Texas DWI programs · Repeat offender DWI Intervention
Texas 32-Hour DWI Intervention Class: The Repeat Offender Program Explained
What people call the "32-hour DWI class" in Texas is the DWI Intervention Program, the state's repeat offender education program. TDLR's legal minimum is 30 hours of class instruction plus individual sessions. Courts order it for defendants punished as repeat DWI offenders. It is a different course from the 12-hour class, not a longer version of it.
Quick answer: the "32-hour" DWI class in Texas
- Hours: at least 30 hours of class plus at least 2 individual sessions and an exit interview. Some providers advertise 32.
- Who: defendants punished under the repeat-offense statute, Penal Code § 49.09 (Art. 42A.404). That usually means a 2nd or later DWI.
- Length: 2-to-3-hour modules, at most two a week, so at least 5 weeks.
- Online: allowed from a TDLR-licensed provider, unless your court specifies a format.
- Cost: not set by the state. Each provider sets its own fee.
- Deadline: set by your court. The certificate goes to DPS within 10 working days.
DWI Intervention vs the 12-hour DWI Education class
This is the most useful thing to settle before you spend money. The two programs are not interchangeable, and a certificate from the wrong one does not satisfy your order.
| 12-hour DWI Education (DWIE) | DWI Intervention (DWII) | |
|---|---|---|
| Common names | 12-hour DWI class, DWI Education, DWIE, first-offender program | "32-hour" DWI class, DWI Intervention, DWII, repeat offender program |
| Hours | Minimum 12 hours of instruction | Minimum 30 hours of class instruction, plus at least 2 individual sessions and an exit interview |
| Who it is for | A defendant convicted of an intoxication offense (Penal Code §§ 49.04–49.08) and placed on community supervision (Art. 42A.403) | A defendant punished under the repeat-offense statute, Penal Code § 49.09 (Art. 42A.404). TDLR describes it as for offenders with multiple DWIs or problems a first-offender program did not address |
| Deadline | Before the 181st day after community supervision is granted. A judge may extend it, on a written motion showing good cause, to no later than one year after supervision began | Set by your court order. The statute does not fix a number of days |
| Class schedule | No more than 4 hours of instruction a day, so at least 3 days. Classes of 3 to 30 people | Modules of 2 to 3 hours, no more than one a day and two a week, so at least 5 weeks. Classes of 3 to 15 people |
| Online or in person | Either. Texas law lets a licensed provider offer it online or in person, and your court may specify the format | Either. Same rule: allowed online or in person, and your court may specify the format |
| Cost | Not set by the state. Providers must set definite, reasonable course fees (not charged class by class) and share their fee schedule on request | Not set by the state. Same rule on definite, reasonable course fees |
| Certificate | Within 10 working days of completion, the instructor notifies your community supervision department and sends the certificate to DPS (sooner if your deadline is closer) | Same 10-working-day rule: notice to your community supervision department and a copy of the certificate to DPS |
| If DPS never gets proof | DPS revokes your license (or bars you from getting one). Reinstatement requires an application and a $100 fee | DPS revokes your license (or bars you from getting one) if the program is not completed in the period the judge set |
If your paperwork says "DWI Education" or "DWIE," see our Texas 12-hour DWI class guide instead. For every Texas program in one place, see the Texas DWI classes overview.
Why "32 hours" when the minimum is 30?
TDLR's rule (16 TAC § 90.46) requires a minimum of 30 hours of class instruction. It also requires at least two individual sessions in which the instructor checks your workbook and progress, and an individual exit interview. A provider's advertised total may count that time too, or it may simply schedule more than the minimum. For you, the legal question is whether the provider is TDLR-licensed with a DWI Intervention endorsement and your order names this program. The number on the website doesn't decide that.
Who has to take it: repeat and 2nd-offense DWI
Art. 42A.404 says the judge shall require a defendant punished under Penal Code § 49.09 to complete an educational program for repeat offenders as a condition of community supervision. Section 49.09 is the statute that raises the punishment when a person has prior intoxication convictions, so this is the program usually behind searches for "2nd offender DWI classes." TDLR adds that the program is also meant for people whose alcohol or drug problems their first-offender program did not address. The judge can waive it on a written motion showing good cause. The judge must waive it if you complete approved education in a residential treatment facility (Art. 42A.4045).
What the program covers
TDLR describes DWI Intervention as intervening in an alcohol- or drug-abusing lifestyle, to encourage treatment where needed and prevent further problems. Topics include lifestyle issues, values, self-esteem, positive thinking vs irrational beliefs, responsibility, the effects of drugs, alcoholism and chemical dependency, how drug abuse affects families, co-dependency, Al-Anon, treatment options, 12-step groups, peer pressure, relapse prevention, problem solving, and action planning. Classes are capped at 15 people. The instructor must hold a clinical credential, such as licensed chemical dependency counselor, social worker, professional counselor, psychologist, or physician, plus at least two years of documented relevant experience.
Online DWI Intervention: Texas law allows providers to offer court-ordered programs online (Government Code § 171.0055, since September 1, 2021). TDLR requires online classes to be live, with the instructor and every participant on camera, and removes anyone who drops off camera. Because a court may specify the program format (§ 171.0002), check your order first. Then use the TDLR search filtered to DWI Intervention to find a licensed provider.
Cost and certificate
Texas sets no statewide price. Under 16 TAC § 90.50, providers must set definite, reasonable course fees, not charge class by class, and give you their fee schedule on request. When you finish, the instructor has 10 working days to notify your community supervision department and send a copy of the certificate to DPS, or less if your deadline is sooner. If DPS never receives proof within the period the judge set, DPS revokes your license or bars you from getting one (Art. 42A.406).
Find a TDLR-licensed DWI Intervention provider
Only a provider licensed by TDLR with a DWI Intervention endorsement can issue a certificate that counts. The TDLR course search can be filtered to this program:
Source & accuracy: who must take the program and the waiver rules come from Tex. Code Crim. Proc. arts. 42A.404 and 42A.4045. Certificate reporting and license revocation come from art. 42A.406. Online delivery and the court's power to specify format come from Tex. Gov't Code §§ 171.0055 and 171.0002. The 30-hour minimum, module limits, class size, individual sessions, exit interview and 10-working-day certificate rule come from 16 Tex. Admin. Code § 90.46. Fee rules come from § 90.50. The program description, topics and instructor credentials come from TDLR's "Court-Ordered Programs At a Glance" (Oct. 2025). "32 hours" is a figure some providers advertise, not the state minimum. Texas does not publish a statewide price. Rules and provider licenses change, so confirm the exact program, format and deadline with the court or probation department handling your case before you enroll or pay. We are an independent directory. We do not run classes, we cannot enroll you, and none of these links are affiliate links. This is general information, not legal advice. Sources: Tex. Code Crim. Proc. ch. 42A, Tex. Gov't Code ch. 171, 16 TAC § 90.46, 16 TAC § 90.50, TDLR Court-Ordered Programs At a Glance (PDF), TDLR drug & alcohol programs.