How to Get Your License Back after DUI Conviction
If you want to get your license back after a DUI or impaired driving offense, you have to register for the Back on Track program as soon as possible to have your license reinstated after the suspension period. Read on for the provisions of this program.
Coverage of the program
You have to take the Back on Track program if your impaired driving offense include driving when your ability is impaired by alcohol or drugs, driving when blood alcohol content is more than .08%, if you failed or refused to provide a breath or blood sample, and if you had a "warn range" license suspension more than once within a five-year period.
Divisions of the back on Track program
The Back on Track program is divided into three parts - assessment, education or treatment program, and the six-month follow-up. You may need to take all or some parts only depending on your case.
Education program
This is an eight-hour program where the following topics are covered: the myths and facts about alcohol and drugs, how alcohol and drugs affect driving performance and safety, the legal and personal consequences of an impaired driving offense, and ways on how to separate drinking and drug use from driving.
Treatment program
The treatment program runs for 16 hours and covers the following (aside from the topics discussed in the education program): reasons why people drink or use drugs and how it affects lives, ways to minimize or stop alcohol and drug use, strategies to manage mood, stress, and anger, and strategies to communicate effectively and live a healthy lifestyle.
While these take only a few hours to complete, it will be at least months before you can get your license back since the follow-up interview is done six months after you complete the education or treatment program.
After completing the Back on Track program, you will be required to pay a $150 reinstatement fee, after which the Ministry of Transportation mails you your new license after your suspension period ends.