FAQs

What is a "TVS operator?"
A traffic violator school (TVS) operator is the person who directs and manages the operations of a traffic violator school. This may be either the school owner or another person designated by the owner to personally direct and manage the school. All DMV-licensed traffic violator schools are required to have an operator.
Who needs to take the Traffic School Operator Program?
Anyone who wishes to obtain an original TVS operator license, or reinstate a TVS operator license. The DMV requires license applicants to successfully complete a professional educational program of not less than eight hours (explaining an operator's responsibilities, current traffic laws, and the regulations governing TVS operation) and pass a written exam. The successful completion of this program fulfills those requirements.
Why do I need to take the Traffic School Operator Program?
You need this course if you want to apply for an original TVS operator license or to reinstate a license. You should submit your completion certificate from this program to the DMV as part of your TVS operator license application package.
Do I need to have a California driver license to become a TVS operator?
Yes. The DMV requires TVS operators to hold a valid California driver license. California ID cards are not accepted.
Is the Traffic School Operator Program difficult to complete?
No. Our easy-to-read course is informative, and it's loaded with colorful graphics and helpful charts to explain everything you need to know to get your completion certificate. Best of all, you'll never have to sit in a boring classroom. You can read the course material at your own pace (even on your mobile device), wherever it's convenient for you, and the DMV-required final exam is open-book. When you complete your course, we'll even guide you through the TVS operator license application process. It's that easy!
Will I have to take this course again?
The maximum term of an operator license is one year, though an original operator license will expire in conjunction with the school owner's license. In order to renew an operator license, you will need to complete a 4-hour professional continuing education course. The good news is that, if you come back to us when it's time to renew, we'll give you a loyalty discount on the price of our 4-hour program!
What if my traffic school offers traffic safety education in all (or only some) modalities?
This course discusses information relevant to all modalities of traffic school delivery, and you may be tested on any of the material in the program. However, the vast majority of the information applies across all modalities.
How long does it take to complete the Traffic School Operator Program?
The DMV requires applicants for an original or reinstatement of a TVS operator license to complete an 8-hour (including the final exam) educational program, and the course is timed so that you will not be able to finish it faster than that. Beyond that requirement, you are free to take as much—or as little—time as you like. The computer tracks your progress through the course. If you log out and then sign back in, you'll be taken to the "Student Center" page. There you'll be able to continue with the course where you left off, and you'll have access to completed sections for review.
Can I take the course on my phone?
Yes! Our course has been optimized for smartphones and tablets. You can register and complete the entire course from the convenience of your mobile device.
Will I be tested on the material?
In order to receive a completion certificate, the DMV requires that participants in this program have 60 minutes to complete a 50-question, multiple-choice exam. Our comprehensive, easy-to-read course material will prepare you to pass the open-book final exam on your first try, but the DMV allows you three attempts. Don't worry: We're so sure of the educational quality of our program that we guarantee you'll get your certificate or you can take the course again for free! And don't forget our final exam is open-book!
How does the DMV know that I completed this course?
The DMV requires applicants to submit an original, official completion certificate with each TVS operator license application. We'll send your completion certificate directly from our office to you. Normally this process can take anywhere from 5 – 10 business days, but we do offer expedited delivery options. You may also order duplicate copies of your certificate for a nominal fee, if you want an original copy for your records or if you are an operator for multiple schools (you'll need an original certificate for each license application). If you ever have a question about your certificate(s), we're here to help!
What if I need my certificate right away?
You can finish the course in as little as 8 hours and we offer affordable expedited shipping options. Complete the course and get your certificate mailed in the same day.
Does the Traffic School Operator Program cost anything?
Unfortunately, there is a cost to participate in any such professional educational program. However, with the Traffic School Operator Program, your tuition covers all elements of the course, including immediate access to the online program and the regular processing of your completion certificate. There are no additional costs or surcharges, and we guarantee you'll get your completion certificate or you can take the course again for free. We even offer a loyalty discount if you come back to us when it's time to renew your license. Plus, we have the friendliest service and support in the industry—all for the low price of $150!
How do I pay for the Traffic School Operator Program?
You can pay for the course by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express) directly on the site. After you fill out the registration form, you are linked to a secure page where payment is quick and effortless. The site is encrypted, making your online purchases completely safe.
Is my personal information safe with you?
Student information is stored and transmitted safely and securely, and none of your payment or personal information will ever be released to any third party (except to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, if requested). We do not give, sell, or provide your email address to anyone. As a traffic safety educator with a 35-year-old reputation for quality and integrity, it's our job to ensure that your information is safe and protected. That's our promise to you and we guarantee it. And that's why over 2 million satisfied customers have graduated from our traffic safety courses.
What happens after I complete the Traffic School Operator Program?
After you receive your completion certificate in the mail, you should contact your local Occupational Licensing Inspector Office (click here for a list) to set up an appointment to take the DMV's operator examination. This is a DMV-administered written exam that is required of all new applicants for a TVS operator license. The good news is that the exam covers much of the same material as the final exam for the Traffic School Operator Program, and our program serves as a great "prep course" for this exam!
What is the process for obtaining a TVS operator license?
Helpful general information on occupational licensing is available on the DMV website (click here), and there's a section dedicated specifically to obtaining and renewing a TVS Operator License (click here). Forms and information are also available from local Occupational Licensing Inspector Offices (click here for a list). LiveScan electronic fingerprinting (a part of the licensing process) is offered at many locations across the state (click here for a list).
What if I also need to be licensed as a TVS owner or instructor?
If you're completely new to the traffic violator school game (or if you operated a home study-only school in the past) and you'll be "wearing more than one hat" in your company, you may also need to get licensed as an owner and instructor. While that's beyond the scope of this program, we wanted to share some helpful information with you:

The DMV has not yet issued the final rules and forms for the new processes. However, TVS owner licensing is discussed in CVC 11202 and California Code of Regulations Title 13, § 345.02, while TVS instructor licensing is discussed in CVC 11206 and California Code of Regulations Title 13, § 345.06. (Be sure you're reading the latest versions of these regulations!) We'll update this information as new details become available.

Forms and more information are also available from local Occupational Licensing Inspector Offices (click here for a list).
How do I register for the course?
It's fast and easy! Simply complete all appropriate fields on the online registration page for immediate access to the course.
Who needs to take the Traffic School Operator Program?
Anyone who wishes to renew a TVS operator license must provide evidence of not less than four hours of professional continuing education. The successful completion of this program fulfills the education requirement and waives the examination requirement.
Why do I need to take the Traffic School Operator Program?
You need this course if you want to renew your TVS operator license, and you should submit your completion certificate from this program to the DMV as part of your TVS operator license renewal application package.
Is the Traffic School Operator Program difficult to complete?
No. Our easy-to-read course is informative, and it's loaded with colorful graphics and helpful charts to explain everything you need to know to get your completion certificate. Best of all, you'll never have to sit in a boring classroom. You can read the course material at your own pace (even on your mobile device), wherever it's convenient for you, and the DMV-required final exam is open-book. When you complete your course, we'll even guide you through the TVS operator license application process. It's that easy!
Will I have to take this course again?
The term of a TVS operator license is for a period of one year from the date of issuance. In order to renew a TVS operator license, you will need to complete a 4-hour course again at that time. The good news is that, if you come back to us when it's time to renew, we'll give you a loyalty discount on the cost of tuition!
What if my traffic school offers traffic safety education in all (or only some) modalities?
This course discusses information relevant to all modalities of traffic school delivery, and you may be tested on any of the material in the program. However, the vast majority of the information applies across all modalities.
How long does it take to complete the Traffic School Operator Program?
The DMV requires applicants for a TVS operator license renewal to complete a 4-hour (including the final exam) educational program, and the course is timed so that you will not be able to finish it faster than that. Beyond that requirement, you are free to take as much—or as little—time as you like. The computer tracks your progress through the course. If you log out and then sign back in, you'll be taken to the "Student Center" page. There you'll be able to continue with the course where you left off, and you'll have access to completed sections for review.
Can I take the course on my phone?
Yes! Our course has been optimized for smartphones and tablets. You can register and complete the entire course from the convenience of your mobile device.
Will I be tested on the material?
In order to receive a completion certificate, the DMV requires that participants in this program have 30 minutes to complete a 25-question, multiple-choice exam. Our comprehensive, easy-to-read course material will prepare you to pass the open-book final exam on your first try, but the DMV allows you three attempts. Don't worry: We're so sure of the educational quality of our program that we guarantee you'll get your certificate or you can take the course again for free!
How does the DMV know that I completed this course?
The DMV requires applicants to submit an original, official completion certificate with each TVS operator license renewal. We'll send your completion certificate directly from our office to you. Normally this process can take anywhere from 5 – 10 business days, but we do offer expedited delivery options. You may also order duplicate copies of your certificate for a nominal fee, if you want an original copy for your records or if you are an operator for multiple schools (you'll need an original certificate for each license renewal). If you ever have a question about your certificate(s), we're here to help!
What if I need my certificate right away?
You can finish the course in as little as 4 hours and we offer affordable expedited shipping options. Complete the course and get your certificate mailed in the same day.
Does the Traffic School Operator Program cost anything?
Unfortunately, there is a cost to participate in any such professional educational program. However, with the Traffic School Operator Program, your tuition covers all elements of the course, including immediate access to the online program and the regular processing of your completion certificate. There are no additional costs or surcharges, and we guarantee you'll get your completion certificate or you can take the course again for free. We even offer a loyalty discount if you come back to us when it's time to renew your license. Plus, we have the friendliest service and support in the industry—all for the low price of $100!
How do I pay for the Traffic School Operator Program?
You can pay for the course by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express) directly on the site. After you fill out the registration form, you are linked to a secure page where payment is quick and effortless. The site is encrypted, making your online purchases completely safe.
Is my personal information safe with you?
Student information is stored and transmitted safely and securely, and none of your payment or personal information will ever be released to any third party (except to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, if requested). We do not give, sell, or provide your email address to anyone. As a traffic safety educator with a 35-year-old reputation for quality and integrity, it's our job to ensure that your information is safe and protected. That's our promise to you and we guarantee it. And that's why over 2 million satisfied customers have graduated from our traffic safety courses.
How do I register for the course?
It's fast and easy! Simply complete all appropriate fields on the online registration page for immediate access to the course.