What online alcohol and drug courses cost and where to find them
Online alcohol and drug courses for your learner's permit typically cost between $15 and $50, depending on your state and which provider you choose. These courses are sometimes called DUI education, substance abuse education, or drug and alcohol awareness courses. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or licensing authority sets which courses they accept, so you cannot take just any course — it has to be one they have approved.
The cheapest options are usually state-run courses or courses offered through community colleges. Private online providers often charge more but may offer faster completion times. Before you pay for any course, check your state's DMV website to see the list of approved providers in your area, because taking an unapproved course means you will have to take it again.
Some states require the course before you can get your learner's permit. Others require it only if you have been cited for a substance-related offense or failed a drug or alcohol test. A few states do not require it at all for a learner's permit, though they may require it later for a full license. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether the course is required for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Online alcohol and drug courses cost $15 to $50 and must be approved by your state's DMV before you enroll.
- Completion typically takes 1 to 4 hours depending on the course length your state requires.
- You will receive a certificate of completion that you submit to the DMV as proof you finished the course.
- Some states require the course before issuing a learner's permit; others require it only after a substance-related citation or test failure.
- The cheapest courses are usually offered by your state directly or through community colleges.
How to find approved courses in your state
Start by visiting your state's DMV website and searching for "approved alcohol and drug courses" or "substance abuse education providers." Most states maintain a searchable list of approved vendors. If you cannot find the list online, call your local DMV office and ask them to email or mail you the list of approved providers.
When you look at the list, note which providers offer online courses versus in-person only. Some states allow online completion for the entire course, while others require you to attend part of it in person. The DMV website should say which format is allowed in your state. If it does not, call the provider directly before you pay.
Read the course description carefully to see how long completion takes. Some courses can be finished in one sitting; others require you to log in over multiple days. If you need your permit quickly, choose a provider that offers same-day or next-day completion. Check whether the provider will email your certificate when ready after you finish or whether there is a delay.
What happens during the course
Online alcohol and drug courses are educational, not punitive. You will watch videos or read material about how alcohol and drugs affect judgment, reaction time, and decision-making. The course covers the legal consequences of driving under the influence, the science of impairment, and how to recognize when you or someone else should not drive.
Most courses include a quiz or test at the end to make sure you understood the material. You usually need to score 70 or 80 percent to pass, depending on your state. If you fail, you can retake the quiz, often at no extra cost. Some courses let you retake it when ready; others make you wait 24 hours.
The course does not ask you to confess to anything or report your own behavior. It is informational. Once you finish and pass, you receive a certificate of completion with a course number and the date you finished. You will need this certificate when you go to the DMV.
How to submit your certificate to the DMV
After you finish the course, the provider will give you a certificate of completion. Print it or save it as a PDF. Some providers email it automatically; others require you to read it from your account. Keep the original or a clear copy.
When you go to the DMV to get or renew your learner's permit, bring the certificate with you. You may also be able to submit it online through your state's DMV portal if your state offers online permit applications. Check the DMV website to see whether you can upload it or whether you have to show it in person.
If you submit the certificate online and the DMV approves it, you may be able to get your permit without visiting an office. If you have to go in person, bring the certificate along with your other required documents — usually a birth certificate, proof of residency, and a photo ID or passport.
Differences between state requirements
Some states require a 2-hour course, others require 4 hours, and a few require 6 or more hours. The length depends on your state's law and sometimes on whether you have a prior offense. Check your state's DMV website to find out the exact requirement for you.
A few states allow you to take the course before you explore for your permit; others require you to explore first and then take the course within a certain time frame. Some states let you take it online completely; others require at least part of it to be in person or over the phone with an instructor. These rules vary widely, so do not assume what worked in another state will work in yours.
A small number of states do not require an alcohol and drug course for a learner's permit at all. If your state is one of them, you may still be required to take one later if you are cited for a substance-related offense or if you want to upgrade to a commercial driver's license.
What to do if you cannot afford the course
If the course fee is a hardship, contact your local DMV office and ask whether they offer a reduced-cost or free course. Some states and counties fund free courses through public health departments or community colleges. You may have to attend in person rather than online, but the cost will be zero or very low.
Some community colleges offer the course as part of their continuing education program and charge less than private providers. Call the continuing education or community services department at your local college and ask whether they offer an alcohol and drug awareness course and what it costs.
If you are a student, ask your school's counselor whether they know of low-cost options. Some schools have partnerships with local providers that offer discounts to students. If you are unemployed or receiving public information, some providers offer sliding-scale fees — you pay what you can afford.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is taking a course that is not on your state's approved list. You will waste your money and time, and you will have to take an approved course anyway. Always check the DMV website first and confirm the provider is listed before you pay.
Another mistake is not reading the course requirements carefully. Some courses require you to complete them within a certain number of days of enrolling, or they expire. Others require you to finish by a specific date. If you miss the important date, you may have to take the course again. Read the fine print before you start.
Do not assume your certificate is automatically sent to the DMV. In most cases, you have to bring it or submit it yourself. If you lose the certificate, contact the provider and ask for a replacement. Keep a copy for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the course on my phone, or do I need a computer?
Most online courses work on both phones and computers, but check the provider's website to be sure. Some courses are optimized for computers and may be difficult to navigate on a small screen. If you plan to use your phone, test it on the provider's website before you pay.
How long does the certificate stay valid?
This varies by state. Some states accept a certificate for one year from the date of completion; others accept it for longer. Check your state's DMV website or ask the course provider how long your certificate will be valid before you take the course.
What if I fail the quiz at the end of the course?
You can retake the quiz, usually at no extra cost. Most providers let you retake it when ready or after a short waiting period. You do not have to pay the course fee again — only the quiz retake, if there is a fee at all.
Do I have to take this course if I already took one in another state?
Each state sets its own requirements, and most do not accept courses from other states. If you moved to a new state, contact that state's DMV and ask whether they will accept your previous certificate. In most cases, you will need to take the course again in your new state.
Can I get my learner's permit without taking this course?
That depends on your state and your situation. Some states do not require the course for a learner's permit at all. Others require it only if you have been cited for a substance-related offense. Check your state's DMV website or call your local DMV office to find out whether the course is required for you.