DRIVER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (DIP)

The referral letter sent to an individual by the MVA will provide them with the requirements of the driver improvement program and a list of Driver Improvement Program (DIP) Providers. After receiving the letter, you must do the following:
Contact a DIP provider directly for information regarding DIP location(s), available dates and times, and the fee associated with taking the program.
Attend your selected class, being sure to take your MVA referral letter with you.
If you misplace your original referral letter and need to obtain a duplicate referral letter to take with you to class, please email a request to mvacs@mdot.state.md.us, contact the Driver Improvement Programs Unit in the Driver Instructional Services Division or visit any MVA branch office. If you must visit a branch office, the branch representative will contact the DIP unit who will print the duplicate referral letter. The letter will be available at the counter or will be faxed or mailed to you within 24 hours.

Complete the DIP by the due date printed in the top right corner of the Driver Improvement Program referral letter.
The DIP class will usually last from 4 to 8 hours. Upon its completion, you will receive a certificate of completion from the provider. The certificate is for your personal records; the driver improvement program provider will separately notify the MVA of your successful completion.

If you cannot attend your scheduled class due to extenuating circumstances, you must provide the MVA with a reasonable explanation, along with supporting documentation. If your explanation is acceptable, you will be rescheduled and will receive a new DIP referral letter.

If you are temporarily living out-of-state or have moved out-of-state, you must contact the National Safety Council (NSC) to see if the NSC offers a similar program in your area. Check with the NSC website or call to obtain information about their 6-8 hour Defensive Driving Program. If you complete the program out-of-state, you must fax or mail your completion form to the MVA’s DIP unit.

If you do not attend a DIP class by the date specified on your referral letter, the MVA WILL suspend your driving privileges. You will be notified of the suspension via letter, in which you also will be instructed to surrender your driver’s license to any full service MVA branch office. Once you have completed the DIP, you may then apply for a new license.

Note: If you moved and did not receive your driver improvement program referral letter because the MVA was not aware of your move, you must first request a change of address before the MVA will consider your request to reschedule the DIP. You may change your address online or by completing and returning the change of address form.