What Is a Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC)?
A Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC) is a defensive driving course offered online or in the classroom which covers topics like: defensive driving strategies and techniques to reduce the chance of collision; how drugs, alcohol, physical conditions and emotions affect driving decisions; how to deal with driver distractions and fatigue; physical forces of a collision; and the importance of occupant safety devices and how to use them correctly. Passing a BDIC gives drivers an opportunity to avoid points on their records and the ticket information from being sent to insurance companies. The driver must be eligible to take the course and may only avoid points once under this state-offered program. A BDIC can only be offered and fulfilled by State of Michigan approved BDIC providers.

How much does the BDIC cost?
Every BDIC provider that offers a course may set their own fees up to a maximum of $100 as permitted by Michigan law. The price of the online BDIC will be announced December 31, 2010.

What is a BDIC provider?
A BDIC provider is approved by the Michigan Department of State. BDIC providers offer a defensive driving curriculum that is online or in the classroom and meets or exceeds the standards set by Michigan law. Only BDIC providers who have been approved by the State of Michigan may provide results to the State of Michigan. In order to become an approved BDIC provider, companies must show how their course meets or exceeds the curriculum of the National Safety Council’s Defensive Driving Program 8th Edition, and provide evidence of effectiveness from a federal, state, or local entity.

Should I take a BDIC if my ticket is for zero points?
The way the legislation was written, the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) is required to send the notice of eligibility if the customer is eligible (e.g., not a CDL driver or CDL offense, ticket must be 3 points or less, driver must have 2 or fewer points on record, etc.). There is not an exemption for zero point tickets, so MDOS is required to send notice to these customers.
Customers do not have to take the BDIC – it is always optional. Each customer must decide whether they will benefit from taking the course. Because insurance companies use a variety of factors to determine insurance rates, it is possible that a customer’s insurance rates may be affected by a zero-point ticket. The customer may want to contact their insurance company to find out if a zero-point ticket will affect their rates to aid in their decision.

What if I miss the 60-day deadline?
The points and the violation will be put on your record and made available to insurance companies. You may be eligible for the BDIC in the future. A notification letter will be sent to you by mail from the Michigan Department of State.

Where is your classroom located?
For approved classroom providers, go to the Department of State Web Site.

What if I can’t take time off of work for class?
You can take the online class any time that is convenient for your schedule within your 60-day eligibility period.

How often can I take the BDIC to avoid points on my record?
There is no limit to the number of attempts to pass the BDIC within the 60 days of the notice of eligibility. You will have to pay for the course again if you fail it after your third attempt. If you do not pass the BDIC within 60 days of the notice of eligibility, the points and the violation will be put on your record and made available to insurance companies. However, if you receive a subsequent ticket and are notified that you are eligible again, you may attempt the BDIC for the subsequent ticket.

How long after I complete the course is my DL record is updated with the course completion?
You should wait 5 business days after the BDIC result was submitted by the provider to the State of Michigan.

Do I receive any notification from the State, that my progress has been received?
You will not receive any notification from the State. You will have to purchase a driving record for personal reasons. There will be a notation at the bottom of the driving record that shows the BDIC information, but no points, with an indication that you passed the course.

How can I purchase a driving record?
Each driving record costs $7.00 and must be paid in advance with a check, money order or credit card. You would need a request form from the record lookup unit which is on the SOS website. This process takes up to two weeks.
You could also pay $8.00 at a local branch office. You just need to show your license and you could walk out with your driving record.

ELIGIBILITY/INELIGIBILITY

Who is eligible for this program?
You will receive a letter in the mail if you are eligible for this program. You may be eligible if you were ticketed on or after December 31, 2010 and:

• You have a valid, non-commercial license, with two or fewer points on your record,
• The violation was not in a Commercial Motor Vehicle,
• The violation was not a criminal offense,
• The ticket you received is eligible (e.g., must be for three or fewer points, not for careless or negligent driving, etc.) Most minor traffic violations are eligible for this program.

• You are in the 60-day period of BDIC eligibility for a previous ticket
• You have already avoided points under this program
• Your license is restricted, suspended, or revoked or you were not issued a Michigan license
• You have three or more points currently on your record
• You held a Commercial Driver's License or were operating a Commercial Vehicle at the time of the ticket
• The ticket you received is not eligible for the program