Drink Driver Education Programs (Vic)

When a person in Victoria is charged with a drink driving or drug driving offence, they will be required to complete a Behaviour Change Program. VicRoads sends a letter to those charged with relevant offences, providing information about how to enrol in the right program for their situation. There are numerous agencies approved by VicRoads to deliver drink driver education programs in Victoria. Some of these are described below.

Drink Drive Victoria Drink Driver Education Programs

Drink Drive Victoria offer drink drive education programs that are intended for first time drink drive offenders who recorded a BAC below 0.150. The program runs for six hours over two sessions and costs $350 with a $67 VicRoads Recovery Fee or $350 with a $34 VicRoads Recovery Fee for a concession holder.

Drink Drive Victoria also offers a Drug Drive behaviour change program (whose duration and cost are the same as for the drink drive program).

Drink Drive Victoria also offers an intensive behaviour change program for repeat drink drive or drug drive offenders. This program runs for 10 hours over three weeks and includes a one-hour one-on-one session and costs $700 plus a $67 Vic Roads Recovery fees (or $34 with a concession.)

Participants in the intensive drink drive program are required to take part in an interlock removal program as well. This must be done prior to their interlock period ending. The interlock removal program costs $175.

ADAPT drink driver education

The ADAPT drink driver education program consists of two three-hour sessions which are delivered online. The course cost $367 or $334 with a concession. The fee must be paid at least three days prior to the start of the course.

The ADAPT program has been running since 2002.

Drink Drive Assist

The Awareness Driver Education program provided by Drink Drive Assist provides driving behaviour change programs for those who have had their licence disqualified or cancelled due to drink driving offence, and those who have been required to participate in the alcohol ignition lock program.

AAA Driver Education

AAA Driver Education assists people who have had their licence disqualified or suspended and been subject to the alcohol ignition lock program. It assists participants to have their licence restored and the interlock device removed. As well as behaviour change programs, it also provides advocacy and support, referrals and legal advice.

The AAA driver education Behaviour Change Program consists of two three and a half-hour session held a week apart. There is also an intensive program.

Aussie Drink Drive

Aussie Drink Driver offers alcohol programs, drug program and an interlock program. Its programs are being offered online only. Its programs focus on effective management of alcohol and drug use and the consequences of mixing substance use and driving.

Participants in the programs are required to take part in activities and to complete a workbook. Screening and assessment occur throughout the program and where appropriate, referrals to other services are made.

Aussie Drink Drive also offers an intensive program which include a one-on-one session to discuss the participant’s individual goals and circumstances. Its programs are suitable for those who are on their first drink driving charge and whose BAC was recorded as 0.149 or under.

Caraniche

Caraniche is a counselling provider that is also a VicRoads accredited provider of driver behaviour change programs. It is not currently providing Vic Roads programs due to COVID. However, ordinarily, it provides a Drink Driving Behaviour Change Program, a Drug Driving Behaviour Change Program and an Intensive Drink and Drug Drive Behaviour Change Program.

How do I know which drink driver education programs to choose?

If you have any doubt about which are the most appropriate drink driver education programs for your situation, speak to VicRoads. It is important to ensure you complete the right program in order to have your licence reinstated or the alcohol interlock condition removed, as the case may be.

If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.