FAQs

I'VE BEEN ARRESTED FOR A DUI. CAN I START MY PROGRAM BEFORE MY CONVICTION?

YES! The earlier you start the sooner you finish. ADI will help you determine which program you will need. We will also adjust your program if the courts or the DMV end up requiring a different length of program. Call 408-879-7581 for a consultation or email us at info@alertdrivinginc.com

HOW DO I GET A RESTRICTED LICENSE IF THIS IS MY FIRST DUI?

First offenders over 21 years old are generally eligible to apply for a restricted license after serving out a mandatory 30 day suspension. In order to qualify for a restricted license a proof of enrollment must be electronically submitted by the DUI program to the DMV. Our program submits your DMV form on the day of your enrollment. The DMV will also require a reissuance fee of approximately $125 and most likely an SR-22 form from your insurance company.

WHERE CAN YOU DRIVE WITH YOUR RESTRICTED LICENSE?

Restricted licenses are issued for "to and from your work, during the course of your employment and to and from the DUI program." Any other exceptions should be directed to the DMV.

CAN I ATTEND SEVERAL TIMES PER WEEK TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM FASTER?

State law mandates the length of the program; therefore the program cannot be accelerated.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO TAKE DUI CLASSES ONLINE?

No. The state of California mandates you take DUI classes through one of the licensed state providers and will not accept any online programs.

DO I HAVE TO START ATTENDING RIGHT AWAY?

By law once you enroll in a program you must begin services within 21 days of the enrollment. Exceptions would only be for a leave of absence with documentation.

WHAT IF I WANT TO GO ON VACATION OR I AM ILL?

Leaves of absence procedures for work travel, vacation, illness, incarceration, jury duty, military duty and chemical dependency treatment may be approved by the program. A complete explanation will be provided at the initial orientation.

WHAT IF I MISS A CLASS TO GO OUT TO DINNER, ATTEND MY CHILD'S SOCCER GAME, ETC?

Each DUI Program allows absences for use at your discretion. All absences MUST be made-up. You cannot miss for 21 days in a row without a leave of absences.

12 Hour Program - two absences
3 Month Program - five absences
9 Month Program - seven absences
18 Month Program - ten absences

In addition to the allowed absences, you may also call during office hours or email us at reschedule@alertdrivinginc.com before your scheduled activity to let us know you
will not be attending your class. This will be marked as a reschedule and will not count against your allowed absences, but the session must be made up.

WHAT IF I SIGN UP FOR CLASSES AND MY WORK OR SCHOOL HOURS CHANGE?

Changes from one class to another can be requested through the administration office.

I ENROLLED IN THE FIRST OFFENDER PROGRAM BUT I HAVE A PENDING CHARGE OR CONVICTION IN ANOTHER COUNTY. WHAT PROGRAM SHOULD I ATTEND?

If you are convicted of two DUI's within 10 years you will need to complete the 18 month program with an enrollment date after the most recent violation. With a second DUI conviction you will have a mandatory suspension with the possiblility of an IID restricted license option after 90 days. In some cases you need to have completed the first offender program in order to receive a restricted license while in the 18 month program. Or you can choose to forgo the restricted option and just complete the entire 18 month program. The best source for your individual case is the Mandatory Actions Unit of the DMV.

WHAT IF I START THE PROGRAM AND GET ANOTHER DUI OR GET CONVICTED OF A PENDING CASE?

Notify the administrative office immediately and you will be informed of the appropriate procedure to ensure you are complying with the courts and the DMV.

WHAT IF I START THE PROGRAM AND GET DISMISSED FOR FAILING TO FOLLOW THE RULES?

State law requires you to reinstate without losing credit for hours completed up to two years from your termination date. However you may no longer be eligible for a restricted license.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY RESTRICTED LICENSE IF I GET DROPPED FROM THE PROGRAM?

The DMV will be notified of any termination from the program and your license will be re-suspended. You may reinstate back into the program but generally the DMV will NOT give you back your restricted license until the program is complete.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET STOPPED DRIVING ON A SUSPENDED LICENSE?

According to California state law anyone convicted of driving on a suspended license due to an alcohol related offense will be subjected car impound, misdemeanor charges, court fines, and be mandated to have an ignition interlock device installed in their car for one year at their own expense.

WHAT IF I MOVE TO ANOTHER PART OF CALIFORNIA AFTER I START THE PROGRAM?

There are State licensed programs throughout California. Your class hours can be transferred. Contact the administration office prior to leaving and request a transfer.

I GOT CONVICTED OF A WET RECKLESS. WHAT HAPPENS TO MY DRIVER'S LICENSE?

If you are over 21, charged with a DUI, alcohol level at .08 or above but the conviction is amended to a wet reckless then you have some decisions to make. The courts will generally order a 12 hour program completion. If you did not have a DMV hearing or had a DMV hearing but the suspension was upheld you have two choices regarding your license.

The lesser conviction of a wet reckless will be reported by the courts to the DMV. The DMV will suspend your license for four months. You can take the 12 hour program and a four month suspension. The other option is to serve out a 30 day suspension and enroll in the longer 3 month first offender program which has a provision for a restricted license.

MY DUI IS FROM YEARS AGO. WHAT DO I DO TO SIGN UP?

The requirement to complete the DUI program stays on your DMV printout. Participants sometimes wait three, seven and even 10 years hoping it will drop off. To legally drive in California you will eventually need to complete the program. You should go to the DMV and request an H-6 in house printout of your driving history. This document will allow you to enroll in a DUI program even after many years.

MY DUI IS OLD. AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A RESTRICTED LICENSE UPON ENROLLMENT?

This is a question for the Mandatory Actions Unit of the Department of Motor Vehicles in Sacramento. They call be reached at (916) 657-6525.

I HAVE A DUI FROM ANOTHER STATE. CAN I ATTEND A PROGRAM IN CALIFORNIA?

You need to make the request of the other state. Many people complete programs in California for convictions in another state. There are a couple of questions that determine what length of program you are required to attend. The first question is "were you driving on a California driver's license?" If so, you will need to complete the California program length based on the number of DUI's on your driver record. If you were driving on a license from another state you would need to find out what program requirement you must comply with to satisfy your court order. Some states require a comprehensive drug and alcohol assessment for the individual person to determine the length of program treatment.

I HAVE A DUI FROM ANOTHER STATE AND WAS TOLD I NEED AN ASSESSMENT. WHERE CAN I DO THIS?

ADI offers drug and alcohol assessments. Please contact the office for information or click here.

IF I WAIT LONG ENOUGH CAN I GET MY LICENSE BACK WITHOUT ATTENDING A PROGRAM?

No, the requirement to attend the program does not drop off your H-6 in house printout at the DMV.