What a drug and alcohol course is and why you need one
A drug and alcohol course for your learner's permit is an educational program that teaches you about the effects of drugs and alcohol on driving ability, judgment, and safety. Most states require you to complete one before you can get your learner's permit or before you can move from a learner's permit to a regular driver's license. The course does not teach you to drive — it teaches you why impaired driving is dangerous and what the legal consequences are.
The requirement exists because impaired driving is a leading cause of traffic deaths. States use these courses to make sure new drivers understand the risks before they get behind the wheel. Completing the course is usually one of several steps you need to take, along with passing a written test and a driving test.
The course goes by different names depending on your state. You might see it called a substance abuse course, DUI education course, alcohol awareness course, or drug and alcohol awareness program. Some states call it part of a larger driver education program. The content and length vary by state, but they all cover similar ground: how alcohol and drugs affect reaction time, judgment, and coordination; the legal penalties for driving under the influence; and the risks to yourself and others.
Key Takeaways
- Most states require a drug and alcohol course before you can get a learner's permit or move to a full license, though the timing and rules vary by state.
- You can usually take the course online, in person, or sometimes through a combination of both, depending on what your state allows.
- The course typically takes between 2 and 8 hours to complete, and you will receive a certificate of completion that you submit to your state's motor vehicle department.
- Your state's motor vehicle agency website will tell you which courses are approved in your state and whether you must take it before or after getting your permit.
- Some courses cost nothing, while others charge a fee that ranges from about $15 to $100 depending on the provider and your state.
When you have to take the course
The timing depends on your state. In some states, you must complete the course before you can get your learner's permit. In others, you can get the permit first and then take the course before you get your full license. A few states do not require it at all for learner's permits but do require it if you are under a certain age (often 18 or 21) when you explore for your license.
Check your state's motor vehicle department website to find out the exact requirement for your situation. The website will tell you whether the course is a prerequisite for the permit, for the license, or for both. If you are under 18, your state may have different rules than for adults, so look for information about your specific age group.
If you are required to take the course before getting your permit, you will need to complete it and have your certificate in hand before you go to the motor vehicle office. If the course is required after you get your permit, you will have a important date — usually before you can schedule your driving test — so plan ahead and do not wait until the last minute.
Where to take the course and what format it comes in
Most states offer the course in three formats: online, in-person classroom, or a hybrid of both. Online courses are the most common option now and are often the fastest way to complete the requirement. You log in, watch videos or read material, answer questions, and print or read your certificate when you finish. In-person courses are held at driving schools, community colleges, or other approved locations and usually involve sitting in a classroom for a few hours while an instructor teaches the material.
Your state's motor vehicle department maintains a list of approved providers. You cannot just take any course — it has to be one that your state has approved, or it will not count toward your permit or license. Go to your state's motor vehicle website and search for "approved drug and alcohol courses" or "substance abuse education providers." The list will show you which providers are authorized, what format they offer, and often what they charge.
Some states allow you to take the course through your high school if you are a student there. Others require you to go through a private provider or community organization. If you are in school, ask your guidance counselor whether your school offers an approved course, as it may be free or cheaper than an outside provider.
How long the course takes and what it covers
The length varies by state but typically ranges from 2 to 8 hours. Some courses can be completed in one sitting, while others are broken into modules you can do over several days. Online courses often let you work at your own pace and pause whenever you need to, so you can spread the work across multiple sessions. In-person courses usually happen on a set schedule — for example, a 4-hour Saturday morning class — so you have to show up at a specific time.
The content is similar across states but may emphasize different aspects depending on local laws and concerns. Most courses cover: how alcohol affects the brain and body, how drugs (prescription, over-the-counter, and illegal) impair driving, the legal blood alcohol content limits and penalties for driving under the influence, the consequences of a DUI conviction, and the risks of distracted or impaired driving. Some courses also include information about peer pressure, decision-making, and how to recognize when someone else is impaired.
You will usually have to pass a quiz or test at the end to show you understood the material. The test is not difficult — it is designed to make sure you paid attention, not to trick you. If you do not pass on your first try, most providers let you retake it.
Cost and how to pay
The cost varies widely depending on your state and the provider you choose. Some courses are free, especially if you take them through your school or a nonprofit organization. Most online courses cost between $15 and $50. In-person courses at driving schools or community colleges may cost $30 to $100 or more. A few states subsidize courses for low-income students, so ask your provider or check your state's motor vehicle website to see if you may have access to for a discount.
Payment is usually online by credit card or debit card if you are taking an online course. For in-person courses, you may be able to pay online when you register or pay in cash or check on the day of the class. Some providers offer payment plans if the full cost is a hardship, so ask before you assume you cannot afford it.
Keep in mind that the course fee is separate from the fee to get your learner's permit or driver's license. You will have to pay both — the course fee to the course provider and the permit or license fee to your state's motor vehicle department.
What happens after you complete the course
When you finish, you will receive a certificate of completion. For online courses, you can usually print it right away or read it as a PDF. For in-person courses, the instructor will give you a paper copy or tell you how to get one. This certificate is your proof that you took the course.
You will need to bring this certificate with you when you go to the motor vehicle office to get your learner's permit or license. Some states let you submit it online before you go in person. Others require you to show the original or a copy at the office. A few states have the course provider send the completion record directly to the motor vehicle department, so you do not have to carry the certificate yourself — but do not assume this is the case. Check with your state to find out what you need to do.
Keep a copy of your certificate for your records, even after you submit it. If there is ever a question about whether you completed the course, you will have proof.
What to do if you cannot find an approved course in your area
If you live in a rural area or a state with few approved providers, you may have limited options. In this case, online courses are usually your best bet because you can take them from anywhere with an internet connection. Most states have at least one online provider that is approved statewide.
If you still cannot find a course, contact your state's motor vehicle department directly. Call the main number or use the contact form on their website and explain your situation. They can tell you whether there are any other approved providers you missed, whether you can take a course from a neighboring state, or whether there are any exceptions or alternatives for your circumstances.
Do not skip the course or try to get around the requirement. If you do, you will not be able to get your permit or license, and you may face fines or other penalties depending on your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take a drug and alcohol course if I am over 18?
It depends on your state. Some states require the course for all new drivers regardless of age. Others only require it for drivers under 18 or 21. Check your state's motor vehicle website or call their office to find out the rule for your age group.
Can I take a course from another state if my state does not have approved providers?
Rarely. Most states only accept courses from approved providers within their own state. However, if you have a genuine hardship, contact your state's motor vehicle department and ask whether they will make an exception. Some states have reciprocal agreements with neighboring states, but you have to ask first.
What if I fail the test at the end of the course?
You can retake it. Most providers let you try again right away or after a short waiting period. There is usually no extra charge for a retake. The test is designed to be passable if you paid attention to the material, so if you fail, review the content and try again.
How long is the certificate valid?
This varies by state. Some certificates are valid for a set period, like one or two years. Others are valid indefinitely. Check your certificate or ask your provider how long it is good for, and make sure you use it before it expires.
Can I take the course online if my state requires an in-person course?
Only if your state's rules allow it. Some states require in-person instruction, while others accept online courses. Check your state's list of approved providers to see which formats are allowed. If only in-person is approved, you will have to take it that way.