Drink driving course

Drink driving course is a rehabilitation program mandated by a court to assist in preventing re-offending following a drink-driving conviction. Typically, it spans 16 hours over three days within a few weeks and addresses the impact of alcohol on driving, the legal repercussions of drink driving, and methods to avert future offences. Successfully completing the course may result in a reduction of the driving ban, generally by one-quarter.

What the course encompasses

Effects of alcohol: The course provides education on how alcohol influences your body, driving capabilities, and decision-making processes. It also addresses the effects experienced the morning after and the legal limits for alcohol consumption.
Legal and personal repercussions: Participants will gain insight into the penalties associated with drink driving, including disqualification, as well as the implications for victims involved in drink-driving incidents.
Behavioural modification: The course emphasises altering behaviour through self-evaluation and the formulation of strategies to prevent future offences. It also explores alternatives to drink driving and available support resources.
Delivery method: Courses are offered either in-person or through online platforms.
Operational procedure

Referral: A court must refer you to the course, which is mandatory for individuals convicted of a drink-driving offence and who have been banned from driving for a minimum of 12 months.

Registration and payment: You are required to register for the course and cover the costs yourself. Various payment options may be accessible.
Completion: Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate, and a copy will be forwarded to the court and the DVLA.
Driving ban reduction: Completing the course within the timeframe specified by the court makes you eligible for a reduction in your driving ban, typically by one-quarter. This reduction is subject to both minimum and maximum time limits.
Time constraints: A specific completion date is established, and the court does not allow for extensions, making it crucial too register early to ensure timely completion.
About the drink driving course. Reduce the length of your ban by a quarter. This course is there to help you to stop drink driving a motor vehicle again. The course is 16 hours long and normally takes place over 3 weeks. These courses are face to face. There will be other drink driving offenders with you on the course.

This course is only available to people who have been caught drinking whilst over the legal UK drink driving limit whilst in charge of a motor vehicle.

In the United Kingdom, a drink-driving course, formally referred to as the Drink-Drive Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS), is an educational initiative provided by the courts for individuals convicted of drink-driving offences. Its purpose is to modify behaviour and diminish the likelihood of reoffending.

Eligibility and referral

Court-referred only: You can only be referred to the course by a magistrate during your sentencing. The offer is typically made to offenders with a driving ban of 12 months or more.
Voluntary attendance: While the court refers you, attending the course is voluntary. However, you must accept the offer in court, as you cannot apply for it later.
Booking: Once the court issues a referral order, you will be contacted by an approved course provider to book your sessions. You are responsible for completing the course by the court-stipulated deadline.
Course structure and content

The course typically involves a minimum of 16 hours of sessions, often spread over three days across three weeks. It can be delivered face-to-face or remotely via platforms like Zoom. The course curriculum covers several key areas:

The effects of alcohol: How alcohol impacts your body, decision-making, and driving ability.
Legal consequences: Understanding the penalties, the law, and the “high-risk offender” scheme.
Personal impact: The personal, financial, and emotional consequences of drink-driving for yourself and others.
Behavioural change: Learning strategies to avoid future offences and understanding your relationship with alcohol.
No formal testing: While attendance and participation are mandatory, there is no formal exam.

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