
Virginia-Focused RADEP Education & Course Guidance
Virginia Reckless & Aggressive Driver Education Program (RADEP)
A Virginia-focused resource for understanding the 12-hour RADEP program, 4-hour Supplemental RADEP, classroom and online course options, and how RADEP differs from an 8-hour Virginia Driver Improvement course.
Explore RADEP Course Options What Class Do I Need?
Understanding the Program
What Is the Virginia RADEP Program?
The Reckless and Aggressive Driver Education Program (RADEP) is an educational program addressing driving behaviors commonly associated with reckless, aggressive or otherwise high-risk driving.
RADEP goes beyond basic traffic-law review. The program addresses factors such as speeding, impatience, stress, anger, risk-taking, distraction and poor decision-making that can contribute to unsafe driving behavior.
2
4-Hour RADEP Behavioral Component
The additional RADEP component focuses more specifically on attitudes, speed, stress, anger, aggressive behavior, risk and personal responsibility.
8 hours + 4 hours = 12-hour RADEP pathway.
A complete 12-hour online RADEP option may also be available when online completion
is accepted for the student's requirement.
Understanding the Difference
RADEP vs. Driver Improvement
Virginia Driver Improvement and RADEP are related, but they are not interchangeable programs.
8-Hour Virginia Driver Improvement
Driver Improvement focuses on defensive-driving knowledge, traffic laws, crash prevention, hazard recognition and safer driving decisions.
VS
Virginia RADEP
RADEP adds behavioral education directed toward reckless and aggressive driving attitudes, speed, risk, stress, anger and personal responsibility.
Virginia Course Pathways
Choose the RADEP Course That Matches Your Requirement
The correct option depends on the specific instructions provided by the court, attorney or other referring authority.
12-Hour
Classroom
RADEP
Complete the traditional RADEP pathway through an 8-hour Virginia Driver Improvement component followed by the additional 4-hour RADEP behavioral component.
12-Hour Classroom RADEP12-Hour
Online
RADEP
Complete the full RADEP course online when online instruction is accepted by the court, attorney or other authority directing the student to complete RADEP.
12-Hour Online RADEP4-Hour
Supplemental
Online RADEP
Designed for students who have already completed an acceptable 8-hour Driver Improvement course and need the remaining 4-hour RADEP behavioral component.
4-Hour Supplemental RADEP Who RADEP May Apply To
Who May Need a Virginia RADEP Course?
RADEP may be required or recommended when additional driver education is appropriate because of a serious traffic-related matter.
- A Virginia court has specifically ordered RADEP.
- An attorney has recommended completion of a 12-hour driving course.
- Reckless or aggressive driving is involved.
- A serious speeding or other traffic-related case is involved.
- Classroom RADEP has specifically been requested.
- Online RADEP has been approved for the student's individual requirement.
- An acceptable 8-hour course is already complete and only the remaining 4-hour RADEP component is needed.
Avoid Taking the Wrong Course
Three Steps to Selecting the Correct RADEP Course
01
Read Your Requirement
Determine whether your instructions call for Driver Improvement, complete 12-hour RADEP or only the supplemental 4-hour RADEP component.
02
Confirm Classroom or Online
Determine whether in-person attendance is required or whether online completion is acceptable for your particular situation.
03
Select the Matching Course
Once the requirement and permitted format are clear, select the corresponding classroom, 12-hour online or 4-hour supplemental course.
Important:
Do not choose a course simply because its name resembles the traffic charge.
Requirements vary. Follow the specific instructions provided by your court,
attorney or other referring authority.
Course Decision Guide
Driver Improvement or RADEP?
The terminology can be confusing when you are trying to determine whether you need an 8-hour Driver Improvement course, complete 12-hour RADEP, or the additional 4-hour RADEP component. Our Virginia Traffic Ticket Class Guide explains the different pathways in one place.
Open the Virginia Class Guide Course Format
Classroom and Online Virginia RADEP Options
Classroom RADEP in Hampton Roads
Classroom RADEP options serve drivers throughout the Hampton Roads region, including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Suffolk and surrounding communities.
Classroom RADEP InformationOnline RADEP in Virginia
Online RADEP provides an additional completion option for students when online instruction is accepted for their individual requirement.
Online RADEP Information Important Distinction
RADEP and Virginia DMV Safe-Driving Points
RADEP course requirements and eligibility for Virginia DMV safe-driving points are separate issues.
The 12-hour online RADEP course and 4-hour Supplemental Online RADEP course do not themselves award Virginia DMV safe-driving points.
When RADEP is completed through an 8-hour Driver Improvement plus 4-hour RADEP pathway, any potential safe-driving-point eligibility relates to the 8-hour Driver Improvement component and is subject to applicable DMV rules and court restrictions.
Point eligibility should never be assumed. Students should review current Virginia DMV requirements and any instructions associated with their individual case.
Experience Matters
Virginia Driver-Safety Education Experience
Driver Training Solutions LLC specializes in Virginia Driver Improvement and RADEP education with more than two decades of experience serving Virginia drivers.
20+ Years
Driver-safety education experience
AAA
Driver Improvement Program experience
NSC
Certified Training Center
RADEP
Specialized Virginia course provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Virginia RADEP Questions
What does RADEP stand for?
RADEP stands for the Reckless and Aggressive Driver Education Program.
Is Driver Improvement the same as RADEP?
No. An 8-hour Driver Improvement course may form the first component of a classroom 12-hour RADEP pathway, but the complete RADEP program includes additional behavioral education.
How long is the complete RADEP program?
The complete RADEP program is 12 hours. A traditional classroom pathway generally combines 8 hours of Driver Improvement with an additional 4-hour RADEP component.
Can RADEP be completed online?
A complete online RADEP option is available. Students completing RADEP because of a court or other formal requirement should verify that online completion is accepted for their situation before registering.
What if I already completed an 8-hour Driver Improvement course?
A student may need only the additional 4-hour RADEP component if the prior 8-hour Driver Improvement completion is acceptable for the student's individual requirement.
Does online RADEP provide Virginia DMV safe-driving points?
The 12-hour online RADEP course and 4-hour Supplemental Online RADEP course do not themselves award Virginia DMV safe-driving points. Any potential point eligibility connected to an 8-hour Driver Improvement component depends on applicable DMV rules and court restrictions.
Choose the Correct Virginia RADEP Path
Start With the Course That Matches Your Requirement
Compare classroom RADEP, complete 12-hour online RADEP and 4-hour Supplemental Online RADEP. If you are unsure which program applies, use the Virginia Traffic Ticket Class Guide first.
View RADEP Course Options Use the Course Selection Guide