You might be aware of the Drinking Driver Program in New York state, but it has been expanded with a new name — the Impaired Driver Program. Why did the name change? Because of drugs.

Here’s how it works. If you are convicted of an alcohol or drug-related driving violation, your license or privilege to drive in New York will be revoked or suspended. However, you could be eligible for a conditional license or a conditional driving privilege if you participate in the State’s Impaired Driver Program (IDP).

Your Order of Suspension or Revocation will indicate a nearby state or county motor vehicle office where you can enroll in the Impaired Driver Program and apply for a conditional license/privilege, if applicable.

Participants in the IDP will receive an in-depth education regarding high-risk alcohol and other drug choices to assist them in identifying and changing high-risk behaviors. Multimedia presentations and guided discussions increase participants’ motivation to change their behavior to protect what they value most in life. Individual and group activities use participant workbooks. Participants will also complete a preliminary screening designed to identify risk factors for a substance abuse disorder. If found to be at risk for a substance abuse disorder, participants will be referred for a comprehensive clinical assessment and referral to treatment if warranted.

If you have been convicted of an alcohol or drug-related driving violation, participation in the IDP is available on a voluntary basis unless you have participated in the program within the last five years or have been convicted of another alcohol or drug-related violation within five years of the current alcohol or drug violation. However, these limitations do not restrict the ability of the court to mandate participation, even if you have already attended an IDP within the previous five years. In such situations, participation will be required, yet you will not be eligible for a conditional license or privilege.

When you enroll in the Impaired Driver Program, you must pay a non-refundable $75 fee to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Additional fees might apply. After enrollment, you also must pay a fee directly to the program that conducts your IDP classes. The maximum IDP enrollment fee is $233, payable to the program you attend.

As an IDP participant, you must attend all seven weekly classroom sessions. Each session takes 2 to 3 hours for a total of 16 hours. When you complete the classroom sessions satisfactorily, your involvement in the IDP will end unless the program refers you for formal assessment and any resulting treatment.

You could be referred for a formal substance abuse assessment by a New York state court, the Department of Probation or the IDP.

The IDP will provide you with a “Notice of Completion” when all program requirements have been met. This information will also be electronically transmitted to DMV. Depending on your license status and driving record, your license could be restored or you might become eligible to apply for a new license.

According to Ron Santor, Director of the Police Academy in Plattsburgh, classes in Malone are run by St. Lawrence County Stop DWI, and in Plattsburgh, classes are offered by Clinton Community College.