Questions people actually ask
Will this keep the points off my licence?
Yes. When you complete an approved defensive driving course for an eligible citation, the citation is dismissed, so no points are assessed against your driving record for it.
Is there a final exam?
No. Arizona does not require a final exam for defensive driving school. You complete short review quizzes throughout the 240-minute course.
How long does the course take?
240 minutes, or four hours. That is the shortest length Arizona law allows, and it is what Avanza offers. You can start and stop as often as you like.
Why do I have to pay everything upfront?
Arizona requires every approved defensive driving school to collect all fees before a student begins the course. That is state rule, not a policy of ours, which is why we show you the full total before you commit.
Why does the price change depending on my court?
Three of the four fees are fixed statewide: our course fee, the $24 state fee, and the $45 state surcharge. The fourth, the court diversion fee, is set by each court’s presiding judge under A.R.S. §28-3396, and it varies from $50 to $250 across Arizona.
Can I take the course on my phone?
Yes. The whole course works on a phone, tablet, or computer, and your progress is saved as you go.
What documents do I need?
Two: a copy of your traffic citation, and a valid government-issued driver’s licence or identification card. A clear phone photo of each is fine.
How often can I use defensive driving school?
Arizona lets you dismiss a citation through defensive driving school once every 12 months. If you have already attended within the past year, this citation is not eligible for dismissal. Check before you enrol so you are not paying for something you cannot use.
Is the course available in Spanish?
Yes. Avanza is available in English and Spanish.