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State Cert Guide

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Can a driver improvement clinic take points off my North Carolina license?

You may ask to attend a driver improvement clinic when you reach four points on the eight-point scale or seven on the 12-point scale. Finishing it takes three points off your record. You can attend a clinic once every five years. We haven't confirmed whether a court dismisses a ticket for a clinic, or whether you can take one online, so ask your court.

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The rule, fact by fact

Who needs it
Four points on the eight-point scale or seven on the 12-point scaleThat is the point total at which you may request a clinic.
Verified. www.ncdot.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Valid for
You can attend a clinic once every five yearsPlan around that limit before you ask for one.
Same source and date as above
Rule
Three points are deducted on satisfactory completionIf you aren't sure what counts as satisfactory, ask at your conference.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check your points. You may request a clinic at four points on the eight-point scale or seven on the 12-point scale. You can attend a clinic once every five years.

  2. Step 2. Watch for the NCDMV letter that goes to drivers who might qualify. When it comes, apply for a hearing and pay the fee. NCDMV then assigns a hearing date. The page also offers a 2026 clinics schedule to download.

  3. Step 3. To get the credit, you must qualify and have a conference with an administrative hearings officer. After you complete the clinic satisfactorily, three points are deducted.

Before you pay

Check that you have four points on the eight-point scale or seven on the 12-point scale.

Ask your court, not NCDMV, whether a class would count for your ticket.

Check the date of your last clinic. You can attend once every five years.

If NCDMV's letter hasn't come, ask NCDMV whether you qualify.

Questions

At how many points can my license be suspended?

NCDMV says your license may be suspended if you accumulate as many as 12 points within a three-year period.

What happens to my points after a reinstatement?

When a driving privilege is reinstated, all previous points on your record are canceled. Eight points within three years following the reinstatement can result in an additional suspension.

Are these the same points my insurer counts?

No. NCDMV notes that insurance companies use a different point system to determine insurance rates.

Where can I see my points?

A driver can see the status of their license, including the number of points assessed on their record, through their MyDMV account.

What to do next

Check your point total and the date of your last clinic. Then read the Division of Motor Vehicles page on license suspension and driver improvement clinics.

www.ncdot.gov

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