February 25, 2026
Received a reckless or aggressive driving ticket in Virginia? Learn if you’re required to take the 12-hour RADEP course, how it differs from DMV clinics, and how completing an online road rage class can help reduce your court penalties.
Have you heard of Virginia 12 Hour Aggressive Driving Course? If so, there’s a good chance you’ve searched “aggressive driving course online virginia” and that you’ve received a reckless or aggressive driving ticket. You might be wondering if you need to take it. The answer depends on your ticket, driving record, and the course.
In this blog, we’ll outline this course as well as the 4 Hour Reckless Driving Class.
The official name for this course is The 12 Hour Reckless and Aggressive Driver Education Program (RADEP). However, it’s frequently incorrectly referred to as the 12 Hour Driver Improvement Course. A “Driver Improvement Course” is a clinic regulated by the DMV, not the court system.
However, the misconception is understandable because the court sees the 12 Hour Driving Course as a combination of two unique courses:
The 4 Hour versions focuses on the psychological of reckless and aggressive driving; different factors and triggers; and most important, defensive strategies that can help reduce these driving tendencies. The purpose of RADEP is to help students learn to recognize and then equip them with the skills necessary to overcome dangerous behavior.
The goal of RADEP is not just compliance, but education—helping drivers understand why
Some students will Google “aggressive driving course online virginia” or “online road rage class” after receiving a traffic ticket, but it’s important to note that only specific infractions lead to this course.
The course is exclusively required for citations relating to reckless or aggressive driving.
In Virginia, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle in a manner that endangers life, limb, or property. Examples may include:
Aggressive driving is slightly different. You would receive an aggressive driving ticket if you drove in a reckless way with an intent to cause harm or intimidate another driver, regardless of whether harm actually occurred. The word “intent” is key.
Because both types of offenses are considered a class 1 misdemeanor, it’s important to take the consequences seriously. They can result in:
No, the DMV cannot require any form of class that’s specifically related to reckless or aggressive driving. It’s exclusively up to the Virginia judicial system, even more importantly, it’s up to the specific judge that is reviewing your charge.
However, the DMV can, and does, require 8 Hour Driver Improvement Clinics for students who have accumulated too many driving demerit points.
No. It is entirely up to the judge’s discretion. However, taking the course often results in reducing penalties, so if you’re given the option, you should absolutely take advantage of the opportunity.
When determining if someone is eligible, a judge normally looks to confirm that the driver has had no previous citations and that offense appeared to be a one-time occurrence, not a habit.
If the driver has had repeated citations for the same offense, it’s much less likely that the driver will receive the option to take the course.
The deadline is set by the court.
Your court paperwork or judge’s order will specify when the course must be completed, and it’s important to follow those instructions exactly.
The consequences are always up to the judge, but typically, the opportunity (and benefits) of completing the course are removed. However, there’s a chance that if you’re registered (and can show your receipt), the judge will extend the deadline.
However, it’s always a good idea to start the course promptly and make sure you leave sufficient time to finish it.
If a lawyer is representing you, consulting them can also be a good idea.
Yes! However, in certain instances, a judge will specifically state that the course must be taken in-person. If so, an online format wouldn’t satisfy the requirements. However, vendors such as RADEP Online Education have worked with students all across Virginia to satisfy their requirements–completely online.
Most driving schools charge around $200 for the 12 Hour course and $120 for the 4 Hour Reckless Driving Class. Online providers typically charge much less because they don’t have to pay for the overhead of a classroom or the cost of an instructor.
But as already mentioned, potential fines for these citations can be up to $2,500 dollars, so an investment in a course, even if it feels expensive, is worth it.
RADEP Online Education provides both the 12 Hour and 4 Hour versions of the course. If you’ve already completed an 8 Hour Driver Improvement Clinic, then you only need the 4 Hour version. If you haven’t then you’ll need the entire 12 Hour course.
Please reach out to us at (804) 596-6276 if you have any questions! If not, you can view the courses here.
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