Top 8 State Approved DUI Classes in the US

This article has listed State approved DUI classes for drivers convicted of an alcohol or drug-related driving offense in the U.S looking to enroll in a DUI program. In case you don’t know, DUI is an acronym for Driving Under the Influence, also known as “wet reckless” driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every day, about 28 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 52 minutes.

The purpose of DUI classes is to teach offenders about the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and to provide counseling to help them with addiction. These classes often cover topics like the effects of addiction and the consequences of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Alcoholism is one’s inability to control drinking due to both a physical and emotional dependence on alcohol. Alcohol triggers your brain to release the reward-system chemical dopamine. This leads your brain to link positive feelings with drinking and motivates you to crave more.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) refers to drinking alcohol and then operating a vehicle. In all states in the US, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher. BAC is the percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream. This is considered a legal limit impairment and often comes with penalties like some months in jail, a fine, license suspension, and/or mandatory attendance at DUI classes.

Duration of the Programs

Wet Reckless Programs

Individuals convicted of reckless driving with a measurable amount of alcohol in their blood must complete a twelve-hour DUI education program. For this program, they will need to attend weekly two-hour classes spread over a six-week period of time.

First Offender Programs

Individuals convicted of a first DUI offense must complete a state-licensed three-month, 30-hour alcohol, and drug education and counseling program.

Individuals convicted of a first DUI offense with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 or higher must complete a state-licensed nine-month, 60-hour alcohol and drug education and counseling program.

Multiple Offender Programs 

Individuals convicted of a second DUI offense must complete an 18-month multiple offender program. The program requires group counseling, alcohol and drug education, community reentry monitoring, and biweekly individual interviews during the first 12 months of the program.

There are 30-month DUI programs (in some states) for third and subsequent DUI offenders.

[lwptoc]

What is a DUI class for?

A DUI class is a counseling session offered by rehabilitation centers to teach people about the risk of addiction. It is designed for people who are struggling with excessive drug or alcohol consumption, or those who need help preventing an addiction.

DUI classes are not only for those convicted of an alcohol or drug-related driving offense and therefore are under mandatory attendance by a DUI court. Those who need the program for their own recovery, or those who wish to get educated on drug use and misuse in order to avoid future addiction are also welcome to attend.

Can I get a license to drive in the US without a DUI class?

You don’t need a DUI class to get a driver’s license in the US. DUI classes are made mandatory for drivers who have been convicted of a DUI offense.

However, if you have been penalized for driving at a BAC level of 0.08% or higher, you will have to complete your court-mandated DUI classes before you can reinstate your driver’s license and legally drive again.

How to confirm my DUI class is state-approved

There are some DUI programs that are not approved by the state, so they may be invalidated toward the completion of your classes. It is highly important that you speak with your attorney or the court to confirm whether the program you’re choosing is approved by the state.

How to find approved DUI classes near me

If you are looking for approved DUI classes near you, Online Alcohol Class is a great place to look. Don’t be misguided by the name, they have a map of the United States which you can click according to your state to find the nearest in-person DUI class.

If you are hoping to enroll in an online class, however, that option is also available on the same website. Their online classes are accepted nationwide and have been designed by professionals to meet court and DUI school requirements. Also, every class includes a Free Completion Certificate and is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee.

Top 8 State Approved DUI Classes in the US

  • ABC Traffic Programs
  • Academy of Defensive Driving
  • School Ten Inc.
  • A+ DUI and Defensive Driving School, LLC.
  • The High Road Programs
  • North East Florida Safety Council
  • Gateway Foundation
  • Broward-Dade Safety Council

1. ABC Traffic Programs

The first on the list of state approved DUI classes is ABC Traffic Programs, a family-owned program operated in Santa Ana, CA.

Established in 1975, ABC is a California State Licenced Drinking Driver Treatment Provider committed to providing the highest quality education and counseling to those convicted of a DUI. Their programs are in both English and Spanish. They offer their programs in multiple locations in two counties: First Offender programs in Orange County and  First, Second, and Multiple offender programs in Los Angeles County.

To enroll, you should contact your nearest location or come in during business hours for same-day enrollment.

Learn more

2. Academy of Defensive Driving

The next on the list of state approved DUI classes is the Academy of Defensive Driving located in San Juan Capistrano, CA. Established in 1978, Academy of Defensive Driving, Inc. is a California state-licensed and Orange County approved DUI Program offering Wet Reckless, 3, 6, or 9 month first offender and 18-month multiple offender programs

Their specialties include:

  • California DMV Approved Traffic School (TVS)
  • Online Traffic School
  • Classroom Traffic School DUI programs (Driving Under the Influence)
  • Court Ordered and Volunteer PC 1000 programs

Learn more

3. School Ten Inc.

The next school that offers state approved DUI classes in the US is School Ten Inc., operating in six locations in Orange County.

Established in 1979, School Ten Inc. is licensed by the State of California’s Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and approved by Orange County Health Care Agency, to provide DUI treatment services for individuals convicted of a Wet-reckless, First, Second, or Multiple Offense of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs.

School Ten, Inc. will teach you the serious legal ramifications of driving while impaired,  familiarise you with the psychological reasons behind this dangerous combination, and also give you strategies, tools, and insights that will help you avoid this problem in the future.

Learn more

4. A+ DUI and Defensive Driving Schools, LLC.

A+ DUI and Defensive Driving Schools, LLC. are among the educational training centers that offer state-approved DUI classes in the US. They are based in East Tennessee.

A+ DUI Defensive Driving Schools, LLC. are approved by the State of Tennessee’s Department of Safety as defensive driving classes. And they are also an approved health care facility teaching educational prevention classes.

A+ DUI Defensive Driving Schools, LLC. offer weekly State Mandated DUI Class and Alcohol/Drug Risk Reduction Class In-person and Live Stream. The classes are certified by the Department of Health for the State of Tennessee and are mandated for all convicted DUI offenses in the state of Tennessee and the majority of the other states in the U.S. They offer 8, 12, 16, and 20 hours of educational classes.

Learn more

5. The High Road Programs

The High Road Program, Inc. is another great organization that offers state approved DUI classes in four locations in Southern California, United States.

Founded in 1976, The High Road Program, Inc. is one of the first organizations to provide education and counseling services to individuals arrested for driving under the influence in California.

High Road is licensed by the State of California’s Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and approved by Los Angeles and Riverside counties, to provide DUI treatment services for individuals convicted of a wet-reckless, first, second or multiple offense of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs.

Learn more

6. North East Florida Safety Council

North East Florida Safety Council was founded in 1942 by a group of dedicated local Jacksonville professionals who were concerned about the growing traffic issue in the community. It offers state approved DUI classes only to those you who live and work, or attend school in Baker, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Hamilton, Lafayette, Nassau, St Johns, or Suwannee county.

Registration is done in person during office hours and individuals have some paperwork they are required to come along with.

Learn more

7. Gateway Foundation

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Gateway Foundation is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center that offers state approved DUI classes in the United States.

Their aim is to educate people on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances, treat any existing substance use disorder that may have resulted in the DUI charge itself, and most importantly, help them recover from a substance use disorder and start fresh.

Learn more

8. The Broward-Dade Safety Council

Based in Florida, the Broward-Dade Safety Council offers state approved DUI classes for people who have been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenses involving alcohol and/or other drugs. The DUI program involves 12 hours of class for a first offense and 21 hours for clients with two or more DUIs and a one-hour private evaluation/interview to determine if counseling is appropriate.

Classes and evaluations must both be completed in person and in a classroom setting within 90 days of enrollment. After 90 days, a new enrollment and fee payment is required.

Additionally, The DUI Program is provided in English and Spanish in their Downtown Fort Lauderdale and Lauderdale Lakes locations.

Learn more

Conclusion

State approved DUI classes are crucial requirements for a DUI conviction and can go for 3 months, 9 months, 18 months, or 30 months, and will also require you to pay costly fines depending on the length of the program.

Once you have completed the program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion, which you will need to show to the DMV to reinstate your license and begin driving again.

State Approved DUI Classes — FAQs

How much does the DUI class cost?

It is important to note that the cost of DUI classes can vary a bit and will depend on the offense you are convicted of. Prices will be higher for longer programs and lower for shorter programs. Also, note that the cost can depend on the county you live in as counties with a higher cost of living will normally charge more and vice versa.

Most DUI training centers or schools will require a down payment on their longer DUI programs where you will be expected to pay $350 upfront.

DUI classes may cost:

  • Under 21 First Time Offender: $270
  • Wet Reckless: $270
  • First DUI >.20: $843
  • First DUI <.20: $1,850
  • Repeat Offender DUI: $1,900 – $2,600
  • Repeat Offender DUI >.20: $3000
  • Second-time Offenders: $1800 – $1900

These fees are not permanently fixed and can be altered at any time, you should always check the DUI schools for the most current prices.

How long is a DUI class in Florida?

The Level I DUI Program: Individuals convicted of a first DUI offense will complete at least 12 hours of DUI class. The class involves a substance abuse evaluation, psychosocial evaluation, and discussions and activities centered around the issues regarding the use of alcohol and drugs.

The Level II DUI Program: Individuals who have been convicted previously will have to complete at least 21 hours of DUI class. The classroom size for a Level II program is 15 participants max. The program instruction will center around the problems of convicts of this offense and their readiness level for treatment.

Can I lose my license for DUI?

Yes. License suspension is a mandatory consequence for driving under influence. In most cases, you will be required to complete a DUI program before your license can be reinstated.

Recommendations