National Safety Council

The National Safety Council (NSC) is a leading American nonprofit advocacy group focused on eliminating preventable deaths at work, in homes, and on the road. Founded in 1913 and chartered by the U.S. Congress, it is most famous for pioneering the nation’s first Defensive Driving Course in 1964.

NSC & DUI Programs

While the national NSC headquarters designs the curriculum, “DUI Programs” are typically administered by local NSC Chapters or Safety Councils (like the Florida Safety Council or North Central Florida Safety Council). These regional offices are state-licensed to provide the specific legal education required for license reinstatement.

1. Level I and Level II DUI Programs

In many states (notably Florida), these councils offer two standardized levels of DUI education:

• Level I (First-Time Offenders): A 12-hour in-person classroom course. It includes a psychosocial evaluation and focus on the effects of alcohol/drugs on driving.
• Level II (Repeat Offenders): A 21-hour intensive program. This level focuses more on identifying long-term substance abuse patterns and treatment readiness.

2. Specialized Behavioral Courses

The NSC also offers specific courses often assigned by courts for aggressive or repeat driving offenses that may be related to or separate from a DUI:

• Attitudinal Dynamics of Driving (ADD): An 8-hour behavior-based course that connects personal choices and attitudes to driving outcomes. It is often required for license reinstatement.
• Chronic Offender: An advanced 8-hour course designed specifically for those with a high rate of recidivism (repeat violations).
• Alive at 25: A 4-hour program tailored specifically for drivers aged 16–24 to address risk-taking behaviors.

Key Logistics for Offenders

• In-Person Requirement: In most states, DUI and ACT programs cannot be taken online due to legal statutes. They must be completed in a physical classroom with a certified instructor.
• Evaluations: Almost all DUI programs include a mandatory one-on-one evaluation to determine if further clinical substance abuse treatment is needed.
• Cost: Fees are generally set by the state. For example, a Level I course often costs around $350–$380, including the evaluation fee.

Summary of NSC Offerings

Because the NSC operates through regional chapters, the specific schedule and enrollment process depend on your county.