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Driver Safety Program

What is an assessment?

The purpose of an assessment is to recognize patterns of alcohol and/or drug use that may indicate addiction or are recognized as behaviors that may make you at risk of developing serious problems.  An assessment consists of an interview with a substance use disorder professional with the focus of the interview being the pattern of your use of alcohol and/or other drugs, and its effect on your life. The end result of the assessment is a Driver Safety Plan (DSP), designed to prevent future alcohol or other drug-related problems. Only the designated assessment facility may file a Driver Safety Plan on your behalf with the Department of Transportation. The initial assessment usually takes about an hour, although there may be need for a second 10 to 15 minute appointment to complete the process.

Who needs an assessment? 

In Wisconsin, all drivers convicted of alcohol- or other drug-related traffic violations are court ordered to make an appointment within 72 hours of their conviction (the 72 hour time line does not include weekends and/or holidays) with an approved assessment facility for 1) an assessment of the driver’s alcohol or other drug use and 2) the development of an appropriate driver safety plan. Failure to contact the assessment facility to schedule the appointment within the 72 hour time frame will result in license suspension. Where you live determines where you need to have the assessment done. There is only one designated assessment facility in each county. In Waukesha County you must have the assessment completed at the Addiction Resource Council, Inc.

What information do I need when I call to make an appointment for an assessment?

When you call to make an appointment for your assessment, you will need the following information: Name, Address, Phone Number, Date of Birth, Driver’s License Number, whether you were ordered by a court or by the Department of Transportation and how many prior OWIs you have.  Any additional information needed (information contained in your court order) will be completed when you come in on your assessment date, so be sure to bring your court order.    

What fees are involved?

There is a fee for a Driver Safety Assessment. Please call 262-524-7921 for current fee information. This fee must be paid in full at the time of the assessment and we do have a pre-payment plan available. Personal checks, cash, money orders, Visa/Mastercard or cashiers checks are accepted forms of payment. We cannot give change, so please bring the exact amount you owe. It is your responsibility to pay all fees owed on the date the assessment is performed. The assessment will need to be rescheduled if you do not have the full amount owed at that time and there will be an additional fee for failure to provide 48 hour notice or failure to appear for the assessment.

What should I bring to the assessment?

You need to bring a picture ID for identification.  We also recommend you bring your court order that was received after conviction of charge. We also require your citation number as the Department of Transportation requires that information to file necessary paperwork. It is also useful to bring your health insurance information for Substance Abuse treatment as that could be recommended and it is helpful in providing you choices of treatment providers.

What if I can’t keep my appointment?

Department of Transportation's FAQ about the Driver Safety Plan

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