If you’ve been arrested or convicted of DUI in Los Angeles, you will usually be required to complete DUI school as part of your sentence. In many cases, you may also be required to enroll to get your driver’s license reinstated after a suspension by the DMV (California Department of Motor Vehicles).
DUI school is a state-approved alcohol education program designed to reduce repeat DUI offenses and help drivers better understand the dangers of impaired driving.
In Los Angeles County, DUI school programs are regulated by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and must be completed through a licensed provider.
This guide will explain:
- What DUI school is
- How long DUI programs last in California
- How much DUI school costs in Los Angeles
- Where to enroll in a licensed program
- What happens if you fail to complete DUI school
Key Takeaways
- Proof of DUI school enrollment is often required after a DUI conviction or a DMV administrative license suspension
- Programs typically last 3, 6, 9, 18, or 30 months
- Costs typically range between $600 and $3,000, depending on the length of the program
What is DUI School in California?
DUI school is a court-ordered alcohol and drug education program for drivers who have been convicted of driving under the influence.
The goals of the program are to:
- Reduce repeat offenses
- Educate drivers about impairment from drugs and/or alcohol
- Monitor compliance with DUI sentencing requirements
- Encourage safe driving behaviors
Participants must typically attend:
- Educational classes
- Group counseling sessions
- Individual assessments
- Alcohol and drug awareness programs
Courts will typically require completion of the program, while the DMV may require proof of enrollment or completion depending on the type of license suspension.
If you fail to complete the program, your driver’s license could be suspended or it could be considered a probation violation.
Do You Have to Take DUI School in Los Angeles?
Often, yes. Most DUI convictions in Los Angeles require completion of a state-approved DUI education program. The length of the program typically varies from three to 30 months, depending on the offense and whether you have a prior history of DUI.
How Long is DUI School in Los Angeles?
The length of the DUI school program depends on the offense, the type of conviction, and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Common DUI Programs and Lengths
|
DUI program |
Length |
Typical situation |
|
AB541 program |
3 months |
First-time DUI with a BAC under 0.20% |
|
AB762 program |
6 months |
Usually ordered for DUIs involving a BAC over 0.15% |
|
AB1353 program |
9 months |
Typically ordered for a BAC of 0.20% or above and/or testing refusals. |
|
SB38 program |
18 months |
Second DUI offense |
|
SB1365 program |
30 months |
Third or subsequent DUI offense within 10 years |
Important: Judges sometimes impose AB762 even slightly below .20 depending on the case.
A judge may order completion of a longer program depending on:
- Prior DUI convictions
- BAC level
- Probation conditions
- Whether someone was injured during the incident
Related: Penalties for a first DUI in Los Angeles
How Many Hours is DUI School in California?
The total number of hours depends on the length of the program ordered by the court.
|
Program |
Number of hours |
|
3-month program (AB541) |
About 30 hours |
|
6-month program (AB762) |
About 45 hours |
|
9-month program (AB1353) |
About 60 hours |
|
18-month program (SB38) |
About 78 hours |
|
30-month program (SB1365) |
More than 100 hours |
Attendance is mandatory, and missing sessions may result in extra fees or program dismissal.
Related: DUI penalties in Los Angeles County
How Much Does DUI School Cost in Los Angeles?
The total cost depends on the length of the program, but state regulations cap the maximum fees a DUI education program can charge.
|
Program length |
Cost |
|
3 months |
$600 to $800 |
|
6 months |
$900 to $1,200 |
|
9 months |
$1,200 to $1,800 |
|
18 months |
$1,800 to $2,500 |
|
30 months |
$3,000+ |
Most programs allow payment plans, though you should expect to pay an upfront enrollment fee. Some providers offer reduced rates for low-income participants.
Can You Transfer DUI School to Another County?
Yes, in some cases. If you move while enrolled in DUI school, you may be able to transfer to another licensed program provider in California.
This process typically requires:
- Approval from your current program provider
- Acceptance into the new program
- Payment of a program transfer fee
- Updated paperwork submitted to the court or DMV
Not all programs allow transfers, so you need to contact your DUI school provider before attempting to transfer.
Licensed DUI School Programs in Los Angeles County
Drivers who are ordered to complete DUI school in Los Angeles must enroll in a California-licensed DUI program provider approved by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
The map below shows approved DUI education programs throughout Los Angeles County. These schools provide first offender, 18-month, and 30-month DUI classes required by California courts and the DMV.
The DMV and court will only accept state-approved programs. You cannot take DUI school through:
- Online programs that aren’t approved by the state of California
- Unlicensed providers
Out-of-state programs are generally not accepted unless specifically approved by the California DMV.
Can You Take DUI School Online in California?
California usually requires DUI school to be completed either in-person or through a hybrid program, but any program you choose must be approved by the state.
California does not allow drivers to complete DUI school through online-only courses that are not part of a licensed DUI program provider.
Can Out of State Drivers Take DUI School for a California DUI?
Yes, but the process may be complicated.
California courts often require DUI school through a state-licensed provider. However, drivers who live out of state may be allowed to complete a comparable alcohol education program in their home state.
Not all courts allow this option, so you’ll need to discuss this with your DUI lawyer.
What Happens During DUI School?
DUI school programs will include a combination of:
- Alcohol and drug education, covering topics including the risks of impaired driving, the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body, decision-making and responsible alcohol consumption, and DUI laws in California.
- Group counseling, including sessions on driving safety, substance abuse behaviors, and personal accountability
- Monitoring and attendance, tracking participation, and compliance with court requirements
Missing classes may lead to:
- DMV license suspension
- Court violations
- Program termination
What Happens if You Don’t Complete DUI School?
The program provider will report any noncompliance, and the consequences can be serious, with penalties including:
- Driver’s license suspension
- Additional fines
- A probation violation
- Possible jail time
Do You Need to Finish DUI School to Get Your License Back?
In many cases, yes.
To get your license reinstated after a DUI, you’re often required to:
- Provide proof of enrollment in a licensed DUI program (Form DL 107)
- File proof of SR-22 car insurance
- Pay the DMV reinstatement fee (which is about $125)
- Install (and pay for) an ignition interlock device, if required (California Vehicle Code §23700)
Can a Lawyer Help Reduce DUI School Requirements?
Sometimes. Your DUI lawyer may be able to help reduce the penalties associated with your DUI charge. This can include:
- Negotiating reduced charges that may result in shorter DUI education requirements.
- Fighting DMV license suspensions
- Avoiding mandatory programs
Each case is different, and the outcome will often depend on:
- Prior DUI history
- BAC results
- Whether an accident occurred
- Evidence gathered by police
FAQs
How long after a DUI do you have to start DUI school?
The amount of time you have to enroll will depend on the type of requirement.
- DMV requirement: You won’t be able to obtain a restricted license until you can provide proof of enrollment in DUI school
- Court requirement: The court will give you a deadline, which will typically be within 21 days of your sentencing, or before your next probation compliance date.
The program you choose is required to submit proof of enrollment to the court.
Can you take DUI school online in California?
Generally, no. Fully online DUI schools are usually not allowed in California unless the program has been approved by the state.
However, you may be able to find a hybrid program that offers some virtual classes or remote counseling sessions.
What happens if you don’t complete DUI school?
Failing to complete your mandated DUI school program can have serious consequences, including:
- Additional court penalties
- Driver’s license suspension
- Probation violation
- Potential jail time
Providers are required to report non-compliance.
Do you have to take DUI school to get your license back?
Often, yes.
In order to have your license reinstated after a DUI, you may be required to:
- Enroll in an approved DUI school program
- Provide proof of SR-22 insurance
- Pay the DMV reinstatement fee
- Install an ignition interlock device (IID) if required
About Michael & Associates
If you have been arrested for DUI in Los Angeles, the first few days after the arrest are critical.
Protecting your license and building a defense strategy early can significantly influence the outcome of your case.
Contact Michael & Associates to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an experienced DUI defense attorney.
