What is DUI School?

DUI School, officially called the Risk Reduction Program, is a court-mandated educational course required by Georgia law after a DUI arrest or conviction. This 20-hour classroom program, using the Prime for Life curriculum, teaches you about alcohol/drug effects, risky behaviors, legal consequences, and prevention strategies. It’s separate from clinical evaluation and focuses on education, not diagnosis.

Who Needs DUI School in Georgia?

✓ Anyone charged with or convicted of DUI in Georgia
✓ Anyone with a DUI charge reduced to reckless driving
✓ Anyone ordered by a judge during sentencing
✓ Anyone required for license reinstatement
✓ Probation requirement in almost all DUI cases

You cannot restore your Georgia driver’s license without DUI School completion (along with clinical evaluation).

DUI School vs. Clinical Evaluation: Critical Difference

Many offenders confuse these two separate, mandatory requirements:

Correct Sequence

1. Complete clinical evaluation (determines if treatment needed)
2. Enroll in DUI school (education requirement)
3. Follow treatment (if evaluator recommended it)

Critical mistake: Doing DUI school before evaluation wastes time if long-term treatment is recommended. Evaluation must happen first.

What is the Risk Reduction Program?

The Risk Reduction Program is a structured 20-hour educational course using the Prime for Life curriculum developed by the Prevention Research Institute. This evidence-based program teaches:

Course Topics

• How alcohol and drugs affect driving ability and judgment
• Legal consequences of DUI (fines, license suspension, jail)
• Identifying high-risk drinking and drug use behaviors
• Strategies for making safer choices
• How to recognize substance abuse patterns
• Relapse prevention techniques
• Understanding Georgia DUI laws
• Personal responsibility for DUI offense

Course Goals

By completion, participants should:

• Understand alcohol/drug impairment effects
• Recognize personal risk factors
• Develop strategies to avoid driving under the influence
• Take responsibility for DUI offense
• Understand legal and personal consequences
• Commit to behavioral change

Who Teaches It

DUI School is taught by trained, DDS-certified instructors (not clinical evaluators). Instructors focus on education, not mental health assessment.

DUI School Duration Options in Georgia

Georgia offers flexible hour options:

20-Hour Program (Standard)

• Cost: $260 ($235 class + $25 book fee, set by Georgia law)
• Duration: Typically 2-4 weeks depending on schedule
• Format: Evening classes (Mon-Fri) or weekends
• For: Most first-time offenders
• Outcome: Meets Georgia DDS requirement for license reinstatement

8-Hour Program

• For: First-time offenders (judge discretion)
• Duration: 1-2 days intensive
• Cost: Proportional reduction
• Availability: Limited; check with provider

12-Hour Program

• For: Some first offenses or at judge discretion
• Duration: 2-3 days intensive
• Cost: Between 8 and 20-hour
• Availability: Limited; ask when scheduling

16-Hour Program

• For: Some cases based on court order
• Duration: 2-4 weeks
• Cost: Between 12 and 20-hour
• Availability: Limited

AACS Atlanta offers a 20-hour standard program with flexible evening/weekend scheduling.

Cost Breakdown for DUI School in Georgia

Important: These costs are set by Georgia state law and are the same at all DDS-certified providers. The $260 is non-negotiable. Full payment is due on or before the first day of class.

Attendance Policies: Strict Requirements

All Georgia DUI Schools enforce strict attendance policies:

You Must

✓ Arrive on time for every session
✓ Complete each session (cannot leave early)
✓ Attend all scheduled classes
✓ Bring required materials (book, etc.)

What Happens If You

• ❌ Arrive late: May be denied entry into class and required to restart course at full cost
• ❌ Leave early: May be required to restart course at full cost
• ❌ Miss a session: Required to restart course at full cost
• ❌ Don’t pay on time: May not be allowed to start; must pay before first day

Plan Ahead

Review your schedule carefully before enrolling and signing your contract. Consider:

• Work conflicts
• School/class schedule
• Family obligations
• Travel plans
• Health issues

Missing even one class = restart the entire 20 hours at full $260 cost.

DUI School Schedule at AACS Atlanta

Available Options

Evening Classes:

• Monday–Friday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (some evenings)
• Allows you to work during the day
• 2-4 weeks depending on frequency

Weekend Classes:

• Saturday and/or Sunday sessions
• Allows you to keep your work schedule intact
• Flexible day options

Specific Schedule: Call 800-683-7745 to confirm available dates and times. New classes start regularly.

Service Locations

• Atlanta (main location)
• Marietta (convenient access)
• Decatur (DeKalb County area)
• Throughout metro Atlanta

Step-by-Step Process: Evaluation → DUI School → License Restoration

Step 1: Clinical Evaluation (Week 1)

• Schedule immediately (800-683-7745)
• Complete a 1-2 hour appointment
• Get evaluation report (3-5 business days)
• Report determines if treatment is needed

Step 2: Enroll in DUI School (Week 2)

• Call to register: 800-683-7745
• Choose schedule (evening or weekend)
• Pay $260 in full before first day
• Bring photo ID and book on day 1

Step 3: Complete 20-Hour Course (Weeks 2-6)

• Attend all sessions on time
• Don’t leave early
• Participate in discussions
• Take notes on strategies
• Complete any assignments

Step 4: Get Certificate (Week 6)

• Receive completion certificate
• Evaluator may schedule brief follow-up interview
• Certificate sent to court/DDS

Step 5: Follow Treatment (If Recommended) (Weeks 6+)

• If evaluation recommended treatment:
  • Enroll in substance abuse program
  • Complete 4-52 weeks depending on recommendation
  • Attend all appointments
  • Document compliance

Step 6: License Reinstatement (Months 3-12)

• Gather all completion certificates
• File reinstatement petition with DDS
• Pay reinstatement fee ($200-$300)
• Install IID device (if required)
• Get license back (restricted or full privileges)

Course Curriculum: Prime for Life

The Prime for Life curriculum is an evidence-based program used in Georgia DUI schools statewide:

What Prime for Life Covers

• Session 1-2: Understanding alcohol and drug effects on driving
• Session 3-4: Identifying personal risk factors and behaviors
• Session 5-6: Decision-making and consequences
• Session 7-8: Strategies for behavior change
• Session 9-10: Personal responsibility and action planning

Key Learning Points

• Alcohol/drugs impair judgment and reaction time
• Even small amounts affect driving ability
• Legal penalties escalate with multiple offenses
• Personal responsibility for choices
• How to recognize substance abuse in yourself/others
• Prevention strategies and alternatives to drunk driving

Interactive Components

• Group discussions on real scenarios
• Personal reflection exercises
• Case study analysis
• Problem-solving activities
• Action planning for the future

Important Prerequisites

Must Complete Clinical Evaluation FIRST

Georgia law requires you to complete a clinical evaluation before DUI school enrollment. Here’s why:

The evaluation determines if you need substance abuse treatment beyond DUI school. If you need treatment:

• You cannot do DUI school alone
• Treatment and DUI school run concurrently or sequentially
• Treatment provider is different from the evaluator (Georgia law)
• Completing DUI school without treatment = probation violation

Don’t skip clinical evaluation even though DUI school comes next. Evaluation first protects you legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take DUI school online?

No. Georgia law requires in-person, classroom attendance. Online is not accepted.

Can I defer DUI school if I have a job conflict?

You cannot defer indefinitely. Work with the provider on scheduling. Weekends and evenings typically available.

What if I have a medical emergency during the course?

Contact AACS Atlanta immediately: 800-683-7745. Discuss options; missing without notice = restart.

Can I transfer to a different DUI school?

No. Once enrolled at a provider, you must complete there. Switching means restarting the course.

Do I get a break between evaluation and DUI school?

No. Start DUI school as soon as evaluation completes (1-2 weeks after evaluation appointment).

What if DUI school takes longer than expected?

Plan for 4-6 weeks total (evaluation + school). Don’t wait until the last minute before the probation deadline.

Is DUI school the same as substance abuse treatment?

No. DUI school is education. Treatment (if recommended) is separate, longer, and more intensive.

Do I need to bring anything to class?

Yes. Photo ID, course book (provided), pen/paper, notebook. Ask provider about specifics when enrolling.

What happens after I complete DUI school?

Get completion certificate, possibly brief follow-up interview, certificate sent to court. Then follow any treatment recommendation from evaluation.

Can my DUI school completion help my court case?

Yes. Quick completion shows responsibility to the judge, may help with sentencing/probation terms.

Do I have to do DUI school for out-of-state DUI?

No. DUI school is required only for Georgia DUIs. Out-of-state convictions don’t trigger the Georgia DUI school requirement.

Why DUI School Matters

For Your License

• Required for reinstatement after suspension
• Proof of compliance for DDS
• Part of legal requirement package

For the Court

• Shows responsibility and accountability
• Demonstrates willingness to learn from mistake
• Helps judge with sentencing decisions

For Your Future

• Education on DUI dangers
• Strategies to prevent future incidents
• Understanding of substance abuse risks
• Personal accountability realization

For Your Safety

• Learn how impairment affects driving
• Recognize your personal risk factors
• Develop prevention strategies
• Understand consequences

Book Your Evaluation & DUI School

Critical: Complete clinical evaluation FIRST, then enroll in DUI school.

AACS Atlanta

• Clinical Evaluation: 800-683-7745
• DUI School Registration: 800-683-7745
• Email: info@aacsatlanta.com

Hours

• Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Cost Summary

• Evaluation: $95-$350
• DUI School: $260 (Georgia state-set fee)
• Total: $355-$610 minimum (plus treatment if recommended)

Service Area

Atlanta, Marietta, Decatur, and throughout metro Atlanta and Georgia

Start Today

Your DUI case is time-sensitive. One wrong order or missed deadline can cost you months and thousands in additional fees.

Correct sequence:

1. Schedule evaluation immediately (same-day available)
2. Complete evaluation (get treatment recommendation)
3. Enroll in DUI school (within 1-2 weeks of evaluation)
4. Complete 20-hour course (attend all sessions)
5. Follow treatment (if recommended)
6. File license reinstatement (with all certificates)