I had a very poor outcome after opting to take the online safe driving course in Florida after receiving a speeding ticket. The course itself was effective and made me a more aware and sensitive driver (even though the narrator has an obnoxious and juvenile speaking style that is hard to listen to). It was relatively easy and worked as described. Everyone I spoke to when I called with a question was always super nice on the phone. The problem is that some key info the school gave me was not accurate and ended up costing me extra time, money, and tremendous aggravation.
I took the course at a leisurely pace over 3 days and enjoyed the way it was presented (other than the narrator's voice). I found the most effective way to do it was to read each page first and then play the audio for it, so I got the info twice. Whenever I had questions about the procedure or the course itself, I was able to reach a courteous rep on the phone who answered in person and was always willing to be helpful. I completed the course a month before my deadline and received a certificate of completion, which DriveSafeToday tells you THEY will submit to the proper authorities for you. The school states in emails and online that they take care of all the required paperwork for you, But I'm a bit of an obsessive who's always checking that I crossed all the t's and dotted all the i's, so I even called the school twice, both before and after finishing the course, to speak with a live rep just to confirm and make double sure that I didn't have to take any additional steps or submit my info anywhere else in order to get the proper credit and discounts. I was told without reservation both times that I didn't have to do anything further and the school would take care of submitting all the proper documents for me. They even forwarded me a copy of the email they sent to the DMV. I thought all was well and I was satisfied.
Four months after completing the course successfully, well within the time frame, and with a score of 95%, I received a letter in the mail from the county supervisor's office stating that though I had opted to take the safe driving course, I never completed it, and unless I submitted proof within 30 days that I had, I would have to pay a large penalty (can't remember the amount). After spending 2 1/2 frustrating hours on the phone with both the driving school and various gov't agencies trying to figure out what went wrong, I learned my only recourse was to go down IN PERSON to the county supervisor's office with proof that I had completed the course.
It turned out that DriveSafeToday did NOT submit my course completion info to the proper authorities. They sent it to the state motor vehicle bureau, but it's the county that needs to know that you completed the course on time in order for you to receive credit for taking it and get the proper insurance discount. No one at Drive Safe Today ever mentioned this to me. When I called them about the problem, no one could figure out what went wrong. So I ended up paying the price for their misinformation and omission. I had to trot myself down to city hall, spend a miserable hour and a half in a long line, and then, when I finally got to the officer and presented my documents of proof, I had to pay them an additional processing fee of $23!!
I chose this course partly because it was one of the lowest priced online courses available in my state. The $23 fee canceled that out and I regret choosing it over other options that might have cost a little more. Two different employees at DriveSafeToday gave me erroneous and misleading information when they assured me that the school would take care of ALL THE PAPERWORK for me. They did not. For this reason I would not recommend the school. Yes, the course did achieve its purpose of making me a better driver. I have to grant that. But I could have gotten that elsewhere without all the extra time, frustration, and aggravation, not to mention paying the extra fee to clear up their mistake. Sorry, DriveSafeToday, you're nice people but you messed up. read more