Driver Improvement Program
DIP
- What it does
Missouri law requires the Director of Revenue to run a system for staying the assessment of points against a driver.
What the source says
“The director of revenue shall put into effect a system for staying the assessment of points against an operator.”
Revised Statutes of Missouri, section 302.302, Point system - Missouri Revisor of Statutes, read October 7, 2026
- Who can take it
In certain cases the court or the Fine Collections Center may authorize you to complete a Driver Improvement Program to reduce the points on your driver record for a ticket.
What the source says
“In certain cases, the court or the Fine Collections Center may authorize you to complete a Driver Improvement Program (DIP) in order to reduce the points on your driver record for a ticket.”
Tickets and Points FAQ - Missouri Department of Revenue, read October 7, 2026
The program cannot be used for a violation committed in a commercial motor vehicle, or by a driver who holds or is required to hold a commercial driver's license.
What the source says
“other than a violation committed in a commercial motor vehicle as defined in section 302.700 or a violation committed by an individual who has been issued a commercial driver's license or is required to obtain a commercial driver's license in this state or any other state”
Revised Statutes of Missouri, section 302.302, Point system - Missouri Revisor of Statutes, read October 7, 2026
- Course length
The program must meet or exceed the standards of the National Safety Council's eight-hour Defensive Driving Course.
What the source says
“the driver-improvement program shall meet or exceed the standards of the National Safety Council's eight-hour "Defensive Driving Course”
Revised Statutes of Missouri, section 302.302, Point system - Missouri Revisor of Statutes, read October 7, 2026
- Taking it online
The driver must be given the option to complete the driver-improvement program through an online or an in-person course.
What the source says
“The operator shall be given the option to complete the driver-improvement program through an online or in-person course.”
Revised Statutes of Missouri, section 302.302, Point system - Missouri Revisor of Statutes, read October 7, 2026
- How often
Completing the program can be accepted in place of points only once in any thirty-six-month period.
What the source says
“shall not be accepted in lieu of points more than one time in any thirty-six-month period”
Revised Statutes of Missouri, section 302.302, Point system - Missouri Revisor of Statutes, read October 7, 2026
- Deadline
The program must be completed within sixty days of the date of conviction to be accepted in place of points.
What the source says
“shall be completed within sixty days of the date of conviction in order to be accepted in lieu of the assessment of points.”
Revised Statutes of Missouri, section 302.302, Point system - Missouri Revisor of Statutes, read October 7, 2026
- Certificate
Within fifteen days after a driver completes the program, the court must send a record of the completion to the Director of Revenue.
What the source says
“shall, within fifteen days after completion of the driver-improvement program or motorcycle-rider training course by an operator, forward a record of the completion to the director”
Revised Statutes of Missouri, section 302.302, Point system - Missouri Revisor of Statutes, read October 7, 2026
- Who approves it
Driver-improvement programs are approved by the State Highways and Transportation Commission.
What the source says
“Any intermediate driver's licensee accumulating six or more points in a twelve-month period may be required to participate in and successfully complete a driver-improvement program approved by the state highways and transportation commission.”
Revised Statutes of Missouri, section 302.178, Intermediate driver's license - Missouri Revisor of Statutes, read October 7, 2026
- Good to know
A driver-improvement program ordered by the Director of Revenue is not used in place of point assessment.
What the source says
“The driver-improvement program ordered by the director of revenue shall not be used in lieu of point assessment.”
Revised Statutes of Missouri, section 302.178, Intermediate driver's license - Missouri Revisor of Statutes, read October 7, 2026