New Choices Recovery Center

The Impaired Driver Program (IDP) is a 16-hour educational initiative approved by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV). Designed for individuals convicted of alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses, the program helps participants work towards restoring their driving privileges.

To register, New York State drivers must enroll through the DMV, while out-of-state drivers can register directly through the program. Classes are held at 728 State Street in Schenectady, NY, typically on Monday or Tuesday evenings. The program spans over seven weeks, with each class lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Attendance is crucial, with absences permitted only in emergencies and requiring coordination with the program director to avoid delays in completion.

The program fee is $233, payable by the second class, and participants may also be required to undergo a substance abuse assessment. Referrals for assessment can arise from various circumstances, including prior convictions or requests from participants. Assessments must be conducted by providers approved by the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), and if treatment is recommended, it must be completed to receive the IDP completion certificate.

Upon successfully completing the program and any required treatment, participants will receive their completion certificate. Re-licensing procedures then involve additional steps with the DMV, including paying necessary fees. Re-entry into the program after being dropped incurs a $50 fee, and specific guidelines must be followed. Weather-related cancellations of classes will be announced on local news stations. For re-licensing queries, participants are advised to contact the DMV directly.