DUI Classes in California: Cost, Length, & Requirements

What Are DUI Classes in California?

DUI classes are alcohol programs designed to deter drivers who have been charged with driving under the influence from reoffending in the future. As a court-ordered program, they are a mandatory part of the DUI sentence, and you must attend the classes to:

• Apply for a restricted license.
• Complete your probation.
• Have your full license reinstated.

Review our dedicated sentencing page to review the full extent of DUI consequences.

How Long Are DUI Classes in California?

DUI school length varies based on the specifics of your charges, including BAC, criminal record, and where the charges are filed. Specifically:

Here’s a little more information on each course:

• 12-Hour Course (SB 1176): Only available to those convicted of certain drug DUI cases or wet reckless charges with a blood alcohol level below 0.07%. Though those caught with a over BAC 0.08% convicted of wet reckless can take a 12 hour DUI course, the DMV requires them to take a 3-month class to get a restricted license.
• 3-Month (30 Hours) Course (AB 541): Required for most first-time DUI offenders in San Diego.
• 6-Month (45 Hours) Course (AB 762): Available for first-time offenders with a BAC between 0.15% and 0.19%, if the judge decides to assign a longer program.
• 9-Month (60 Hours) Course (AB 1353): Assigned to first-time DUI offenders with a BAC above 0.20% or to anyone who receives a second wet reckless conviction.
• 18-Month (76.5 Hours) Course (SB 38): Required for those with a second or subsequent DUI conviction. Those convicted of three or more DUIs may be sentenced to even longer programs at the judge’s discretion.
• 30-Month (90 Hours) Course (SB 1365): These programs are not required by state law, but judges sometimes assign these extra-long classes to those who have been convicted of three or more DUIs in 10 years or those who have a second DUI with a BAC above 0.20%.

Not all counties offer all programs. “In San Diego County, there are no 6-month or 30-month-long DUI classes,” explains attorney Liss. “Instead, first-time DUI offenders will be sentenced to a 3-month class if their BAC was at or below 0.19%.” Anyone convicted of a second or subsequent DUI in San Diego must go through the 18-month-long program.

What Happens in DUI Classes?

California DUI education programs meet weekly or bi-weekly and typically include several different activities designed to prevent repeat offenses. When you attend a DUI class, you’ll receive:

• One-on-one sessions with counselors.
• Group counseling on substance abuse.
• Education about the impact of drunk driving, including discussions, lectures, and videos.
• Information on alcohol and drug abuse and how they impact your ability to drive safely.

Attendance is mandatory for all activities, but you only need to actively participate in one-on-one sessions.

DUI School Requirements in California

To continue participating and complete the program, you must be sober at all meetings. If you are suspected of attending while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be asked to take a drug or alcohol test. If you fail or refuse, you may be dropped from the program.

You can also be dropped from the course if you:

• Are disruptive
• Sleep during the class
• Threaten or harm another student or the instructor
• Miss too many classes

What Happens If You Miss a DUI Class?

The court understands that people can get sick or have personal emergencies that may make it impossible to attend every session. You are allowed to miss a certain number of classes as long as you make up the sessions before obtaining your certificate of completion.

The longer the course, the more classes you can miss before being dropped from the program. For example, if you are in a 12-hour program, you can miss two sessions, but in a 30-month course, up to 15 absences are permitted. The programs typically charge an absence fee for missed sessions.

If you miss too many sessions or fail to make up missed sessions, the DUI school will notify the court and DMV, which may cause you to lose your restricted license and violate your probation.

Because the consequences can escalate quickly, speak with your lawyer if you are having trouble completing your classes.

What Happens If You Don’t Complete DUI Classes?

Failing to complete the DUI classes by the court-specified time frame is a probation violation. When this happens, a warrant is issued for your arrest, and you must attend a probation hearing.

Without a good excuse for not completing DUI classes, you may face additional penalties, up to the maximum sentence:

• Being sent to jail.
• Having your probation period extended.
• Having your license suspension extended.
• Losing your ability to obtain a restricted license.
• Having your existing restricted license suspended.
• Being unable to get your license reinstated.

If you have a good reason for failing to complete your classes, for example, you had a long-term medical or family emergency, your lawyer can explain this to the court, and you may be able to avoid additional penalties.

How Much Do DUI Classes Cost in California?

DUI program costs depend on your course, county, and school. Average costs per program are:

• $200-$300 for a 12-hour program
• $400-$850 for a 3-month class
• $750-$950 for a 6-month course
• $1,000-$1,850 for a 9-month program
• $1,550-$2,600 for an 18-month class
• Upwards of $3,000 for a 30-month course

California requires providers to offer financial assistance programs to those who cannot afford to pay full price.

How Do You Enroll in DUI Classes in California?

Research programs carefully before enrolling. Many sites claim to offer online DUI programs, but only schools licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) are legitimate. The DHCS does not license online-only providers. To enroll:

• Obtain a referral from the court or your driving record from the DMV.
• Pay the enrollment fee (you can usually do payment plans to cover the full cost of the program).
• Complete an intake interview.
• Start attending sessions.

If you have questions about enrollment, including which class to choose, your attorney can assist you.

Can You Take DUI Classes Online in California?

No. Unfortunately, the California DHCS does not license any online-only DUI courses.¹ If you take a random DUI class advertised online, it will almost certainly not meet the requirements set by the California DHCS, meaning it will just end up costing you money and not count towards your probation.

While at least some part of your course must be in person, some schools offer hybrid programs with certain services offered on video platforms. Before starting a hybrid program, your initial intake interview will always be online.

Can You Take DUI Classes Before You’re Convicted in Court?

Yes. Some drivers enroll in DUI classes before their case is resolved. Doing so can help you get a restricted license more quickly. Enrolling in advance can also show that you are proactively seeking rehabilitation, which could potentially help you secure a more lenient sentence.

DMV-Approved DUI Classes in San Diego County

There are only four accepted DUI courses in San Diego, with one in each region.² Specifically:

Do DUI Classes Affect Your License?

Yes. To obtain a restricted license, you must enroll in a DUI program. You must complete the course before your full license can be reinstated.

Read about the other requirements for a restricted license here.

What Is the MADD Victim Impact Panel?

In addition to court-ordered DUI school, judges may also order offenders to attend a 1-2-hour-long Victim Impact Panel (VIP). These programs are put on by the anti-drunk driving association known as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

At a victim impact panel, you hear personal accounts from people victimized by drugged and drunk driving. The goal is to show the real, life-changing consequences of driving under the influence. The programs may also include visuals depicting shocking footage from drunk driving crashes and presentations by law enforcement officials.

Is the MADD Victim Impact Panel Required for Every DUI?

No. While judges and prosecutors often require the panel as part of a probation agreement, it is simply an option they have for sentencing and plea bargains. “In San Diego County courts, judges are more likely to order first-time offenders to attend the program,” says Liss, “though those with prior offenses may also be required to attend.”

How Much Does the MADD VIP Program Cost?

Fees vary by county. In San Diego, the panel costs $60. As a voluntary donation to MADD, you may choose not to pay if you wish.

What If I Don’t Attend the MADD VIP Class?

If you were sentenced to attend a victim impact panel as part of your probation, not attending would be a violation of your probation, which could result in additional penalties, such as additional jail time and fines. While you can fight probation violations, it’s generally a lot easier and cheaper to attend the panel than risk violating your probation.

“Because San Diego and virtual MADD panels often fill up quickly,” explains Liss, “if your probation hearing attorney can show that you made a good-faith effort to attend a session, you may be able to avoid any additional penalties.”

Can MADD VIP Programs be Taken Online?

Yes. Some, but not all, California courts accept virtual attendance at DUI Victim Impact Panels. Register early, as these panels fill up quickly.

Where Can I Attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel in Person in San Diego?

English- and Spanish-language MADD classes are held once a month at courthouses in San Diego County. Most DUI offenders in North County will probably choose to attend a session in Vista, where they are held at the North County courthouse across from attorney Peter Liss’ office.

Try to register as soon as you are sentenced to attend a panel, as these sessions fill up quickly.

Can an Attorney Help Reduce DUI Classes?

Yes. A plea bargain can help reduce your DUI charges, meaning you can spend less time in these classes. For example, a plea deal could reduce a DUI class from the 30-hour (3-month) course required for a first offender to an optional 12-hour wet reckless program needed only to obtain a restricted license in California. If a lawyer can get the 0.20% BAC enhancement dropped, the mandatory 9-month (60-hour class) could be reduced to only 3 months (30 hours).

In some rare cases, when an attorney gets DUI charges dropped or secures an acquittal, their clients can avoid participating in these programs altogether.

Call DUI Lawyer Peter Liss Today

Contact an attorney as soon as possible after you have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Your lawyer can play an important role in minimizing the number of DUI school hours you must attend and may be able to help you avoid being sentenced to attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel.

If you are accused of drunk driving or have any questions about these court-ordered DUI programs, please call (760) 643-4050 to schedule a free consultation with Peter M. Liss.