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Sober Driver Program

The Sober Driver Program is for repeat drink driving offenders who:

  • are over the age of 18
  • have been convicted of two or more drink driving offences within a five-year period
  • are subject to a community based order
  • are directed to attend the program

Up to 12 people may participate in each program. The program consists of interactional group activities. Key features of the program are the:

  • consequences of drink driving on the self and others
  • demands of safe driving
  • effect of alcohol and individual drink driving situations
  • management of drinking and driving situations
  • avoidance of relapse
  • completion of a three-week drinking diary
  • completion of a program workbook which contains information sheets relating to safe drinking levels

How long is the program?

The Sober Driver Program is six weeks in duration. Participants attend a three-hour group session once a week.

A three-week condensed program is available for those:

  • who live in remote/rural areas and have limited access to transport, or
  • those whose employment would be significantly impacted through attendance at the longer program

People who are sentenced to take part in the program may be breached if:

  • they fail to attend
  • they do not participate appropriately in individual and group program activities

If someone is breached, their case is returned to Court where the Magistrate/Judge may reconsider their sentence.

The Department of Corrective Services, NSW, developed The Sober Driver Program in collaboration with the Motor Accidents Authority and the Roads and Traffic Authority.

The Tasmanian Government introduced the Sober Driver Program into Community Corrections in July 2008.

Last updated: 1 September 2022