Drinking Driver Program - On October 1, 1975, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) started the Drinking Driver Program. The DDP consists of 16 hours of classroom education over a seven-week period, and screening of participants for indications of possible alcohol or drug abuse. Some participants are required to obtain an evaluation and possible treatment for alcohol/drug abuse.

Most motorists convicted of violations of Section 1192 are eligible to participate in the DDP. Participation is voluntary, unless a judge requires it as part of a sentence. A judge also has the authority to prohibit entry. Fees paid by participants support the DDP. Most DDP participants who are New York State licensees are eligible for a conditional license, which allows for limited driving in well-defined circumstances. Participants who are out-of-state licensees and who are convicted in New York may be granted a conditional driving privilege in New York. Motorists licensed by and convicted in another state may enter the DDP, but are not issued a conditional driving privilege by New York.

When a motorist completes all phases of the DDP, full license privileges are usually restored.

Eligible motorist convicted of an alcohol/drug related driving violation who wish to participate in the DDP must appear at a DMV district office. Usually they bring the application mailed to them by the DMV, their drivers license if they still have one, and the administrative fee. Motorists must also pay a fee to the agency conducting the DDP course at the first class or prior to it.

Classroom Phase - Every motorist enrolled in the DDP must attend seven weekly classroom sessions of 2 to 21/2 hours each, totaling 16 hours. These classes cover traffic safety and the related use of alcohol and drugs. Motorists must attend each of the classes to complete the classroom segment of the DDP satisfactorily. During the classroom phase of the DDP, motorists are screened to determine if a referral for a comprehensive evaluation may be appropriate. Unless a motorist is referred for an evaluation, he/she completes the DDP when the classroom phase is completed.

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