Do I have to get a substance use assessment first?

Yes. Every person convicted of DWI in North Carolina must complete a DWI substance use assessment with an NC-authorized provider. The assessment determines whether you take ADETS or treatment, and completion is required before the NC DMV will restore your license.

What is ADETS and who qualifies for it?

ADETS (Alcohol and Drug Education Traffic School) is a 16-hour education program using the PRIME For Life curriculum, mainly for first-time offenders. You qualify only if the assessment finds no substance use disorder, it was your first DWI, your BAC was 0.14% or lower, and you did not refuse the chemical test.

How much do the assessment and ADETS cost in North Carolina?

By state statute (G.S. 122C-142.1), the substance use assessment fee is $100 and the ADETS fee is $160. If you are placed in treatment instead, there is a $75 minimum payment, but actual treatment costs are higher and vary by level and provider.

DUI classes by state · North Carolina

Court-Ordered DUI Classes in North Carolina

Q: Can I take ADETS / a DWI class online in North Carolina?

Only partly. The required substance use assessment may be done by telehealth, but NC DHHS says it must be face-to-face with an authorized provider, with both audio and video. State rules describe ADETS itself as at least 16 hours of classroom instruction, and the state publishes no approval for generic self-paced online DWI courses. Only a DHHS-authorized provider can issue the certificate of completion the DMV needs. Ask your provider how its classes are delivered, and confirm with your court and the NC DMV before enrolling.

In North Carolina, court-ordered DUI/DWI education goes through the DWI substance use assessment + ADETS. Here is how it works, whether an online class is accepted, and how to find a provider your court will accept.

Official provider list Check the rules

Based on 6 cited official sources · Reviewed Sep 2026

Adult comparing a court order, calendar, and local program options

Program

DWI substance use assessment + ADETS
Assessment

Required

Screening or evaluation is part of the process
Online?

Mostly in person

Limited online options
License agency

NC DMV

Handles suspension and reinstatement

Quick answer: in person or online in North Carolina?

Mostly in-person (limited online). NC DHHS requires the DWI substance use assessment to be face-to-face with an authorized NC provider, either in person or by telehealth with audio and video. It cannot be a self-serve online form. State rules (10A NCAC 27G .3803) describe ADETS as at least 16 hours of classroom instruction, and the state publishes no approval for generic self-paced online DWI courses. Ask your authorized provider how its ADETS classes are delivered, and confirm with your court and the NC DMV that the format will earn a certificate of completion before you pay. Your court and the NC DMV decide what counts — confirm the format and the specific provider before you enroll or pay.

Adults participating in a licensed education and counseling program — Program schedules may combine education, group counseling, and individual interviews.

Program structure in North Carolina

Program / level	Length	Applies to
Level I — ADETS	16 hours of classroom instruction (PRIME For Life)	No substance use disorder found, first DWI, BAC 0.14% or lower, no test refusal
Level II — Short-term outpatient	Minimum 20 contact hours over 30+ days	Assessment suggests substance abuse, or aggravating factors (BAC 0.15%+ or refusal)
Level III — Longer-term outpatient	Minimum 40 contact hours over 60+ days	Meets criteria for substance dependence
Levels IV–V — IOP / residential	90+ contact hours, up to residential care	Confirmed or severe substance dependence

North Carolina program levels — dedicated guides

Each North Carolina program level has its own page explaining who it applies to, how long it runs, and how to find a licensed provider. Open the one your court order names:

ADETS and the DWI assessment levels — The $100 assessment, who qualifies for the 16-hour $160 ADETS class, treatment Levels II–V, and the certificate of completion.

North Carolina-specific rules to know

Everyone convicted of DWI in NC must complete a DWI substance use assessment before driving privileges or a license can be restored.
The assessment determines placement: ADETS for low-risk first offenders, or one of four treatment levels if a substance use disorder or aggravating factors are present.
You qualify for ADETS only if no substance use disorder is found, it was a first DWI, BAC was 0.14% or lower, and you did not refuse the chemical test.
By statute (G.S. 122C-142.1), the assessment fee is $100 and the ADETS fee is $160; providers must be NC DHHS-authorized to issue the required certificate.

Find an approved DUI class provider in North Carolina

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:

NC DHHS provider database (authorized DWI assessment / ADETS / treatment) → NC DMV: license & reinstatement →

Prefer to look on a map? Search Google Maps for DUI classes in North Carolina — then check any provider against the official list above and your court order before enrolling.

Source & accuracy: compiled from North Carolina DHHS — Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services (DMHDDSUS) and official North Carolina licensing sources. Court requirements change and vary by case — always confirm the program, format, hours, and an accepted provider with your court and the NC DMV before enrolling. Sources: ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mental-health-developmental-disabilities-and-substance-use-services/driving-while-impaired, ncdhhs.gov/providers/provider-information/mental-health-development-disabilities-substance-use-services-and-traumatic-brain-injuries/alcohol-drug-education-training-school, ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_122c/gs_122c-142.1.html, ncdhhs.gov/documents/files/administrative-rules-dwi-services/open, ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_20/gs_20-17.6.html, ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/license-suspension/Pages/default.aspx.

Official provider list → How to confirm your court accepts a class

See all court-ordered classes in North Carolina →