DWI Education Course Requirements in Texas
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense with significant legal and personal consequences. In Texas, individuals convicted of DWI are often required to complete specific education programs as part of their sentencing or probation requirements. These programs aim to educate offenders about the dangers of impaired driving, address substance abuse issues, and prevent future offenses. This article outlines the DWI education course requirements in Texas, covering programs for adults, repeat offenders, and minors, as well as related offender education programs.
DWI Education Program for First-Time Adult Offenders
For adults (individuals 21 years of age and older) convicted of a first-time DWI offense in Texas, a 12-hour DWI Education Program is typically required. This program is designed to educate offenders about the risks associated with alcohol and drug use while driving, help them recognize their own drinking and driving patterns, and develop strategies to avoid future DWI behavior.
Key Components of the 12-Hour DWI Education Program:
Curriculum: The program consists of 12 hours of educational content, covering topics such as Texas law related to DWI, substance abuse information, and methods for changing behavior. The standardized curriculum is designed to increase knowledge about alcohol and drugs as they relate to driving skills.
Structure: The 12-hour program may be offered in various formats, such as three 4-hour sessions or four 3-hour sessions. Some providers offer night classes, which may be taught in four-hour sessions, three nights per week. Online classes may also be available.
Instructors: The instructors of these programs are often professionals in the fields of substance abuse, addiction, or traffic safety.
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Completion and Reporting: Upon successful completion of the program, participants are issued a Texas DWI Education Program certificate of completion. Completion of the program must be submitted to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) within 180 days from the date of conviction, or the driver license will be revoked.
Requirements and Enrollment:
- Court Order: This class is generally attended by participants who have been placed on probation and court ordered to the program due to a first DWI conviction.
- Fees: The fees for the class vary by provider. For example, the McLennan County CSCD charges $90 for this class, which is due in full before a participant is eligible for enrollment.
- Enrollment Packet: Once the fee is paid, the participant must complete an enrollment packet, which includes a Personal Data Form, Numerical Drinking Profile (NDP) screening, and a Pre-Test. A schedule detailing the dates and times of all class sessions is also provided.
Consequences of Non-Completion:
- Driver License Revocation: Failure to complete the DWI Education Program within the specified timeframe (180 days from the date of conviction) will result in the revocation of the individual's driver license.
- Probation Violation: For individuals on probation, failure to complete the program may result in a violation of probation terms.
DWI Intervention Program for Repeat Offenders
Individuals with two or more DWI convictions are required to complete the Texas DWI Intervention Repeat Offender Program. This program is more intensive than the education program for first-time offenders, focusing on addressing the underlying issues that contribute to repeat DWI offenses.
Key Components of the DWI Intervention Program:
- Duration: This program is an 8-week course with two 3-hour classes taught each week, totaling 48 hours of instruction.
- Curriculum: The curriculum includes education about Texas law, substance abuse information, and methods for changing behavior.
- Instructors: The instructors of these programs are often professionals in the fields of substance abuse, addiction, or traffic safety.
- Completion and Reporting: Upon successful completion of the program, students will be issued a Texas DWI Intervention (Repeat Offender Program Education certificate of completion.
Requirements and Enrollment:
- Court Order: Individuals with an offense of two or more DWI convictions must take this course in order to comply with the requirements of the Community Supervision and Corrections Department and Texas Department of Public Safety.
- Schedule: Classes are offered at various locations and times. For example, Lufkin classes are offered Thursday and Friday nights from 6 pm to 9 pm, while Nacogdoches classes are offered Monday & Wednesday nights from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Legal Basis:
- Article 42.12 Section 13 (j) (SB.1067): States that all persons convicted of a subsequent DWI on or after September 1, 1993, are required to attend and successfully complete an education program for repeat DWI offenders approved by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulations (TDLR).
Texas Offender Education Program (DOEP) for Drug Offenses
Individuals with a drug conviction may be required to take the Texas Offender Education Program (DOEP) to comply with the requirements of the Community Supervision and Corrections Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Key Components of the DOEP:
- Duration: This program is a 15-hour course.
- Structure: Night classes are taught in three-hour sessions, five nights per week. Online classes may also be available.
- Completion and Reporting: Upon successful completion of the program, students will be issued a Texas DOEP Education Program certificate of completion.
Legal Basis:
- Article 6687b, Section 24B: Amended in 1993, states that the driver's license of any person convicted of a misdemeanor or felony drug offense shall be automatically suspended for 180 days, effective August 1993.
Minor in Possession (MIP) and DUI Education for Minors
Minors (defined as individuals under age 21) who attempt to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol or misrepresent their age may be charged with Minor in Possession (MIP) according to the Alcohol Beverage Code 106.07111. Minors who are charged with DUI are also required to take a specific education class.
Key Aspects of MIP/DUI Education for Minors:
- Curriculum: The curriculum is specifically designed for a young age group of clients under age 21.
- Providers: Some providers, like TCCES, offer the MIP class for minors that are age 18 or older.
Additional Alcohol and Drug Education Programs
In addition to the state-mandated programs, some providers offer additional Alcohol and Drug (AOD) classes and related programs. These may consist of Texas Department of Licensing & Regulations (TDLR) “State Certified” programs and clinical classes developed by the providers themselves.
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Key Features of AOD Classes:
- Topics Covered: Education about Texas law, substance abuse information, and methods for changing behavior.
- Clinical Classes: Developed to meet the individual’s clinical needs as determined by a validated, evidenced-based assessment.
- Registration: If registering for an AOD class only, there will be required paperwork to complete before registering into class.
General Information and Resources
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): Oversees the DWI education program requirements and maintains records of completion.
- Texas Department of Licensing & Regulations (TDLR): Approves and regulates DWI education programs and instructors.
- Community Supervision and Corrections Departments: May require DWI education programs as a condition of probation.
- Class Schedules: Schedules for DWI education programs are typically available for the full year, with options for both in-person and online classes. For instance, schedules for the Texas Driving While Intoxicated Education Program (DWI) classes are available for the full year of 2025.
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