What DUI school is and why courts require it

DUI school — also called a DUI education program or alcohol awareness course — is a classroom-based program that courts order you to complete as part of a DUI conviction or arrest. The program teaches how alcohol and drugs affect judgment, reaction time, and driving ability. It is not the same as a treatment program for substance abuse, though some people need both.

Courts require DUI school because research shows that education reduces repeat offenses. The program typically runs between 4 and 12 weeks depending on your state and the severity of your case. You pay the program directly — costs range widely by location and program length, but you should expect to budget for tuition when you receive your court order.

Your court paperwork will specify whether DUI school is mandatory or recommended, and whether you must complete it before a certain date. Some courts will not reinstate your license until you show proof of completion, so timing matters.

Key Takeaways

  • DUI school is a court-ordered education program you must complete and pay for yourself, with costs and length varying by state and program.
  • Your court order will state the important date and whether completion is required before license reinstatement.
  • Programs are run by private schools, community colleges, and nonprofits — not by the court itself — so you choose from approved providers in your area.
  • You can search your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call your local court to get a list of approved schools near you.
  • Some programs offer online or evening classes if your schedule does not allow daytime attendance.

How to find approved DUI schools in your location

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains a list of schools approved to teach DUI education. Start by visiting your state DMV website and searching for "DUI school" or "alcohol awareness program." Most states publish a searchable directory with school names, addresses, phone numbers, and sometimes class schedules.

If you cannot find the list online, call your local DMV office directly. They can tell you which schools are approved and operating near you. You can also contact the court that issued your DUI order — the clerk's office usually has a list of approved providers they refer people to regularly.

When you call a school, ask about class schedules, cost, how long the program takes, and whether they offer online or evening options. Some schools fill up quickly, so calling early matters if you have a important date.

What to expect during the program

DUI school classes typically meet once or twice a week for 2 to 4 hours per session. The curriculum covers how alcohol impairs driving, the legal consequences of DUI, insurance and financial impacts, and sometimes victim impact stories. Many programs include a written test or final assessment to confirm you understood the material.

You will receive a certificate of completion when you finish all sessions and pass any required assessment. This certificate is what you show to the court or DMV to prove you met the requirement. Keep a copy for your records and submit the original to whoever your court order specifies — usually the court clerk or your probation officer.

Attendance is mandatory. Missing classes can result in the program reporting you to the court, which may extend your probation or delay license reinstatement. If you have a scheduling conflict, contact the school when ready to ask about makeup sessions or transferring to a different class time.

Online versus in-person DUI school

Many states now allow online DUI education, though not all do. Online programs let you complete coursework on your own schedule, usually within a set timeframe like 30 or 60 days. You watch videos, read material, and take quizzes from home. Some online programs still require you to attend one in-person session or proctored test.

In-person classes happen at a physical location on set days and times. They allow instructors to answer questions directly and sometimes include group discussion. In-person programs may feel more structured if you learn better with a set schedule.

Check your court order to see whether online is permitted in your case. Some courts require in-person attendance, especially for first-time offenders or more serious charges. Call the school to confirm what your state and court allow before you register.

Cost and payment options

DUI school tuition varies significantly by state and program length. A basic 4-week program might cost $300 to $500, while a longer program can run $800 to $1,500 or more. Some schools charge per session rather than a flat fee. Ask about the total cost upfront so you can budget.

Most schools accept cash, check, credit card, or money order. Some offer payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount at once — ask when you call. A few nonprofits or community colleges may offer reduced-cost programs based on income, though this is not common. Your court will not pay for the program, and neither will your insurance.

Keep your receipt and proof of payment. You will need it to show the court that you completed the program.

What happens after you finish

When you complete the program, the school will issue a certificate of completion. You are responsible for submitting this certificate to whoever your court order specifies — usually the court clerk, your probation officer, or the DMV. Do not assume the school will send it on your behalf; confirm with the school who they report to and follow up yourself.

In many states, completing DUI school is one of several requirements for license reinstatement. You may also need to pay fines, complete probation, install an ignition interlock device, or carry SR-22 insurance. Your court order will list all requirements and the order in which they must be completed.

Keep a copy of your certificate for your records. If the court or DMV later claims they did not receive it, you will have proof that you completed the program on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose any DUI school or does it have to be the one the court recommends?

You can choose any school on your state's approved list, not just the one the court mentions. However, confirm with the court that your chosen school is state-approved before you register. Some courts have preferences, so it is worth asking.

What if I cannot afford DUI school right now?

Contact the school and ask about payment plans. Some allow you to pay in installments over several weeks. If cost is a genuine hardship, ask the court clerk whether you can request a fee waiver or reduction, though courts rarely grant these for DUI school. Community colleges sometimes offer lower-cost programs than private schools.

Do I have to tell my employer I am taking DUI school?

No. DUI school is between you and the court. Your employer does not have access to this information unless you tell them. However, if the program requires daytime attendance and you need time off work, you will need to manage that conversation yourself.

What if I move to a different state before I finish?

Contact the court that issued the order when ready. Some states have reciprocal agreements that allow you to complete the program in your new state. Others require you to return to the original state or transfer your case. Do not ignore this — failing to complete an ordered program can result in a warrant for your arrest.

Can I get the DUI school requirement removed from my record?

No. Completing the program does not erase your DUI record. It fulfills a court requirement, but the conviction or arrest itself remains on your driving record. You may be able to have the record sealed or expunged through a separate legal process, which is different from DUI school.