PennDOT announces alternative to license suspension for some drivers

Aug. 17—PennDOT has a way for drivers facing a suspension due to points on their driving records or a conviction of excessive speeding to have a chance at redemption by completing a new driver improvement school.

"This new training program offers people ... a chance to avoid losing their license," said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. "For many, losing the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle means not just a loss of mobility, but a loss of income and independence as well."

This six-hour course focuses on safety and addresses poor driver behaviors and judgment exhibited in high-risk drivers.

Drivers who accumulate as many as six points on their record for moving violations, or have a conviction for excessive speeding are required to attend a departmental hearing.

At the conclusion of the hearing, a determination is made whether serving a 15-day suspension or attending PennDOT's improvement school would be most beneficial.

A driver who attends the school due to their record showing for the second time as many as six points will have two points removed from their record and avoid a 15-day suspension.

A driver who attends the school due to a conviction for excessive speeding will avoid having to serve a 15-day suspension.

If an individual does not successfully complete the course or fails to attend, they will be required to serve a 60-day driver's license suspension.

For more details, visit https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Information-Centers/Suspensions/Pages/Driver-Improvement-School.aspx.

There are seven schools in Pennsylvania with the closest in Norristown at Norristown Driver License Center, 1700 Markley St.

The state added this: Drivers may only attend the Driver Improvement School if required as a result of a departmental hearing; they may not request to attend on their own.