DWI Education Programs in Texas — Required Classes Explained
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Table of Contents
Required Texas DWI courses overview
Three main course tracks in Texas DWI compliance:
- DWI Education Program (DEP) — 12 hours. Required for first-time DWI convictions and license reinstatement. Texas Transportation Code §521.374.
- DWI Intervention Program (DWIIP) — 32 hours. Required for repeat DWI offenders. More intensive than DEP.
- Drug Offender Education Program (DOEP) — 15 hours. Required when DWI involved drugs other than alcohol.
Plus various supplementary courses:
- Victim impact panels (3 hours typically)
- Substance abuse evaluations (varies)
- Counseling sessions when ordered
- Ignition interlock training when device is required
DWI Education Program (DEP) — 12 hours
The 12-hour DEP is required for:
- First-time DWI convictions
- License reinstatement after DWI suspension
- Occupational license issuance after DWI
- Probation requirement for first DWI
Content:
- Texas DWI laws and consequences
- Alcohol pharmacology and effects on driving
- Tolerance and dependence
- Decision-making and behavior change
- Resources for ongoing support
Format: Typically 4 sessions of 3 hours each, or 2 full days. Some providers offer online options. Certificate of completion required for license reinstatement.
DWI Intervention Program (DWIIP) — 32 hours
The 32-hour DWIIP is required for:
- Second DWI conviction
- Subsequent DWI convictions
- License reinstatement after multiple DWI suspensions
- Required probation condition for repeat offenders
More intensive content:
- All DEP content plus:
- Deeper exploration of alcohol/drug dependence
- Personal action planning
- Group process and accountability
- Family and relationship impacts
- Long-term behavior change strategies
Format: Typically 8 sessions of 4 hours, or longer concentrated periods. More than twice the contact time of DEP.
Drug Offender Education Program (DOEP) — 15 hours
The 15-hour DOEP is required when:
- DWI conviction involved drugs other than alcohol
- Drug possession conviction (often as alternative to jail)
- Some pretrial diversion programs
- Probation condition for drug-related offenses
Content:
- Texas drug laws and penalty groups
- Pharmacology of common drugs of abuse
- Addiction and dependence
- Resources for treatment and recovery
- Decision-making and consequence planning
Practical compliance considerations
- Choose TDLR-licensed providers. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation maintains list of approved DWI/drug education providers. Non-licensed programs do not satisfy court orders.
- Complete by deadline. License reinstatement requires DEP completion within 6 months. Probation requires completion typically within first 6-12 months.
- Maintain certificate of completion. Required for DPS, courts, and probation. Provider should give multiple copies.
- Online vs in-person. Some Texas providers offer online options; some courts and probation require in-person attendance. Check before enrolling.
- Cost. $50-200 typically for DEP; $200-400 for DWIIP. Lower-income participants may qualify for reduced fees.
- Multiple court orders. If you have orders from multiple cases, ensure documentation goes to each court.
- Texas Compassionate Use Program patients. Medical marijuana use doesn't exempt from DOEP if part of a DUI conviction.
Have a Texas legal question?
Call L and L Law Group for a free, confidential consultation. We handle criminal defense across Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties.
Call (972) 370-5060In our practice defending Texas criminal cases, we have represented clients in Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant County criminal courts on the full Texas Penal Code and Health & Safety Code spectrum. Reggie's prosecutor background in Dallas County means we know the State's evidentiary playbook; Njeri's trial-trained motion practice anchors the suppression-driven defense work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What classes are required for a Texas DWI?
Standard requirement: DWI Education Program (DEP) — 12 hours — for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders: DWI Intervention Program (DWIIP) — 32 hours. Drug-related DWI: Drug Offender Education Program (DOEP) — 15 hours.
How long is the Texas DWI class?
First-offender DWI Education Program is 12 hours. Repeat-offender DWI Intervention Program is 32 hours. Drug Offender Education Program is 15 hours. Plus optional victim impact panels and other courses.
Can I take Texas DWI classes online?
Some TDLR-licensed providers offer online options. Court orders and probation conditions may specify in-person attendance. Verify with your provider and confirm acceptable to the court/probation before enrolling.
What happens if I don't take required Texas DWI classes?
License reinstatement blocked; probation violation; sometimes additional fines or extended probation. Completion is a hard requirement for license restoration after DWI.
How much do Texas DWI classes cost?
$50-200 for DEP (12-hour program); $200-400 for DWIIP (32-hour program); $75-200 for DOEP (15-hour program). Sliding fees available at some providers for indigent participants.
