ADI schools are traffic schools that offer
the 12 hour Florida Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) program.
ADI school curricula are developed by private corporations and
offered either directly to the public or through licensed ADI
schools. Guidelines concerning the administration of Florida
ADI courses and program requirements are related in Chapter
15A-8 of the Florida Administrative Code.
Driver Training Associates was the first company to develop
a State approved 12 hour ADI course in Florida. As a result
of this longevity, dozens of ADI schools throughout Florida
teach DTA's ADI curriculum. For a listing of DTA's Florida ADI
schools,
click
here. ADI schools are identified in this list by the use
of the abbreviation "ADI" in the courses column.
Why do people need to go to ADI schools?
The reasons for taking an advanced driver improvement course
are many and varied. Most people attend ADI school because they
have received a form letter from the Florida DHSMV ordering
them to attend this course because of a Florida driver license
revocation or suspension. If a Florida driver's license has
been suspended or revoked, that driver may apply for a hardship
license to drive to and from work, or to other destinations
that are absolutely necessary (school, hospital, etc.). To be
eligible to apply for a hardship license, a driver must first
show proof of enrollment in ADI school. With many online ADI
schools, a driver may pay a fee to print out his or her enrollment
letter immediately. Alternatively, a driver can register for
a classroom ADI course and the school will provide him or her
with an ADI course enrollment letter.
Another reason for attendance of ADI schools is that a driver
has been classified as a Habitual Traffic Offender by the Florida
DHSMV. Drivers who fall into this category are required to complete
a State approved ADI class before their license will be reinstated.
Finally, in some cases, drivers are required to register with
ADI schools because a Florida court or judge has ordered them
to attend a 12 hour driver improvement course. This often happens
if the driver has committed a serious traffic offense or has
already attended the shorter basic driver improvement course
multiple times.
Are Florida ADI schools regulated by the DHSMV?
Technically, ADI course providers are responsible for regulating
themselves and the agencies they license. However, DHSMV does
review ADI course curricula to ensure that they meet the minimum
content standards set forth in the Florida Administrative Code.
Some people erroneously believe that ADI schools are regulated
by the National Safety Council. The National Safety Council
does offer its own ADI courses, but NSC is not a government
entity. In addition to the National Safety Council, most states
have multiple safety council chapters that serve their local
area (these might or might not be part of the National Safety
Council). While many of these chapters are non-profit organizations,
they are not government entities. The National Safety Council
does not have any regulatory authority over any ADI schools
other than those that offer its ADI curriculum.
Where should complaints about ADI schools be sent?
Since many Florida ADI schools are privately owned businesses,
you can direct your complaint to the Better Business Bureau
chapter in your area. Complaints can also be directed to the
office of the attorney general , particularly if you believe
that you are the victim of a scam, bait and switch advertising,
or unfair treatment.
