According to Texas law, taking an online DADAP course (Drug and Alcohol Driving Awareness Program) is an acceptable option for anyone who has an infraction that requires them to take a State Approved Alcohol Awareness course. The Alcoholic Beverage code describes an acceptable Alcohol Awareness Program as a DADAP course or an Alcohol Awareness course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
While the primary difference is that the DADAP course is available online while the TDLR course is only available in a traditional in-person format, you may still be wondering whether both courses cover the same material—or offer the same benefits.
Though every case is different, most courts and judges in Texas will allow someone to take the online Texas DADAP course to handle alcohol related offenses. Read on to learn more about the DADAP and how it could offer even more benefits than a traditional alcohol awareness course.
What Is a DADAP Course?
A Drug and Alcohol Driving Awareness Program (DADAP) course is a state-approved alternative to a traditional alcohol awareness course. Just like the alcohol awareness course, taking a DADAP course is an acceptable option for someone who must take an Alcohol Awareness course due to an alcohol-related offense.
While DADAP is an acceptable option via the law, and is a preferred option by users statewide, there may be a situation where an in-person alcohol awareness course is required. For that reason, it is highly recommended, if you have been told by a court to complete an Alcohol Awareness course, that you verify that DADAP is accepted.
Alcohol Offenses Covered
Eligibility also depends on the driver’s offense. Section 106.115 also outlines which alcohol-related offense qualify to be dismissed by taking a DADAP course:
- Public intoxication (49.02)
- Purchase of alcohol by a minor (106.02)
- Attempt to purchase alcohol by a minor (106.025)
- Consumption of alcohol by a minor (106.04)
- Driving or operating watercraft under the influence of alcohol by minor (106.041)
- Possession of alcohol by a minor (106.05)
- Misrepresentation of age by a minor (106.07)
Again, it’s important to check with the judge or court handling your case to make sure that you are eligible to take online DADAP!
Course Format and Length
The DADAP is a six-hour course held entirely online. While this length is the same as the traditional alcohol awareness course, the online format allows drivers to take DADAP courses anytime and anywhere there’s internet access. By contrast, the traditional alcohol awareness course requires two three-hour class sessions held in person.
Drivers take the DADAP by logging in to their respective provider. In most cases, online DADAP programs are divided into ten units, and users can log in or out as they please. Our course, for example, consists of ten units that you can stop and continue where you left off, providing you with greater flexibility than traditional courses.
Topics Covered
A typical DADAP course covers a range of topics related to alcohol use and abuse and how it can affect the driving task. Whether a ticket was driving related or not, it could have been, so it is important to cover that subject as well. Topics include but are not limited to:
- Risks and problems associated with alcohol and drug use
- Physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and drug use
- Legal consequences of alcohol and drug use
- Signs of alcohol or drug abuse
- The effects of alcohol and drugs on driving
Benefits of DADAP Courses
As you may have already guessed, flexibility is the main benefit of taking a DADAP course: By taking your course online, you can avoid inconvenient in-person classes and fulfil your court orders at your own pace and on your own schedule. This benefit can also help dismiss your ticket sooner since you don’t have to wait for scheduled classes or mail-in completion certificates.
Similarly to a defensive driving course, a DADAP course can also lower your auto insurance premiums. Many auto insurance companies offer a separate discount for completing a DADAP course.
DADAP vs. Texas Alcohol Awareness Course: What’s the Difference?
While both courses ultimately cover virtually the same topics and can help satisfy requirements to handle citations, their main differences come down to format and flexibility.
The DADAP Is Online
Where a traditional alcohol awareness course consists of two three-hour classes held in person, a DADAP course is held entirely online with no set scheduling. This online format makes it possible for drivers to learn at their own pace and on their own time, making it ideal for those with busy or inconvenient schedules.
Though there’s nothing wrong with taking an in-person alcohol awareness course, inflexible scheduling might delay ticket dismissals or interfere with important events.
The DADAP Is More Flexible
Most DADAP courses are structured into several units that students can take at any time. Thanks to the online format, students can start or stop sections at their convenience, allowing them to take a break for work, family, or other important appointments.
The online format also allows students to take the DADAP from anywhere that they have access to the internet. With this flexibility, students often complete their DADAP sooner than they would taking a traditional alcohol awareness course.
Both Can Be Taken for a Ticket
Ultimately, both a DADAP course and an alcohol awareness course can be taken for a ticket that requires the completion of an Alcohol Awareness Course. However, with the DADAP offering greater flexibility and instant certificate renewal, many students now prefer taking the DADAP due to its benefits and flexibility.
Enroll in a DADAP Course Today with Ticket School
Here at Ticket School, we’ve designed our DADAP course to be as flexible and affordable as possible. Here are a few details about our DADAP course:
- Convenient: Our course is 100% online and accessible from any device 24/7.
- State-Approved: We’re fully approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), formerly the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
- Quick Delivery: We offer many express shipping options from our Sugar Land, Texas headquarters, with overnight shipping options available for tight court deadlines.
- No Lectures: We’ve swapped out boring lectures for interactive and engaging instruction featuring videos, graphics, and animations.
- Customer Support: Our friendly team of customer service professionals is just a phone call or email away!
- Affordable: At $49.95, our DADAP course is among the most affordable in Texas.
- Money-Back Guarantee: Not satisfied? No worries: We offer a complete money-back guarantee.
For more information on our Texas DADAP courses and to enroll today, register online at TicketSchool.com or call the Ticket School team at (800) 558-9887.