DUI FAQs

DUI, Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction is an intervention program mandated by law.  The program is for people: 

• convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• possession of illegal drugs
• underage possession of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle
• or Boating Under the Influence (BUI).

It consists of two components: an assessment component and an intervention component. Both components must be successfully completed to obtain a certificate of completion.

All schools have strict attendance policies. The policies are outlined in the paperwork you sign when you contract with a school to attend one of its courses. You should arrive on time and complete each session.

Students that arrive late to any session can expect to be denied entry into class.  You may need to start the course over again and pay the full cost.  Also, students that are absent or leave early from any session may need to start the course over again, at full cost. Please consider the course schedule carefully. Take any potential scheduling conflicts you may have into account before signing a contract to attend.

Georgia's risk reduction course has two components. They are the Assessment Component (NEEDS Assessment) and the Intervention Component. Students must complete both to receive a Certificate of Completion.

• The Assessment Component is completed first. It is a 130-question comprehensive screening instrument. It evaluates the extent of an individual's alcohol and drug use and its impact on driving.
• The Intervention Component is administered after completion of the Assessment Component. It is a 20-hour course comprised of several sessions. Several days of lessons take place in a group environment. The Intervention Component offers therapeutic education and peer group counseling. This lesson covers alcohol, drug use, and their effects on driving.

DDS has approved the NEEDS Assessment Component for use in the State of Georgia. It is a copyrighted product of ADE, Inc.

It is a 130-question comprehensive screening instrument. It evaluates the extent of an individual's alcohol and drug use and its impact on driving.

Currently, DDS has approved the Prime for Life Intervention Component for use in the State of Georgia. This is a copyrighted product of Prevention Research Institute, Inc.

A complete list of all DDS certified Certified DUI Schools may be found on our website.

The time it takes to complete a course depends on a variety of factors. But, in most cases, the entire 20-hour course roughly takes less than a week. It is best to discuss course schedules and any specific needs or concerns you may have with the school you choose to attend.

The decision to issue a refund or make up a missed portion of the course is a matter between the student and the school he or she contracts with to take the course. All schools have strict attendance policies, which are in the student contracts you sign with the school.

Certificates of Completion from online DUI, Alcohol, or Drug Use Risk Reduction courses cannot be accepted by the DDS for any purposes related to an individual’s driver’s license or driving privileges.

Replacement certificates may be obtained from the school where you completed the DUI, Alcohol, or Drug Use Risk Reduction course for a fee of up to $20.00. If the school has closed, you will need to contact the DDS at (678) 413-8745 to obtain a replacement certificate. When requesting a replacement certificate from the DDS, please reference the name of the school you attended and the dates of the course. Please note that DDS rules and regulations only require schools to maintain student records for a period of five (5) years.

DDS rules and regulations require programs to have a minimum of 5 paid contracts for students planning to attend a scheduled course. The Intervention Component requires a great deal of group interaction. According to the Prevention Research Institute, this is difficult to achieve if fewer than 5 students are present. However, be mindful that there are occasions when students may fail to appear for a scheduled course. The rules give programs the discretion to cancel, reschedule, or proceed with a course if fewer than 5 students are present.

Yes. The DDS rules and regulations allow students to transfer assessment results between schools. Transfer is allowed under limited circumstances:

• A class for which a student has a signed intervention contract has been cancelled; or,
• The student has moved at least thirty (30) miles away from the school that he or she contracted with to attend. The school may charge a fee of up to $25 for transferring results of an Assessment Component due to student relocation; or,
• There is an emergency and prior approval by the Department has been obtained.

First, locate a school that offers your preferred class to confirm seat availability.

Next, obtain verbal approval from the DDS.  Approval can be obtained by contacting the DDS at (678) 413-8745. Please call between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays.

Once approval has been granted by the DDS, complete the Authorization for the Transfer and/or Release of Assessment Results form.

All complaints related to a school or instructor must be made in writing using the official DDS Complaint Form .

If your driving privileges are currently under suspension in another state or commonwealth based on a DUI conviction, you will be unable to obtain a Georgia license until all reinstatement requirements have been met and the suspension has been reinstated. Visit DUI School Guidelines for Other States and select your state.

The cost of a DUI, Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction course is set by law. The total cost of the course is $360.00. This includes the Assessment Component ($100.00), the Intervention Component ($235.00), and a workbook ($25.00).

It is recommended that if there is any question as to whether a particular out-of-state program will be accepted by the DDS:

1. You should review the DUI School Guidelines for Other States for acceptable classes.
2. You may call the DDS Customer Contact Center at (678) 413-8400 prior to enrollment.

Laws and regulations related to clinical evaluations and substance abuse treatment providers are administered by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).  Detailed FAQs related to clinical evaluations and substance abuse treatment providers can be found on their website. Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Documented proof of having completed a state-approved clinical evaluation is required of all persons that wish to reinstate a suspension of their Georgia driver’s license or driving privileges resulting from two or more convictions of driving under the influence within the past ten (10) years. Laws and regulations related to clinical evaluations and substance abuse treatment providers may be found on the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities website.