What Happens at a DUI Evaluation? Questions, Steps, and Outcomes

DUI evaluations demystified. Here are the questions and risks you need to know, plus tips on how to protect yourself during the process.

DUI evaluations are a required step in many DUI cases. But for drivers facing impaired driving charges for the first time, the process can feel confusing and even intimidating.

Going into your DUI evaluation prepared and answering honestly can set the tone for a smoother outcome, such as reduced probation, shorter programs, or avoiding unnecessary penalties altogether. 

Read further to learn what a DUI evaluation actually involves, how to prepare, what kind of questions you’ll face, and how the results may affect your case or license. If you or someone you care about is dealing with DUI charges, this could be the information that helps you move forward.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an experienced DUI attorney if you need guidance based on your specific situation. 

Need help with your DUI? Call DUI.org at (877) 246‑7808 to talk with someone who can walk you through the steps involved in your DUI journey.

What Is a DUI Evaluation?

Getting charged with a DUI is overwhelming enough. But then, the court orders you to complete a DUI evaluation, and no one really explains what that means. You might be thinking, “Am I about to get labeled as an alcoholic? Is this going to cost me my license? What if I say the wrong thing?” If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. 

A DUI evaluation is a standard part of the legal process in many states. It’s not to trick or punish you. It’s to give the court or the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) a clearer picture of whether alcohol or substance use contributed to your arrest, and whether treatment or education might reduce the chances of it happening again.

The evaluation is usually required before sentencing or as a condition for license reinstatement. Courts often use it to determine your risk level, which can affect what penalties or requirements you face moving forward.

3 Steps in the DUI Evaluation Process

While every jurisdiction handles DUI evaluations a little differently, the overall structure is typically the same. Most follow a three-step process, with each part building on the last to give evaluators a full picture of your situation:

1. Screening

The screening is typically the first thing you’ll do. It’s a short questionnaire designed to flag any signs of problematic alcohol or drug use. Depending on your state, the screening might use tools like the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) or the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST), which is nationally recognized and used throughout the United States and abroad. These tools are widely accepted in court-ordered alcohol evaluations for DUI and help counselors identify risk factors early.

Learn more about how alcohol use disorder is defined and treated by visiting this National Institutes of Health resource.

2. Interview & Assessment

This is the core of the DUI drug and alcohol evaluation. You’ll meet one-on-one with a licensed counselor who works independently from the court system, but who must be approved by the jurisdiction handling your case. 

The meeting, which can take place in person or virtually, may feel like a personal conversation and strives to be non-judgmental and objective. During this meeting, the counselor will ask follow-up questions and gather details. 

Expect to discuss:

• What happened during your DUI arrest
• Your alcohol or drug use habits
• Any past criminal or driving history
• Family or work-related stressors
• Whether you attempted or completed treatment before

The counselor may also administer a substance abuse assessment, which helps them determine if you meet the clinical criteria for a substance use disorder. This part of the evaluation takes time, so plan to be there for at least 60–90 minutes.

3. Outcomes

After the interview, the licensed counselor or substance abuse professional writes a report summarizing your results. This is where your risk classification comes into play (more on that below). 

Based on your answers, the evaluator might recommend:

• No further action
• An alcohol education course
• Outpatient treatment
• Intensive counseling or rehab

The licensed counselor will share the outcome of your DUI evaluation with the court or the state's DMV, depending on your case. While this doesn't mean you’re "in trouble," the results can affect sentencing, probation, or license reinstatement decisions in your DUI case. 

How to Prepare for Your DUI Evaluation

Walking into a DUI evaluation without knowing what to expect may make the process appear more stressful than it needs to be. But information and preparation allow you to show up confident and ready.

Here’s how to prepare for your DUI evaluation:

• Bring your paperwork. If the court, your attorney, or the DMV gave you documents about your case, bring them.
• Be honest, but stay focused. Evaluators aren’t trying to trap you. If you’re unsure how to answer something, say so.
• Don’t show up under the influence. Arriving while intoxicated or hungover can affect the outcome of your evaluation. 
• Think through what they will ask you. Being mentally prepared helps you stay calm and clear.
• Be respectful of the process. Courts pay attention to your willingness to cooperate.

DUI Evaluation Questions You May Be Asked

Most people feel nervous before their evaluation, and part of that is not knowing what kinds of questions the evaluation will ask. While each provider uses different screening tools, you can expect most DUI, drug, and alcohol evaluations to include variations of the following questions:

About Your DUI Arrest:

• What led to your arrest?
• How much had you consumed?
• Was anyone else involved (passenger, minor, accident)?
• Was this your first DUI offense?

About Your Alcohol or Drug Use:

• How often do you drink alcohol or use drugs?
• How much do you typically consume in one sitting?
• Do you ever drink or use substances to cope with stress?
• Have you ever tried to stop drinking or using drugs before?

About Your History:

• Have you ever attended treatment or rehab?
• Have you had other legal issues tied to alcohol or drug use?
• Do you have a family history of addiction or substance misuse?

How Long Does a DUI Evaluation Take?

A standard DUI evaluation usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on your circumstances and whether it’s your first offense.

You may also need to return for follow-up sessions if your evaluator recommends treatment or ongoing education. However, for most people, the initial appointment is a single visit that typically lasts under two hours.

DUI Risk Classifications

Once your DUI evaluation is complete, the evaluator assigns you a risk level. This isn’t a label. Instead, it’s a tool used by the court or DMV to determine what kind of education or treatment might help prevent future issues.

The various risk levels are as follows:

Minimal Risk

• First-time DUI
• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) close to legal limit
• No prior history of misuse

May require a basic education course. 

Moderate Risk

• Higher BAC
• Legal or behavioral red flags
• Alcohol assessment for DUI shows mild misuse

May require outpatient counseling.

Significant Risk

• Repeat DUI
• Signs of dependency
• Substance abuse assessment recommends treatment

Requires structured treatment or monitoring.

High Risk

• Long-term dependency
• Multiple offenses in a short period
• Intensive counseling, or inpatient rehab, is likely

How you're classified can affect your legal outcome and may impact how your loved ones respond to what happens next. If you're trying to support someone through their DUI journey, read our guide to talk with a partner about their DUI for practical advice and communication tips.

Where Can I Get a DUI Evaluation?

You can usually find providers through your local court, probation office, or state DMV. Some areas allow virtual evaluations, but it’s best to confirm what your jurisdiction accepts.

Visit DUI Court Process for more details.

You can also explore the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator, which offers tools to help you compare treatment options based on your location and needs.

What Happens After the DUI Evaluation?

Once you’ve completed your DUI evaluation, your provider sends a report to the court or DMV. Based on the recommendations, you may:

• Face no further requirements
• Be referred to treatment or counseling
• Have new conditions placed on your license or probation

Finding a Substance Abuse Program Near You

If your evaluation requires treatment, use this tool to locate a substance abuse program in your vicinity: Find Help – SAMHSA.gov

FAQs About DUI Evaluations

What is a DUI evaluation?

A formal assessment of your alcohol or drug use after a DUI charge.

Who does the DUI assessment?

DUI evaluations are typically conducted by a licensed counselor, therapist, or certified DUI or substance abuse specialist, depending on your state’s requirements. In most cases, the evaluator works independently from the court system but must be approved by the jurisdiction handling your case.

How long does a DUI evaluation take?

Most take 60–90 minutes, depending on your case.

Where can I get a DUI evaluation?

Through court-recommended providers, counseling centers, or call a DUI.org specialist at (877) 246-7808 for assistance locating a provider near you. 

What does a DUI evaluation consist of?

Screening, interview, substance abuse assessment, and a report.

What are the levels of DUI evaluation?

Minimal, Moderate, Significant, and High Risk, each with different requirements.

Learn More About What Happens at a DUI Evaluation

If the court requires you to complete a DUI evaluation, the best thing you can do is prepare for it. Knowing what to expect and how to respond can ease any pressure and stress following your DUI. 

The good news is you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Call DUI.org at (877) 246‑7808 or fill in our contact form for additional help on your DUI journey such as installing an ignition interlock device or securing SR-22 insurance.