1. What is a DUI, Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Course?

DUI, Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction is an intervention program mandated by law.  The program is for people: convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) possession of illegal drugs underage possession of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle or Boating Under the Influence (BUI). It consists of two components: an assessment component and an intervention component. Both components must be successfully completed to obtain a certificate of completion.

2. What are the attendance policies for DUI, Alcohol, or Drug Use Risk Reduction courses?

You must arrive on time and complete each session in order. Students that arrive late to any session can expect to be denied entry into class.  Also, students that are absent or leave early from any session may need to start the course over again at no cost.  Some other schools charge you another $235.  Please consider the course schedule carefully. Take any potential scheduling conflicts you may have into account before signing a contract to attend.

3. How is Georgia’s Risk Reduction course structured?

Georgia’s risk reduction course has two components. They are the (1) Assessment Component (NEEDS Assessment) and the (2) Intervention Component. Students must complete both to receive a Certificate of Completion.

• The Assessment Component is completed first. It is a 130-question comprehensive screening instrument. It evaluates the extent of an individual’s alcohol and drug use and its impact on driving.
• The Intervention Component is administered after completion of the Assessment Component. It is a 20-hour course comprised of several sessions. Several days of lessons take place in a group environment. The Intervention Component offers therapeutic education and peer group counseling. This lesson covers alcohol, drug use, and their effects on driving.

4. What Assessment Components are certified by the DDS for use in the State of Georgia?

DDS has approved the NEEDS Assessment Component for use in the State of Georgia. It is a copyrighted product of ADE, Inc. It is a 130-question comprehensive screening instrument. It evaluates the extent of an individual’s alcohol and drug use and its impact on driving.  You may take the Assessment online or at Barber’s Driving School.

5. What Intervention Components are certified by the DDS for use in the State of Georgia?

Currently, DDS has approved the Prime for Life Intervention Component for use in the State of Georgia. This is a copyrighted product of Prevention Research Institute, Inc.

6. How do I know if a particular DUI, Alcohol, or Drug Use Risk Reduction school has been approved?

Barber’s Driving School has been Georgia Department of Driver Services certified to teach the DUI/ Risk Reduction since the Driver Improvement Act of the 1970s.

7. How long does it take to complete a DUI, Alcohol, or Drug Use Risk Reduction course?

The entire 20-hour course takes 2 1/2 days! Please check our schedules as we do off a variety of different options.

8. Can I obtain a refund if I am not able to attend a course or if I am late to, absent from, or leave a session early?

We will issue a refund for the classroom portion of the program if you never attend.

9. Will the DDS accept a certificate of completion from a DUI, Alcohol, or Drug Use Risk Reduction course that I completed online?

Certificates of Completion from online DUI, Alcohol, or Drug Use Risk Reduction courses cannot be accepted by the DDS for any purposes related to an individual’s driver’s license or driving privileges.

10. Will the DDS accept a certificate of completion from a DUI, Alcohol, or Drug Use Risk Reduction course that I completed with Barber’s on ZOOM?

Yes

11. What if I lose my DUI, Alcohol, or Drug Use Risk Reduction certificate of completion?

Replacement certificates are no charge!  Some schools charge $20.

12. Can I transfer my assessment results from one DUI, Alcohol, or Drug Use Risk Reduction school to another?

Yes. The DDS rules and regulations allow students to transfer assessment results between schools. Transfer is allowed under limited circumstances: A class for which a student has a signed intervention contract has been cancelled; or, The student has moved at least thirty (30) miles away from the school that he or she contracted with to attend. The school may charge a fee of up to $25 for transferring results of an Assessment Component due to student relocation; or, There is an emergency and prior approval by the Department has been obtained.

13. What is the cost of a DUI, Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction course?

The cost of a DUI, Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction course is set by law. The total cost of the course is $360.00. This includes the Assessment Component ($100.00), the Intervention Component ($235.00), and a workbook ($25.00).

14. Does the DDS accept certificates of completion from DUI, Alcohol, or Drug Use Risk Reduction courses from other states?

It is recommended that if there is any question as to whether a particular out-of-state program will be accepted by the DDS: You should review the DUI School Guidelines for Other States for acceptable classes. You may call the DDS Customer Contact Center at (678) 413-8400 prior to enrollment.

15. What is a clinical evaluation?

This is not the assessment you take before class. Laws and regulations related to clinical evaluations and substance abuse treatment providers are administered by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).  Detailed FAQs related to clinical evaluations and substance abuse treatment providers can be found on their website. Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

16. When is a clinical evaluation required for purposes of reinstating my Georgia driver’s license or driving privileges?

Documented proof of having completed a state-approved clinical evaluation is required of all persons that wish to reinstate a suspension of their Georgia driver’s license or driving privileges resulting from two or more convictions of driving under the influence within the past ten (10) years. Laws and regulations related to clinical evaluations and substance abuse treatment providers may be found on the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities website.