New York Driving Education

The Drinking Driver Program (DDP) is now called the Impaired Driver Program (IDP).  As this new name is being implemented, you may see the two names interchangeably.

The Impaired Driver Program (IDP) (previously known as Drinking Driving Program (DDP)) is part of New York State’s effort to lessen the incidence of injury, disability, and fatality that results from alcohol and other drug related motor vehicle crashes, thereby reducing the risk of re-offense for an impaired driving offense.

Participants in the IDP will receive an in-depth education regarding high-risk alcohol and other drug choices to assist them in identifying and changing high-risk behaviors.  Multimedia presentations and guided discussion increase participants’ motivation to change behavior to protect what they value most in life.  Individual and group activities are completed using participant workbooks.  Participants also complete a preliminary screening designed to identify risk factors for a substance abuse disorder.  Individuals found to be at risk for a substance abuse disorder will be referred for a comprehensive clinical assessment and referral to treatment if warranted.

Classroom Phase

As an IDP participant, you must attend all seven weekly classroom sessions.  Each session takes 2 to 3 hours for 16 hours total.  When you satisfactorily complete the classroom sessions, your involvement in the IDP will end, UNLESS the program refers you for formal assessment and any resulting treatment.

Screening and Referral

IDP participants may be referred for a formal substance abuse assessment by a NYS court, the Department of Probation or the IDP. IDP referrals can result from

• the results of a written self-inventory
• two or more alcohol or drug-related driving convictions within 10 years
• arrest for an alcohol or drug-related driving violation while enrolled in the IDP
• attending class under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• a request by the student for help with a substance abuse problem, or an admission that the student is currently in treatment

The IDP will provide you with a “Notice of Completion” when all program requirements have been met. This information will also be electronically transmitted to DMV. Depending on your license status and driving record, your license may be restored or you may become eligible to apply for a new license.  Your eligibility will be affected if:

• you have two or more alcohol/drug related driving violations on your driving record
• your conditional license is under revocation
• you were under 21 when the alcohol or drug-related driving violation occurred
• you refused an alcohol or drug test on the date of the violation
• you committed the alcohol or drug-related violation while operating a commercial motor vehicle

Drops, Re-sentencing and Re-entry

You will be dropped from the IDP and lose your conditional license if you

• do not attend class, any required assessment or treatment, or
• do not otherwise satisfactorily participate in the program, or
• do not pay the program fees

Eligibility

Participation in the Impaired Driver Program is available on a voluntary basis if you have been convicted of an alcohol or drug related driving violation, unless you have participated in the program within the last 5 years, or have been convicted of another alcohol or drug violation within 5 years of the current alcohol or drug violation. However, these limitations do not restrict the ability of the court to mandate participation, even if you have already attended an Impaired Driver Program within the previous 5 years. In such situations, participation will be required, yet you will not be eligible for a conditional license or privilege.

Source: New York Department of Motor Vehicles

DUI Arrest Statistics and New York Drunk Driving

* Sources: State Justice Department, Federal Highway Administration