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Court-approved programs, requirements, and costs
If you've been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Georgia, completing a state-approved DUI school, officially known as the Risk Reduction Program (RRP), is often a mandatory step toward license reinstatement and fulfilling court requirements. This guide provides a detailed overview of Georgia's DUI school system, including program requirements, costs, approved providers, and the impact on your driving privileges.
Georgia law mandates completion of the Risk Reduction Program (RRP) under several circumstances:
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) maintains a list of state-certified Risk Reduction Program providers. You can find approved schools throughout Georgia. Here's how to locate one:
Some notable providers in Georgia include:
The Georgia Risk Reduction Program consists of two primary components:
Total Mandated Cost: $360.00
The total mandated cost for the RRP is $360.00, which includes the assessment, intervention course, and materials fee. These fees are regulated by Georgia law, ensuring price stability across the state.
While traditionally offered in person, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased availability of online Risk Reduction Programs in Georgia. Check with individual providers to confirm whether they offer online courses and ensure that the online program is approved by the Georgia DDS.
Completing the Risk Reduction Program is a crucial step toward license reinstatement in Georgia. However, it's important to note that completing the RRP does not automatically restore your driving privileges. You must also:
For drivers whose Clearinghouse violation stemmed from a DUI arrest, the Georgia DDS specifically requires completion of the state-sanctioned RRP course for license reinstatement.
Failure to complete the Risk Reduction Program can have serious consequences:
If you are an out-of-state resident arrested for DUI in Georgia, you may still be required to complete the Risk Reduction Program. The Georgia DDS may accept completion of a similar DUI education program in your home state, but it's essential to confirm with the DDS that the out-of-state program meets Georgia's requirements.
For CDL drivers, the SAP evaluation is a separate but related process. Following a failed drug or alcohol test, a driver must be evaluated by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) who will determine the appropriate course of education or treatment. While the SAP might recommend a program other than the RRP if the violation was a random test failure, many SAPs default to the RRP due to its rigor and documentation, especially if the violation stemmed from a DUI arrest. SAP evaluations in Georgia are generally not covered by health insurance and can cost between $350 and $800, depending on whether it is a bundled price. Providers like American River Wellness offer services in Atlanta and are familiar with the Clearinghouse reporting mandates. Resilient Return focuses on the psychological aspects of returning to duty, alongside the regulatory requirements. Telehealth options are available, especially beneficial for rural drivers in areas like Tifton or Dalton, provided the platform is HIPAA-compliant (e.g., Zoom for Healthcare, Doxy.me).
**Q: How long does a failed drug test stay on my record?*A: The violation remains on your Clearinghouse record for 5 years from the date of the violation, or until the return-to-duty plan is fully completed, whichever is later.
**Q: Can I get unemployment if I was fired for a failed DOT test?*A: Generally, no. In Georgia, termination for cause (violating safety regulations) typically disqualifies an applicant from receiving unemployment benefits.
**Q: Do I need a new physical after completing the SAP?*A: Only if your current Medical Examiner's Certificate expired while you were out of service.
**Q: What is the difference between Education and Treatment?*A: Education is usually a class (like the 20-hour DUI school), while Treatment involves counseling or rehab and is reserved for more serious dependency issues.
This information is general guidance only. DUI school requirements vary by case and jurisdiction. Always verify your specific requirements with your attorney, probation officer, or the court.