The West German Experience in Drink Driver Improvement Courses

Abstract

The last 15 years has seen the development of educational group therapy courses for West German drink/drive offenders. Two types of course, the one for first offenders and the other for recidivists are described. The courses are specifically targetted at social drinkers. Problem and heavy drinkers and those with significant social and domestic problems are selected out by pre-course medical and psychological assessment. Most course failures are attributed to failing to accurately complete the sift. The German courts have come to accept successful completion of a course as evidence for reducing the period of disqualification either at the time of initial sentence or on appeal. The licensing authorities are more inclined to grant a licence after completion of sentence where the offender has successfully completed the course. The aim is to teach social drinkers to separate drinking from driving. When compared against the non-treated group, the treated group have a highly significant lower reconviction rate within two years. The need to employ qualified psychologists as course leaders and also special training is emphasised. A more comprehensive range of courses to rehabilitate all types of drink/drivers including alcoholics and those who have difficulty in learning in a group situation is called for.