When a DUI School Transfer Comes Up
Life changes during a long program. A move, a new job or a family need can make the current class schedule hard to keep. A DUI school transfer lets a person continue in a different licensed program.
However, a transfer takes planning. The court order, the DMV and both programs may all be involved.
Licensed Programs Only
Health and Safety Code section 11836 gives DHCS sole authority to license DUI programs. So the new program must also hold a DHCS license. The DHCS DUI programs page says the department licenses programs and sets regulations.
A transfer to an unlicensed class does not count. Therefore, check the new program’s license before switching.
Steps for a DUI School Transfer
Start with the current program. Ask what paperwork it needs to release a file and report hours completed. Then contact the new program and ask how it accepts transfers.
Next, check the court order. Some courts name a specific program or county, so a lawyer may need to ask for a change.
DMV Reporting
DUI programs often report to the DMV. For example, Vehicle Code section 13353.6 says a program shall report any failure to participate and shall certify completion to the DMV for certain restricted licenses. So a gap during a transfer can affect a license.
Keep the gap as short as possible. Also ask both programs how they will report the change.
Out of County and Out of State Moves
Moving to another California county usually means finding a licensed program there. Moving out of state raises harder questions, since other states have their own programs. The article on California DUI outmigration rules explains how the DMV handles some out of state cases.
So ask the court and the DMV before moving. In addition, keep proof of every session completed before the move.
Keeping Records During a DUI School Transfer
Save the release letter, the new enrollment receipt and attendance logs. Then compare totals with the program requirement. The guide on DUI school completion proof explains final proof.
If a session is missed during the change, the article on DUI school missed classes covers what can follow. Meanwhile, the guide on California DUI school requirements lists program lengths.
Fees may also change with a transfer. For example, the new program may charge an enrollment fee, so ask for a written fee schedule up front.