Nashville DUI School: Costs and What You Need to Know

When people refer to “DUI school” in the Nashville area, they’re probably referring to Tennessee’s Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP). This is a state-approved educational program for individuals who’ve been convicted of DUI, or it may be a requirement as part of a negotiated plea deal.

If you’re required to attend DUI school, here’s what you need to know.

What Is DUI School in Nashville?

DUI schools are designed to help participants learn more about the risks of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They help attendees:

• Learn how to reduce their risks
• Make informed decisions
• Understand the dangers to themselves and others

READ MORE: Penalties for a first DUI in Tennessee

Who Has to Attend a Nashville DUI School?

Attendance is typically mandatory for anyone who has been convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You may also be able to agree to complete a program in exchange for reduced penalties.

Convictions: The court will order you to attend and will specify the number of hours you need to spend there. 

Plea deals: A court may recommend attendance at DUI school as a condition of the plea bargain, but it isn’t always mandatory. Agreeing to attend could help us negotiate reduced charges or penalties.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The primary advantage of these programs is that completion can show the court that you’re taking responsibility for your actions, according to Jessica Plonchak, clinical director at ChoicePoint Health. This can result in more favorable legal outcomes, such as lower fines or suspended sentences in some cases. 

If you’re a first-time offender with no prior criminal record, agreeing to complete DUI school could lead to the dismissal of some DUI-related charges. However, this will depend on several factors, including the charges you face, the severity of the offense, and your compliance with court orders. 

The key disadvantages are time and cost. You will be expected to pay for the class out of pocket, and you will need to devote the hours to complete the program.

Will I Have to Attend Classes In-Person?

Licensed DUI schools require at least partial in-person attendance. Beware of any program that is 100% online. It may not be accepted by the court. Expect to attend classes in person at least part of the time. Some programs offer evening, weekend, and one-day programs to accommodate work schedules. 

What Happens at a Nashville DUI School?

The curriculum typically focuses on two areas:

Drug and alcohol education: Coursework focuses on behavioral and physiological effects of alcohol on drugs when driving. Topics include:

• DUI penalties and consequences 
• Impaired judgment
• Risk factors
• Intoxication levels and blood alcohol concentration (BAC)

Risk reduction: This component teaches you skills designed to help you make safer choices when consuming drugs or alcohol. This could include:

• Responsible drinking habits
• Making informed choices
• How to recognize signs of impairment
• Alternative transportation options

Some programs also may include victim impact panels, AA meetings, individual or group counseling, and residential recovery facilities.

How Much are DUI Classes?

While many programs don’t disclose the total cost, Ms. Plonchak estimates that programs cost between $149 and $300 or more, depending on the length, the provider, and whether an alcohol and drug assessment is included.

If cost is a factor, it’s best to research several programs to find one that fits your budget.

How Long Does it Take to Complete DUI School?

Curriculums and formats vary, but most programs range from eight to 20 hours, depending on your offense. Though online classes are not permitted, some Nashville-area schools might offer hybrid sessions that allow students to complete some of the components online. 

Ms. Plonchak says that the quality of these programs varies widely, and people with more serious substance use issues may need longer-term or more intensive treatment.

List of DUI Schools in Nashville, TN

Make sure to research any program before you commit.

Here are some of the better-known licensed DUI schools in the Nashville, TN area:

Davidson County Sheriff’s Office DUI Safety Center 

Format: 12-hour in person Prime for Life course

Cost: $149

Phone: 615-862-8354

Learn more: https://sheriff.nashville.gov/dui-school/

Atlas DUI School

• Format: Offers one‑day, evening/“flex” hybrid programs or in‑person classes
• Cost: $149 for a 12‑hour Prime for Life course 
• Phone: (615) 338‑9400
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 555 Marriott Dr, Suite 315, Nashville, TN

Dozier DUI School

• Format: Options include 12-hour, 18-hour, and 20-hour programs.
• Cost: Not disclosed
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (615) 558‑4285 
• Location: 404 BNA Drive, Nashville, TN 37217

Nashville DUI Center

• Format: Provides court‑approved DUI classes, assessments, victim‑impact panel, outpatient education 
• Cost: Not disclosed
• Phone: (615) 681‑5020
• Website: nashvilleduicenter.com
• Address: 916 Allen Rd, Nashville, TN 37214

Mid‑Cumberland Human Resource Agency DUI School

• Format: 12‑hour Prime for Life group classes, including class offerings on weekends 
• Cost: $150 per class 
• Phone: 615 560‑0241 (or 931 289‑5060)
• Address: 25 Century Blvd Suite 500, Nashville, TN 37214

DUI Education Centers

• Programs: 12‑hr Prime for Life, victim‑impact panel, assessments, AA, counseling 
• Cost: Not disclosed
• Phone: 615 624‑8854
• Website: duieducationcenters.weebly.com
• Services located around Nashville

More Frequently Asked Questions about DUI Schools in Nashville