DUI classes by state · California
Court-Ordered DUI Classes in California
In California, the court-ordered DUI/DWI education requirement is the Driving-Under-the-Influence (DUI) Program, overseen by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Here's how it works, whether an online class is accepted, and how to find a provider your court will accept.
Quick answer: in person or online in California?
Mostly in-person (limited online). California DUI programs are in-person, classroom-based programs run by DHCS-licensed providers; DHCS states plainly that "DUI classes offered via the internet DO NOT meet California’s DUI Program requirements." A licensed program may deliver some sessions by live video, but it must operate from a physical California location — there is no valid self-paced online substitute. Your court and the DMV decide what counts — confirm the format and the specific provider before you enroll or pay.
Program structure in California
| Program / level | Length | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Wet reckless program | 12 hours | A "wet reckless" conviction (alcohol/drug-related reckless driving) |
| First offender (AB 541) | 3 months / 30 hours | Standard first DUI offenders |
| First offender, high BAC (AB 1353) | 9 months / 60 hours | First offenders with BAC 0.20%+ or a chemical-test refusal |
| Multiple offender (SB 38) | 18 months | Second and subsequent DUI offenses |
California-specific rules to know
- DHCS does not license any internet DUI programs — online-only DUI classes do not meet California’s requirements; the program must be DHCS-licensed and in person.
- DUI programs are licensed by DHCS but administered county by county; the provider must be accepted in the county handling your case.
- To fully reinstate driving privileges, the DMV requires proof of DUI-program completion plus an SR-22 maintained for 3 years.
- A first-offense DUI with BAC 0.20% or higher (or a test refusal) typically requires the longer 9-month program instead of the 3-month program.
Find an approved DUI class provider in California
Start with the official state list — it's the one your court is most likely to accept — then confirm the specific provider with your court or probation officer:
Prefer to look on a map? Search Google Maps for DUI classes in California — then check any provider against the official list above and your court order before enrolling.
Source & accuracy: compiled from California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and official California licensing sources. Court requirements change and vary by case — always confirm the program, format, hours, and an accepted provider with your court and the DMV before enrolling. Sources: dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/DUI_Programs.aspx, dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/DUIProgramLicensing.aspx, data.chhs.ca.gov/dataset/licensed-driving-under-the-influence-provider-directory, dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/dmv-safety-guidelines-actions/driving-under-the-influence.