Florida BDI Final Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try

You just realized the Florida Basic Driver Improvement courseWhat Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course Blog has a final exam, and now you're Googling answers. Take a breath. The BDI final exam is 40 multiple-choice questions, it's open-book, and most providers give you unlimited retakes for free. This is not the SAT. It's designed for you to pass.

That said, walking in prepared beats winging it every time. This guide breaks down exactly what's on the exam, the high-yield facts you're most likely to see, and how to knock it out on your first attempt.

What the BDI Exam Looks Like

Exam Detail	What to Expect
Questions	40 multiple choice
Passing score	80% (32 out of 40 correct)
Time limit	None — go at your own pace
Open book?	Yes — most providers let you reference course material
Retakes	Unlimited free retakes with most providers
Proctored?	No — complete it online from any device

Translation: Open-book, untimed, unlimited retakes, and you only need an 80%. The deck is stacked in your favor.

15 High-Yield Facts Most Likely to Show Up on Your Exam

The BDI course covers Florida traffic laws, defensive driving, impaired driving, the state's point system, and crash prevention. Instead of walking you through every textbook chapter, here are the facts that get tested the most.

Florida Traffic Laws

Florida's Move Over lawDriving Safety Move Over Safety Center requires you to move over one lane — or slow to 20 mph below the speed limit — when passing stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and sanitation vehicles.
School zone speed limit is typically 20 mph when children are present.
Texting while driving is a primary offense in FloridaDriving Safety Distracted Driving Safety Center — law enforcement can pull you over for it, no other violation required.
You may not pass on a two-lane road when approaching a hill or curve that blocks your view within 100 feet.

Defensive Driving

The standard following distance is 3 seconds. In rain or reduced visibility, increase to 4–6 seconds.
The first 10–15 minutes of rain are the most dangerous — oil on the road surface mixes with water, making hydroplaning more likely.
The SIPDE method (Search, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute) is the defensive driving decision-making framework tested on the exam.

Alcohol and Impaired Driving

Florida's legal BAC limit: 0.08% for drivers 21+, 0.02% for drivers under 21.
Even one drink can impair driving ability. (This exact phrasing shows up frequently.)
Florida's "implied consent" law means refusing a breathalyzer results in automatic license suspension.
A first DUI offense in Florida can result in a fine of $500–$1,000 and up to 6 months in jail.

Florida's Point System

SpeedingWhat Are Speeding Ticket Fines Florida Blog under 15 mph over the limit = 3 points. Speeding 15+ mph over = 4 points.
Passing a stopped school bus = 4 points. Leaving the scene of an accident = 6 points.
Accumulate 12 points in 12 months and your license is suspended for 30 days. You can check your driving recordHow To Check Your Driving Record Blog to see where you stand.

Crash Prevention and Safety

Florida law requires seatbelts for all front-seat occupants and all passengers under 18. Children under 5 must be in a federally approved child restraint.

Pro tip: Pay extra attention to anything with a specific number — speed limits, point values, BAC limits, suspension thresholds, following distances. These are the easiest questions to write, which means they show up the most.

7 Ways to Pass the BDI Exam on Your First Try

You don't need to be a perfect student. You need 32 out of 40. Here's how to get there without overthinking it.

Don't just click through the course. The exam pulls directly from the material. People who actually read the content instead of waiting for the timer pass at significantly higher rates. Four hours is not long — use it.
Write down every number you see. Speed limits, BAC limits, point values, fine amounts, following distances. These make up a disproportionate chunk of exam questions because they have clear right-or-wrong answers.
Know what makes Florida different. The exam tests Florida law specifically. The Move Over law, implied consent, the point systemWhat Point Drivers License BlogWhat Point Drivers License Blog structure — these are Florida-specific and show up constantly.
Use the open-book format. Most providers let you reference the course material during the exam. This isn't cheating — it's literally how the test is designed. Use it to confirm answers you're unsure about.
Watch for absolute words. When a question uses "always," "never," "most," or "best," that's telling you exactly what it's looking for. Read carefully before selecting.
Eliminate obviously wrong answers first. Even if you're unsure, ruling out one or two bad options dramatically improves your odds on a multiple-choice test.
Don't stress if you need a retake. Most providers (including Aceable) offer unlimited free retakes. If you don't pass, review what you missed and try again. No waiting period, no extra charge, no judgment.

What Happens After You Pass

Once you hit that passing score, the finish line is close. Here's the sequence:

Your traffic school provider records your completion and generates your certificate — either as a digital download, email, or mailed copy depending on what you selected.
Your completion is reported to the state electronically. This happens automatically through your provider.
You submit your certificate to the Clerk of Court in the county where you received your ticket. You can find your county's clerk through the Florida Clerks of Court directory. Check with your clerk on whether electronic reporting is sufficient or if they need a copy.
Once processed, the points from your ticket will not be added to your driving record and your fine reduction is applied.

That's it. Ticket handled. Points blocked. Insurance protected. You can move on with your life.

What If You Don't Pass?

First: it's not the end of the world. Most providers offer unlimited retakes at no extra cost. The questions are typically randomized from a question bank, so you'll see a different mix on each attempt. Review the topics you missed, go back through the relevant course sections, and retake when you're ready. There's usually no waiting period between attempts.

Need to understand the full process — including which tickets can be dismissedWhat Type Traffic Tickets Can Be Dismissed Florida Blog and how many times you can take the courseHow Many Times Can You Take Florida Driver Improvement Course Blog? We've got you covered.

Taking Florida traffic school? Aceable's BDI course includes unlimited free exam retakes, instant certificate delivery, and a mobile app that actually works. Get road-ready today.Florida Driver Improvement

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Florida BDI final exam?

The standard BDI final exam is 40 multiple-choice questions. You need to score 80% or higher (32 out of 40 correct) to pass.

Can I use notes during the BDI exam?

Most providers offer an open-book exam, meaning you can reference the course material while you take it. Confirm with your specific provider before starting.

What happens if I fail the BDI final exam?

Most state-approved traffic school providers allow unlimited free retakes. Review what you missed, go back through the course material, and take it again when you're ready.

Are the BDI exam questions the same every time?

No. Most providers randomize questions from a larger question bank, so you'll likely see different questions on each attempt. The topics covered stay the same.

Is the BDI exam proctored?

No. The BDI final exam is taken online through your traffic school provider's platform, on your own device, wherever you are.

How long do I have to complete the BDI exam?

Most providers don't set a strict time limit on the final exam itself. However, you must complete the entire course — including the exam — before your Clerk of Court deadline, which is typically 60–120 days depending on your county.

Does passing the BDI exam remove points from my license?

The BDI course prevents the points from the current ticket from being added to your record. It does not retroactively remove points from previous tickets. Learn more about how the point system worksWhat Point Drivers License BlogWhat Point Drivers License Blog.