If you have been convicted of a DUI in California, you may be required to complete a mandatory alcohol education program, commonly known as DUI school or a California DUI program.
DUI school is not the same as ordinary traffic school. California DUI programs are specifically designed to provide alcohol and drug education and counseling to people who are required to complete a program following certain DUI-related convictions.
The length of the program depends on the type of conviction and the circumstances of the case. California DUI programs can range from a 12-hour program to a 30-month program.
Understanding which program applies to your situation is important. Completing the wrong type of class or failing to complete a required program may create additional problems with court or probation requirements.
This guide explains California DUI school requirements, program lengths, costs, enrollment, online classes, completion, and other common questions.
What Is DUI School in California?
A California DUI program is a state-licensed alcohol and drug education and counseling program.
The program is designed to help participants understand the risks and consequences associated with impaired driving and address behaviors involving alcohol or drug use.
Depending on the program, DUI school may include:
Alcohol and drug education
Group counseling
Individual interviews
Behavioral discussions
Community reentry monitoring
Community service for certain longer programs
The requirements depend on the specific DUI program ordered or required in the case.
Is DUI School Mandatory in California?
Yes, when a court or applicable California requirement requires a person to complete a DUI program, the person must complete the required program.
DUI education may be required following certain DUI convictions, including first and subsequent offenses. The specific program depends on factors such as:
The type of DUI conviction
Prior qualifying DUI convictions
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
The circumstances of the offense
The sentence imposed by the court
A DUI arrest by itself does not necessarily mean that a person must complete the same DUI program as someone who is convicted.
How Long Is DUI School in California?
California has several DUI program requirements. The appropriate program depends on the person’s conviction and circumstances.
12-Hour DUI Program
A qualifying wet reckless conviction can require completion of a 12-hour DUI education program.
A wet reckless is different from a standard DUI conviction, so the education requirement is also different.
3-Month DUI Program
The standard program for many first-time DUI offenders is a three-month, 30-hour alcohol and drug education and counseling program.
This is commonly referred to as the California first-offender DUI program.
For example, someone convicted of a first DUI without circumstances requiring a longer program may be ordered to complete the three-month program.
9-Month DUI Program
Certain first-time DUI offenders with a BAC of 0.20% or higher are required to complete a longer nine-month, 60-hour alcohol and drug education and counseling program.
This means that not every first DUI conviction results in the standard three-month program.
18-Month DUI Program
People with qualifying repeat DUI offenses may be required to complete an 18-month multiple-offender program.
The program generally includes:
52 hours of group counseling
12 hours of alcohol and drug education
6 hours of community reentry monitoring
Biweekly individual interviews during the first 12 months
30-Month DUI Program
Certain people with third or subsequent DUI offenses may be required to complete a 30-month DUI program.
The program can include:
78 hours of group counseling
12 hours of alcohol and drug education
120 to 300 hours of community service
Regular individual interviews
The 30-month program is not available in every county, so individuals who need this program should verify where an appropriate program is available.
What Do You Learn in DUI School?
California DUI school generally focuses on alcohol and drug use, impaired driving, and behavioral decision-making.
Topics may include:
How alcohol affects driving ability
How drugs can affect driving
Impaired judgment and reaction time
The risks of driving under the influence
Alcohol and drug-use patterns
Attitudes toward drinking and driving
Personal responsibility
Strategies for preventing another DUI
Longer programs include additional counseling, monitoring, and other requirements.
DUI school is therefore more than a basic traffic class. It combines education with counseling designed specifically for alcohol- and drug-related driving offenses.
Can You Take DUI School Online in California?
This is an important distinction.
California does not license generic internet DUI programs. Therefore, an online course advertised as a general DUI class should not automatically be assumed to satisfy a California DUI-program requirement.
However, California allows properly licensed DUI programs to provide certain services virtually when they meet applicable state requirements.
Before enrolling in an online or virtual program, confirm that:
The provider is a California-licensed DUI program.
It offers the specific program required in your case.
Its virtual services comply with California requirements.
The provider can issue the documentation required for completion.
Do not pay for an online course simply because it advertises itself as a “California DUI class.” Verify that it is an appropriate licensed program first.
How Do I Find a California DUI School?
California DUI programs are licensed and regulated by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
When selecting a program, verify that the provider:
Is currently licensed in California.
Offers the required program length.
Accepts participants in your area.
Provides the required enrollment documentation.
Can document successful completion.
It is particularly important to make sure you enroll in the correct program. A three-month class, for example, would not satisfy a requirement for a nine-, 18-, or 30-month program.
How Much Does DUI School Cost in California?
The cost of DUI school depends on the type and length of the required program and applicable state-approved fees.
California regulates fees charged by licensed DUI programs. The cost of a three-month program can therefore differ from the cost of a longer program.
Before enrolling, ask the program about:
Total program cost
Enrollment fees
Payment arrangements
Approved additional fees
Financial-assessment options
Can You Get Help Paying for DUI School?
Potentially.
California provides a financial-assessment process for participants who may have difficulty paying the required DUI-program fees.
Depending on the financial assessment, a participant may qualify for reduced fees or payment arrangements permitted under California’s requirements.
If you cannot afford the program, ask the licensed DUI provider about its financial-assessment process rather than simply failing to enroll.
How Do You Enroll in DUI School?
The enrollment process generally begins by identifying the program you are required to complete and locating an appropriately licensed provider.
You may need information such as:
Court paperwork
Probation documents
DUI conviction information
Driver’s-license information
Identification
The provider can explain its enrollment procedures and tell you what documents it requires.
If you are unsure whether you need a three-month, nine-month, 18-month, or 30-month program, review your court documents and obtain clarification before enrolling.
What Happens After You Complete DUI School?
After successfully completing the required program, the DUI provider documents your completion.
California uses specific documentation for DUI-program enrollment and completion, including the Proof of Enrollment Certificate (DL 107) and Notice of Completion Certificate (DL 101).
Keep copies of your completion records.
If your DUI program is required as part of probation or another legal requirement, proper documentation can be important to demonstrate that you completed the program.
What Happens If You Do Not Complete DUI School?
Failing to complete a required DUI program can result in additional problems.
If completion is a condition of probation, failing to comply can potentially lead to a probation issue. It can also interfere with requirements connected to the DUI case.
If you are having difficulty completing the program because of scheduling, transportation, financial problems, or another issue, contact the program as soon as possible.
Do not simply stop attending without understanding the consequences.
Can You Change DUI Schools?
A person may have circumstances that require transferring from one DUI program to another.
Before changing programs, confirm:
How many hours you have completed
Whether completed work can be transferred
Whether the new provider offers the same program
What documentation must be transferred
Whether the transfer could affect any applicable deadline
Do not assume that all completed classes automatically transfer to another provider.
DUI School vs. Traffic School
DUI school and traffic school are different.
Traffic school generally addresses qualifying traffic violations.
DUI school is specifically designed for people required to complete alcohol and drug education and counseling following certain DUI-related convictions.
Completing ordinary traffic school should not be assumed to satisfy a mandatory California DUI-program requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours is California DUI school?
The number of required hours depends on the program. A standard first-offender program is generally 30 hours over three months. Other programs have substantially different requirements.
How long is a first-offender DUI class in California?
Many first-time DUI offenders are required to complete a three-month program. However, certain first offenders, including those with a BAC of 0.20% or higher, may be required to complete the nine-month program.
Is DUI school required for a wet reckless?
A qualifying wet reckless conviction can require a 12-hour DUI education program.
Can I take a DUI class online?
Do not assume that any online DUI course satisfies California’s requirements. Generic internet DUI programs are not licensed by California DHCS. Certain licensed DUI programs may provide authorized services virtually.
How much does DUI school cost?
The cost depends on the required program and applicable California fee requirements. Ask the licensed provider for its current fees and available payment or financial-assessment options.
What happens if I miss DUI classes?
The consequences depend on the program’s policies and your legal requirements. If you miss classes, contact the program promptly to determine whether the sessions can be made up and whether your absence could affect completion.
Can I choose any DUI school?
You should choose a provider that is properly licensed and offers the specific California DUI program you are required to complete.
Does DUI school remove a DUI conviction?
No. Completing DUI school satisfies an education or counseling requirement; it does not automatically erase a DUI conviction.
Key Takeaways
California mandatory alcohol education programs vary depending on the offense and circumstances.
The key points are:
DUI school is different from ordinary traffic school.
California DUI programs are licensed and regulated by DHCS.
A qualifying wet reckless can require a 12-hour program.
A standard first-offender DUI program is generally three months and 30 hours.
Certain first offenders with a BAC of 0.20% or higher must complete a nine-month, 60-hour program.
Qualifying repeat offenders may be required to complete an 18-month program.
Certain third or subsequent offenders may be required to complete a 30-month program.
Generic online DUI courses are not automatically acceptable.
Properly licensed DUI programs may provide certain authorized services virtually.
Program fees depend on the required program and applicable California fee rules.
Financial-assessment options may be available for people who have difficulty paying.
Participants should keep documentation of enrollment and completion.
Failing to complete a required program can create additional legal or probation-related problems.
Contact Southwest Legal
Need Help Understanding Your California DUI Requirements?
DUI school requirements can vary significantly depending on the conviction, prior DUI history, BAC, and court requirements. Choosing the correct program and completing it properly can be an important part of complying with your obligations.
If you are unsure what DUI program you need or have questions about the legal requirements connected to your DUI case, Southwest Legal can help you understand the process and your available options.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Take the next step toward understanding your California DUI matter, the requirements you may face, and what to expect throughout the process.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. California laws and administrative requirements may change, and the requirements for a particular person depend on the facts and circumstances of the case. No outcome is guaranteed.