Drink-Drive Rehabilitation courses to be modernised

14 November 2011

 These aim to improve both the standard of courses offered to drink-driving offenders and the way they are approved. The proposals are also intended to encourage more training providers to become involved in delivering DDRS courses, improving access to the scheme for offenders in areas with high incidences of drink-driving.

The Government also intends to make the financing of the scheme fairer. Rather than the cost of administering the scheme being met by the general taxpayer, the consultation proposes that offenders should pick up the bill for this through the fees they pay to cover the cost of their training.

Out of 1,850 deaths resulting from road accidents in 2010, 250 (14%) were linked to drink-driving offences.
Since 1 January 2000, the courts throughout Great Britain have been able to offer to drivers, who have been disqualified for a period of at least 12 months for a relevant drink-driving offence, a referral to an approved Drink-Drive Rehabilitation course.

The Rehabilitation Courses (Drink-Drive and Other Offences) Regulations 2012 will come into force on 6 April 2012 and have effect in England and Scotland only.

Closing date for responses to the consultation is 6 January 2012.