The Traffic Offenders Program
The program courts expect drink and drug drivers to complete before sentence: what it is, where to find one, what it costs, and how to use the certificate.
The Traffic Offenders Intervention Program is a court-recognised education course for people charged with driving offences, run by PCYC and other approved providers, over several weeks or as an intensive. Judges expect drink and drug driving defendants to have completed it before sentence and treat completion as evidence of insight. Enrol the week you are charged and bring the certificate to court.
- Find an approved provider near you or online and enrol; the course takes weeks, so start nowSection 2 of this guide
- If sentence is before the course finishes, ask for an adjournment to complete itSection 3 of this guide
- Read the drug driving guide or the PCA guide for what the certificate does for your specific chargeSection 4 of this guide
A certificate does not avoid mandatory disqualification on its own. For mid or high range PCA, or a second offence, the interlock and disqualification rules run regardless and the program is one part of a larger preparation.
| What | Court-recognised road safety and driver education course |
| Who runs it | PCYC and other approved providers, in person and online |
| Length | Around seven to eight weekly sessions, or a one or two day intensive |
| Cost | Roughly $150 to $400, varies by provider |
| Evidence | Completion certificate, tendered at sentence |
1What it is
Start here
The program covers the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving, the consequences of crashes, the law, and decision-making, delivered by police, paramedics, road safety officers and people affected by road trauma. It exists because courts asked for a way to educate rather than simply punish, and it is referred to in Local Court practice as the program the court expects a driver to have done. Arriving at a drink or drug driving sentence without a certificate is arriving unprepared.
2How to enrol
This week
Providers include PCYC clubs across NSW and several community and private organisations, with online delivery available. Search for the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program by suburb, check the provider is court-approved, and enrol. Courses run to a schedule, so the next intake may be a few weeks away, which is the reason to look on the day you are charged rather than after your first mention.
Providers and cost
Requires principal review before release: confirm current approved providers and typical cost.
3If you cannot finish in time
Adjournment
Tell the court at the mention that you have enrolled and give the completion date. An adjournment for sentence to allow completion is granted routinely. Bring the enrolment confirmation to the mention.
4Using the certificate
At sentence
Tender the certificate with your references and letter. In your apology letter, say what the program taught you, in a sentence that could only have been written by someone who attended: the particular session, the particular thing that stayed. In submissions, it sits under the "other matters" heading as a step taken before being ordered.
Enrol today. Put every session date in your phone.
General information only, not legal advice. NSW-specific. Every matter turns on its own facts and laws can change. Reading this guide does not create a solicitor-client relationship between you and the lawyers who produced it.