ELECTION TO ATTEND A DRIVER

IMPROVEMENT COURSE (a) Attendance at a Driver Improvement Course. Unless a mandatory hearing is required, or the defendant appears at a hearing before an official, a defendant who does not hold a commercial driver license or commercial learner permit may elect to attend a driver improvement course pursuant to section 318.14(9), Florida Statutes, within 30 days of receiving a citation or, if a hearing was requested, at any time before trial. Pursuant to this rule, any defendant electing to attend a driver improvement course under section 318.14(9), Florida Statutes, will have adjudication withheld and not be assessed points. (b) Location of Course. A defendant who is sentenced to or elects to attend a driver improvement course shall have the right to attend an approved course in the location of the defendant’s choice, including the internet when the elected or court-ordered drive improvement course is provided online. Committee Notes 2009 Amendment. The rule change in subdivision (a) was necessary to create a uniform time period throughout the state by which a clerk must allow a defendant to elect to attend a driver improvement school.