In some states, completing an approved online defensive driving course will help you dismiss a traffic ticket and avoid accumulating points on your record.
In Massachusetts, though, the driver improvement programs are quite specific. Depending on your violations, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) may order you to take one of the following:
- Massachusetts Driver Retraining Program (NSC)
- State Courts Against Road Rage (SCARR)
- Driver Attitudinal Training
You may also opt to sign up for an online course voluntarily for an auto insurance discount or personal enrichment.
In this article, we will list some of the best online traffic schools in Massachusetts. Whether you are taking the program as a requirement or for educational purposes, we have some good options for you.
So let’s get started!
What are the Best Online Traffic Schools in Massachusetts?
Here are 4 of the best online traffic schools in MA:
Keep on reading to know more about these online traffic schools:
National Safety Council (NSC)
The NSC is the official partner of the state of Massachusetts in providing driver improvement courses.
It is a nonprofit organization that offers top-notch safety training courses in the US. It advocates workplace safety and aims to eliminate the common causes of preventable injuries and deaths.
If you take the course here, you’ll encounter state-of-the-art technology to make the lessons interactive and engaging.
Not only that, its online courses have some of the most comprehensive materials that contain research-based statistics and real-life simulations. They teach drivers how to make wise decisions in various situations they might encounter while driving.
The Massachusetts Driver Retraining Program costs around $145. The SCARR and the Driver Attitudinal Retraining course each cost around $100.
At the moment, only the National Safety Council offers Massachusetts RMV-approved online programs for driver retraining and license reinstatement. For the Driver Attitudinal Retraining in-person courses, here is a list of authorized providers.
DISCLAIMER: The defensive driving courses offered by the following online traffic schools are not approved by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (MA RMV). However, we still recommend that you contact your local court as some judges may allow you to attend the following schools to dismiss minor traffic violations.
GoToTrafficSchool
GoToTrafficSchool is one of the oldest online driver safety education providers in the country.
It offers one of the simplest online defensive driving programs for Massachusetts. You just scroll down each lesson and click through every chapter. You can study as slowly as you like or blast through the material.
One thing you might not like about the course, though, is its lengthy text content. Sure, it contains some images and videos, but overall, the lessons are pretty dry and boring.
However, for students who prefer to study alone and read, GoToTrafficSchool can offer a quick way to complete an online defensive driving course.
GoToTrafficSchool is known as one of the most affordable traffic schools in the US, but it is only true for state-approved courses.
In Massachusetts, the fee is about $40. However, you can start the lessons for FREE and pay only when you’re ready to take the final course exam.
For a walkthrough of how to sign up GoToTrafficSchool and for a quick look at the course layout, watch our video review:
Improv Traffic School
Let’s face it. No one wants to attend traffic school.
But if you want to make your traffic school experience less dreadful than it normally would, we suggest you check out Improv Traffic School.
Improv Traffic School focuses on edutainment, keeping the balance between learning and having fun. Its course materials were co-written by professional Hollywood writers and comedians, so you can expect to see a ton of comics, jokes, and funny clips.
Its humorous take on studying makes online traffic school more bearable. And the light-hearted lessons help students appreciate the materials better. As a result, they learn and retain information more effectively.
Improv’s defensive driving course for Massachusetts costs a little under $30.
Want to see inside the course? Here’s our course walkthrough for Improv:
iDriveSafely
iDriveSafely has been around since 1998. For years, it has been one of America’s most trusted online traffic schools. Since its founding, it has served over 9 million customers.
iDriveSafely’s online defensive driving course is offered in a multimedia format, so you don’t have to worry about getting bored with the material. The layout is clean and the contents are well-formatted, making it easy for students to focus on the lessons. Apart from audio clips and videos, the course also features 3D graphics and animations.
The only con with iDriveSafely is its limited customer support. Its helpdesk is available every day but not 24/7. Which, for some, is not a problem. For those who run into issues at an uneven hour, they might find this frustrating.
It’s one of the cheapest alternatives you will find online, though. The Massachusetts defensive driving course costs around $25 and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Here’s a short but detailed review video about iDriveSafely, its registration process, course walkthrough, pros, and cons:
Best Online Traffic Schools in Massachusetts FAQs
Can I dismiss a traffic ticket by attending an online traffic school in Massachusetts?
Unfortunately, the state of Massachusetts does not currently approve traffic ticket dismissals through online traffic schools. However, since it is on a case-to-case basis, you may ask special permission from your court handler if he/she will approve.
What are the different driver improvement programs in Massachusetts, and when do I need to take them?
The state of Massachusetts offers the following rehabilitation programs for drivers:
- Driver Retraining Program
This 8-hour course is intended for Massachusetts drivers who earn three or more traffic violations within 24 months. Drivers who complete this program may avoid license suspension or reinstate their license.
- State Courts Against Road Rage (SCARR)
SCARR is a 4-hour class intended for drivers with junior operator’s licenses or those whose license permits have been suspended.
- Driver Attitudinal Retraining Program
Similar to SCARR, this 44-hour program is also designed for holders of junior operator’s licenses that have been suspended upon violation of Junior Operators law.
What are the benefits of attending an online traffic school in Massachusetts?
Completing an online Massachusetts driver improvement program has many benefits, such as the following:
- You can earn an auto insurance discount and claim it against your premiums.
- You will improve your driving skills and knowledge and become a better, safer driver.
- You COULD dismiss a minor violation ticket if allowed by your court handler
Conclusion
If you need to fulfill court requirements, you can turn to the National Safety Council for approved courses.
However, if it’s just a minor citation that you want to dismiss, you can turn to the other 3 online traffic schools on this list.
Just know that, whatever the case, you’ll be in good hands with these 4 best online traffic schools in Massachusetts.