(a) Attendance at a Driver Improvement Course. Unless a mandatory hearing is required, or the defendant appears at a hearing before an official, a defendant who does not hold a commercial driver license or commercial learner permit may elect to attend a driver improvement course pursuant to section 318.14(9), Florida Statutes, within 30 days of receiving a citation or, if a hearing was requested, at any time before trial. Pursuant to this rule, any defendant electing to attend a driver improvement course under section 318.14(9), Florida Statutes, will have adjudication withheld and not be assessed points.
(b) Location of Course. A defendant who is sentenced to or elects to attend a driver improvement course shall have the right to attend an approved course in the location of the defendant’s choice, including the internet when the elected or court-ordered drive improvement course is provided online.