Expert’s Guide to California DUI School

What Happens If You’re Required to Go to DUI School in California? A DUI School Expert Explains

Getting a DUI in California comes with strict penalties—including fines, license suspension, and in most cases, mandatory enrollment in California DUI school (also called DUI classes or DUI programs). If you’ve been ordered to attend, you probably want to know: How long are DUI classes in California? Who needs them? And how do you get your license back afterward? We spoke with DUI expert Victor Salinas and his team at the California-licensed DUI school, Driver Safety Awareness Program DUI Services, to get answers to all your questions. This comprehensive expert’s guide to DUI school in California explains everything you need to know about California DUI programs, from enrollment requirements to completion and driver’s license reinstatement.

Table of Contents

• Who Has to Enroll in DUI School in California?
• How Long Are DUI Classes in California?
• Types of DUI Programs in California
• Costs of DUI School in California
• What to Expect in DUI Classes
• How DUI School Affects Your Driver’s License
• Steps to Get Your License Back After DUI School
• What Happens If You Don’t Complete DUI School?
• Final Thoughts on DUI School in California
• Register for DUI School with Driver Safety Awareness Program DUI Services

Who Has to Enroll in DUI School in California?

If you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in California—or if the DMV suspends your license for a BAC of 0.08% or higher—you’ll likely need to complete a state-licensed DUI program.

You may be required to attend DUI classes if:

• You’re a first-time DUI offender (even with a plea deal such as “wet reckless”).
• You’re a repeat offender with multiple DUI convictions.
• You’re an out-of-state driver convicted of DUI in California.
• You’re under 21 and violate California’s Zero Tolerance law with alcohol in your system.

Important: You must choose a DHCS Licensed California / DMV-approved DUI school to satisfy court and DMV requirements.

What Do I Need to Enroll in DUI Classes in California?

To enroll in DUI classes, you will need at least one of the following documents:

• Driver History from the DMV – You can get this online from the CA DMV pre-conviction.
• DS-367APS (admin per se) (pink 30-day temporary driver’s license)/DMV Hearing Paperwork – If you have a DMV hearing scheduled, you can show this paperwork pre-conviction.
• Traffic citation provided the day of the DUI arrest (DUI Ticket)
• Court documents – You can present your court documents if you enroll post-conviction.

Once you enroll in classes, your enrollment is typically electronically filed with the DMV within 3 days. DMV processing can take up to 10 days. In most cases, you can start classes within a week of enrollment.

How Long Are DUI Classes in California?

The length of your California DUI school depends on your offense and BAC level at the time of arrest:

• 3-month program (30 hours) – Standard for most first DUI offenders with BAC under 0.20%.
• 6-month program (45 hours) – Sometimes required for higher BAC first offenders.
• 9-month program (61 hours) – For first offenders with BAC of 0.20% or higher.
• 18-month program (72 hours) – For second DUI convictions/multiple offenses.

One of the top questions students ask is, “How often do I need to attend?” Classes are typically 2 hours long and meet once, at times twice a week.

What Happens If You Miss Classes and Get Dismissed?

Missing classes or failing to participate can delay completion and extend your license suspension. The number one reason DUI school students are dismissed from the program is non-attendance. If you are absent from classes for 21 days or longer, you may be dismissed. However, if you meet specific regulatory criteria you may qualify for a leave of absence. If you have to miss a class now and then, you can make them up, but there are limits to how many classes you can miss.

• 3-month program – Maximum 5 absences, must be made up.
• 6-month program – Maximum 7 absences, must be made up.
• 9-month program – Maximum 7 absences, must be made up.
• 18-month program – Maximum 10 absences, must be made up.

If you get dismissed from your DUI classes, the DUI school is required to report this to the court and the DMV. Dismissal from DUI school can have serious consequences, including: being in violation of a court order, suspension of your driver’s license, and for individuals on probation, it may put them in violation of their probation. Depending on your case, this can lead to additional fines and fees, re-enrollment costs for classes, and for some individuals on probation, it could mean jail time.

After dismissal, if you re-enroll within 2 years from the dismissal date, you can pick up where you left off and complete the remaining hours. Expect to pay re-enrollment fees and only the costs for remaining classes. However, if your dismissal was more than 2 years ago, you will need to start classes over from the beginning.

Types of DUI Programs in California

California offers several DUI program types depending on the case:

1. First Offender Program AB541 (FOP) – For first DUI convictions (usually 3, 6, or 9 months).
2. Multiple Offender Program SB38 (MOP) – For second or third offenses (18+ months).

These programs focus on education and prevention and referral for treatment. However, they are mandatory for license reinstatement.

Programs are offered in-person and via Live Virtual DUI services, which are real-time, online classes and counseling sessions conducted via video conferencing, approved by the state utilizing specific technology on a HIPAA-compliant platform. Keep in mind that Live Virtual DUI services differ from online classes, which the DMV/court does not accept.

Costs of DUI School in California

The cost of DUI school varies by program length and county. Shorter first-time offender programs generally start in the range of $750–$900 for a 1st offender program and $1900 to $2500 for a multiple offender program. All DUI Program providers offer easy payment plans with an initial deposit and weekly payments. You may also be able to apply for financial assistance or reduced fees if you meet certain income guidelines. However, you must still complete the program to satisfy court and DMV requirements.

What to Expect in DUI Classes

A California DUI program typically includes:

• Educational lectures on the effects of alcohol and other drugs.
• Group counseling to share experiences and strategies for avoiding DUI.
• Individual counseling sessions with a licensed instructor.
• Homework or reflection assignments in some programs.

Key takeaway: DUI school is an educational program designed to prevent repeat offenses.

How DUI School Affects Your Driver’s License

Attending DUI school directly impacts your ability to drive:

• Restricted License – After a suspension period, many drivers can apply for a restricted license to drive to work and DUI classes. Proof of DUI school enrollment is required.
• Full License Reinstatement – Once you finish DUI school, the program notifies the DMV electronically. You must also meet other DMV requirements before your full license is restored.

If you are ordered to take DUI classes, you cannot reinstate your driver’s license in California without enrolling in DUI school.

Steps to Get Your License Back After DUI School

Here’s the step-by-step process to reinstate your license:

1. Serve your suspension period – Length depends on your offense.
2. Enroll in DUI school – Enrollment is required for both restricted and full licenses. Enroll in DUI school here.
3. File an SR-22 form (learn more about SR-22s here)– Your insurance company files this proof of financial responsibility with the DMV (usually required for 3 years). You do not need to have a car or a prior insuance policy to get an SR-22, an SR-22 policy can be set up to fit your current situation. Get an instant SR-22 policy quote here.
4. Pay reinstatement fees – Currently around $125, can vary by case and other offenses.
5. Complete DUI school – The school notifies the DMV upon completion.
6. Reapply for your license – Submit forms, proof of SR-22 insurance, and fees.

What Happens If You Don’t Complete DUI School?

Failing to complete your required DUI classes can cause major setbacks:

• Your license remains suspended indefinitely.
• Probation violation may result in fines, extended probation, or even jail time.
• Re-enrollment fees and extra costs can make the process even more expensive.

In short, completing DUI school is the only path to reinstating your license after a DUI.

Final Thoughts on DUI School in California

Being ordered to attend DUI school in California can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to fulfill your legal obligations and get back on the road.

By enrolling in the right program, showing up consistently, and completing your DMV and court requirements—including DUI school, SR-22 insurance, and reinstatement fees—you can restore your driving privileges and move forward.

Register for DUI School

For more information and to enroll in DUI school in Los Angeles or Oakland, contact Driver Safety Awareness Program DUI Services, or visit their website at https://dsapservices.com/.

Live Virtual Services and In-person Classes available.

Los Angeles Program: 818-830-8870
Oakland Program: 888-233-6026