DRINKING DRIVER PROGRAM 

The DDP was established in 1975 by V&T Law. Since then, DMV has overseen a permanent program of rehabilitation for people convicted of certain alcohol/drug-related traffic offenses. 

1. DDP and Education : The DDP includes a 16-hour education program offered over 7 weeks. The topics addressed in the curriculum are: Traffic System; Values, Life-Styles & Decision-Making; Alcohol, Other Drugs & Driving; Substance Abuse & Driving Safety; Substance Abuse & Driving – A Social Problem; and, The Decision is Yours. The motorist must attend all of these sessions to complete the educational phase of the DDP and get a completion certificate or green slip (MV-2026) if no referral is made. 
2. DDP and Screening/Referral: During the 7-week class, everyone is screened for a possible substance abuse problem. Screening is quick, inexpensive, straightforward and objective. Motorists who meet any of the following criteria are referred to an “outside” certified clinic or licensed professional for a comprehensive substance abuse evaluation: 
   • 1. RIASI Test Score (10 or more);
   • 2. two or more substance-related driving incidents within 10 years;
   • 3. self-disclosure of a problem;
   • 4. attending class under the influence of alcohol/drugs;
   • 5. arrested for a substance-related driving offense while in the DDP. 
3. DDP and Evaluation/Treatment: DDPs refer motorists to clinics certified by the NYS Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and/or to professionals licensed by the NYS Education Department. (OASAS maintains a resource list of qualified providers.) These independent providers evaluate motorists in accord with DMV’s Guidelines for Comprehensive Alcohol & Drug Abuse Evaluations. Some motorists are retained for treatment. DDPs “track” motorists who were referred; providers are required to report evaluation/treatment results to DDPs. These reports (DS-449) must be received by the DDP before the DDP notifies DMV that all DDP requirements have been met. 
4. DDP Administrative Appeal Process: DDP participants who disagree with the results of a comprehensive evaluation, or with the recommendation for treatment, may ask the DDP Director for a second opinion (which is the first step in a DMV administrative appeal process). 

DDP ELIGIBILITY 

DDP eligibility is determined by DMV. After DMV receives conviction information from the court, DMV advises the motorist to go to a county or state Motor Vehicles office to enroll in the DDP and obtain a conditional license if eligible. DDP class size is limited. 

The DMV fee is $75. Additionally, the DDP costs up to $225. 

The conditional license allows the motorist to drive: to/from/during work; to/from school & college; to DDP; to evaluation/ treatment; to documented medical appointments; to court/probation; to child’s day care if necessary for employment or attending school; for one 3-hour period of “personal” time.