Required DWI, Drug & Alcohol Classes:

1)    Texas DWI Education Program

2)    Texas DWI Repeat Offender Program

3)    Texas Drug Offender Education Program

4)    Alcohol Education Programs for Minors

The State of Texas has several classes / programs that are required if you are convicted of a DWI.  The following are short descriptions of those programs required:

1)    Texas DWI Education Program:  42.12, sec 13(h) of the Texas Code Criminal Procedure states that a person who is convicted of a DWI first offense and who is on probation, must complete a DWI education program.  If you do not complete the program within 180 days from the time you are put on probation, your license will be revoked.  It will not be reinstated until you complete the program.  The program is 12 hours and teaches DWI offenders about alcohol, drugs, and how they affect driving skills.  They help you identify your own drinking and drug use patterns and how they relate to your driving – to help you reduce your chances of getting another DWI. 

2)    Texas DWI Repeat Offender Program:  42.12, sec 13(j) of the Texas Code Criminal Procedure states that multiple DWI offenders must attend a program designed for repeat offenders.  If you do not complete the program, your license will be revoked until it is completed.  It is 32 hours long, designed for multiple DWI offenders, and addresses additional topics the first education course does not.  There is an intent to stop/intervene the alcohol or drug abuse behavior.  It encourages participants to enter active treatment to prevent additional substance abuse issues. 

3)    Texas Drug Offender Education Program:  521.371-521.377 of the Texas Transp Code requires people convicted of drug offenses to have their license suspended for 6 months.  To get your license back, you must complete the education program on drug abuse.  If you do not complete the program, you license will be suspended until it is complete.  The program is 15 hours long and intended to teach drug offenders about the dangers of drug abuse and to identify drug patterns in their life, and assist in planning lifestyles that reduce subsequent drug use or behavior. 

4)    Alcohol Education Programs for Minors:  106.115 of the Alcohol Beverage Code states that any minor with a first or subsequent conviction of buying, possessing, or consuming alcohol must attend an alcohol awareness course or do 8-12 hours of community service if none available.  Failing to complete the course or community service within 90 days results in a 6 month license revocation.  The program is 6 hours in length and teaches young people of the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.