What is Level 1 DUI Education in Colorado?
Is Level 1 Alcohol Education right for me?
If you have gotten a DUI or DWAI, you may be wondering what is Level 1 DUI Education in Colorado and what the program involves, how long it takes, and whether Level 1 is actually the right class for your DUI or DWAI requirements.
Level I is Colorado’s shorter DUI education program. But that does not mean everyone with a first DUI or DWAI should automatically enroll in it. Your specific court, probation, DMV, and referral requirements matter.
Colorado Level I DUI Education is a 12-hour alcohol and drug education program for certain people with a DUI or DWAI requirement.
Level I Education must include 12 hours of DUI-specific education. Colorado guidance describes Level I as a lower-intensity education program and indicates that it is not appropriate for people with multiple impaired-driving offenses or certain higher-risk circumstances.
Because court and Colorado DMV requirements can be different, confirm that Level I is the program you actually need before enrolling.
What Is Level I DUI Education in Colorado?
Level I Education is a structured alcohol and drug education program used in Colorado’s DUI and DWAI system.
The program focuses on DUI-specific education rather than therapy. Its purpose is to help participants better understand alcohol and drug use, impaired driving, decision-making, legal consequences, and behaviors that can reduce the risk of another impaired-driving incident.
Colorado DUI education and treatment programs must follow state behavioral-health requirements and use DUI/DWAI-specific educational content.
How Long Does Level I DUI Education Take in Colorado?
Level I requires 12 total hours of DUI education.
The exact calendar schedule can depend on the licensed provider’s class schedule and the requirements that apply to the participant.
Who May Need Level I DUI Education?
Level I is generally associated with lower-risk DUI/DWAI education placements. However, determining the appropriate program involves more than simply asking whether the offense was a person’s first DUI.
Factors that may affect the required level of education or treatment can include:
- Prior impaired-driving offenses
- Blood alcohol concentration or other testing information
- Chemical-test refusal
- Court or probation requirements
- Colorado DMV reinstatement requirements
- Evaluation or referral recommendations
- Other clinical or case-specific factors
Colorado’s Behavioral Health Administration advises people who do not know what level of DUI education or treatment they need to confirm their requirement before enrolling.
Does a First DUI or DWAI Automatically Mean Level I?
A first DUI or DWAI does not automatically mean you should enroll in Level I Education.
The correct program depends on your specific circumstances and the requirements issued by the court, probation, DMV, or other referring authority.
Enrolling in the wrong level can cost you time and money without satisfying the requirement you actually need to complete.
This is particularly important if your paperwork refers to Level II Education, Level II Therapy, a treatment track, a chemical-test refusal, or a driver’s-license reinstatement requirement.
Level I vs. Level II DUI Education in Colorado
Colorado uses more than one level of DUI education and treatment. Level I and Level II are not interchangeable.
| Level I Education | Level II Education | |
|---|---|---|
| Education Hours | 12 hours | 24 hours |
| Program Intensity | Lower-intensity DUI education | More extensive DUI education |
| Education Format | Structured DUI education | Structured DUI education completed over 12 weeks |
| Therapy | Level I is an education program | Level II Education may be followed by Level II Therapy when therapy is required |
| Placement | Generally associated with lower-risk circumstances | Required in many Colorado DUI/DWAI and DMV situations |
Colorado Level II Education consists of 24 hours of DUI education over 12 weeks. If Level II Therapy is also required, therapy follows the education component and is assigned according to the appropriate treatment track.
Learn more in our guide to how long Level II Alcohol Education takes in Colorado or review Colorado Level II DUI Education .
Are Court and Colorado DMV DUI Requirements the Same?
Your court requirements and Colorado DMV requirements may be different.
Completing the DUI program required by the court does not automatically mean every driver’s-license reinstatement requirement has also been satisfied.
Colorado’s Behavioral Health Administration specifically warns that requirements from the court and the Division of Motor Vehicles may differ.
This becomes especially important when Level II requirements are involved. Colorado BHA states that DMV Level II requirements include both Level II Education and Level II Therapy.
If you are working toward driver’s-license reinstatement, verify your DMV requirements separately instead of assuming that your court paperwork tells the entire story.
What Do You Learn in a Level I DUI Class?
Level I is education rather than traditional therapy. The program uses DUI/DWAI-specific educational material intended to help participants understand impaired driving and reduce future risk.
Topics may include:
- How alcohol and drugs affect driving ability
- Impairment and decision-making
- Colorado DUI and DWAI consequences
- Patterns associated with risky alcohol or drug use
- Personal responsibility and safer decision-making
- Strategies for preventing another impaired-driving incident
The goal is not simply to complete 12 hours. DUI education is intended to help participants better understand the decisions and risks associated with impaired driving.
Can You Take Level I DUI Education Online in Colorado?
Colorado DUI education may be available through live online services when offered in accordance with state requirements by an appropriately licensed provider.
5280 Human Care Center provides online DUI education through live telehealth groups, allowing eligible participants to attend from locations throughout Colorado.
For a deeper explanation, see Online DUI Classes in Colorado: Are They Court-Approved? .
How Much Does Level I DUI Education Cost in Colorado?
The cost of Level I DUI Education in Colorado can vary by provider. Before enrolling, ask what is included in the quoted price and whether there are any additional enrollment, administrative, or completion-related fees.
It is also important to remember that the cost of DUI education is only one potential expense associated with a Colorado DUI or DWAI. Depending on your case, you may also face court costs, attorney fees, driver’s-license expenses, increased insurance premiums, ignition interlock costs, and additional education or treatment requirements.
What Happens After You Complete Level I DUI Education?
After completing required DUI/DWAI education or treatment, your provider should supply documentation showing what you completed.
In Colorado, an important record is the DUI/DWAI Referral Summary, commonly called the DRS form.
Finish the education or treatment requirements assigned to you.
Your provider should provide your DUI/DWAI Referral Summary within 10 business days after completion, at no charge.
The DRS can provide proof of your completed DUI services for the court, DMV, or other referral source.
Colorado BHA states that the DRS should reflect the DUI/DWAI services received during the treatment episode and that providers must supply the record within 10 business days after discharge.
When needed for driver’s-license reinstatement, Colorado allows the DRS to be submitted to the DMV through MyDMV Colorado , by email, or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions About Level I DUI Education in Colorado
How many hours is Level I DUI Education in Colorado?
Colorado Level I DUI Education consists of 12 hours of DUI-specific alcohol and drug education.
How long does Level I DUI Education take?
Level I requires 12 total hours of education. The calendar schedule depends on the provider’s approved class schedule and applicable program requirements.
Is Level I only for a first DUI or DWAI?
Level I is generally associated with lower-risk cases, but a first offense does not automatically mean Level I is the correct program. Your referral, court, probation, evaluation, and DMV requirements should be reviewed before you enroll.
Can adults take Level I DUI Education in Colorado?
Level I should not be described simply as a program that is categorically limited to minors. The appropriate DUI education level depends on the person’s circumstances and referral requirements. Confirm your assigned program before enrolling.
What is the difference between Level I and Level II DUI Education?
Level I consists of 12 hours of DUI education. Level II Education consists of 24 hours completed over 12 weeks and may be followed by Level II Therapy when therapy is required.
Can I take Level I DUI classes online?
Live online DUI education may be available through appropriately licensed Colorado providers. Verify that the specific online program satisfies the court, probation, or DMV requirement you need to complete before enrolling.
Does Level I automatically satisfy Colorado DMV requirements?
No. Court and DMV requirements can differ. Colorado BHA specifically advises people to verify DMV requirements separately, particularly when Level II Education and Therapy are required for driver’s-license reinstatement.
Who decides whether I need Level I or Level II?
Your required level may be determined through your court, probation, evaluation, referral, or Colorado DMV requirements. If your paperwork is unclear, confirm the requirement before enrolling in a class.
What proof do I receive after completing DUI education?
Your provider should provide a DUI/DWAI Referral Summary, or DRS, documenting the services you completed. Colorado requires providers to supply the DRS within 10 business days after discharge at no charge.
Not Sure Whether You Need Level I or Level II?
Colorado DUI requirements can be confusing, especially when court, probation, treatment, and DMV paperwork seem to say different things.
5280 Human Care Center can review your referral or program paperwork and help you identify the appropriate Colorado DUI education or therapy program before you enroll.
