How To Clear A DWI with The NC DMV [Infographic]

Did you get a DWI while driving in North Carolina? Here is an overview of the procedures for having your driving privileges reinstated. 

The most important thing to remember is that timing is everything. The longer you delay the steps for reinstatement, the more costly it becomes to get your license and driving record in good standing.

As North Carolina state-approved DWI service providers, we also help people who live out of state but got a DWI while in North Carolina. As you will see in the infographic, the steps for handling an out-of-state DWI are similar, but must be handled by a provider who has experience in this area, since each state is different.

Need help with taking care of your DWI? We would love to be your provider of choice for DWI assessments, education, and/or substance abuse treatment.

How to clear your DWI with the North Carolina DMV

Here is how the process works:

1. Complete a DWI Assessment

All drivers charged or convicted of a DWI in North Carolina must complete a DWI Assessment at an approved DWI facility (such as Absolute Advocacy). The DWI assessment is a private and confidential meeting between you and a certified alcohol and drug counselor. During the meeting, we will ask questions about your history of substance use and your criminal history to determine the level of classes you will need to take to satisfy North Carolina’s DWI requirements. 

The assessment will take about 60 minutes. We can help you with your North Carolina DWI assessment even if you live out of state.

Your DWI assessment expires six months after you take it, so you must complete your DWI classes before the time expires or you will need to take the assessment again.

2. DWI facility reports completion of DWI assessment

Once the assessment is completed, the approved DWI facility will notify the State DWI office via Form e-508.

3. Complete your DWI classes or treatment

Drivers convicted of a DWI in North Carolina must complete DWI classes or treatment ranging from the short-term Alcohol Drug Education Traffic School (ADETS – 16 hours) to long term (40+ hours).

The 16-hour ADETS class is split into 4 sessions. We will teach you facts about how mood-altering substances affect your brain, body, and life; teach you how to apply those concepts to your own life; and assist you in creating a personal usage/life plan to conquer your substance abuse after the class ends.

Absolute Advocacy offers ADETS classes online on evenings and weekends to conveniently fit within your busy schedule. Plus, you can complete your drug education classes with Absolute Advocacy even if you completed your assessment somewhere else! 

Click here to learn more about the ADETS process at Absolute Advocacy, to see if you qualify, and to check our schedule.

4. DWI facility reports completion of DWI classes or treatment

When a driver completes DWI classes or treatment, the approved DWI facility will notify the State DWI office via Form e-508.

5. DMV Approval

The State DWI office reviews Form e-508 and submits to DMV for approval. DMV approval may take up to 7 days.

Why Absolute Advocacy?

Here are just a few reasons why you should trust Absolute Advocacy to handle your DWI Assessment:

• Qualifications. You cannot get a DWI assessment from anyone who claims to be a DWI expert or substance abuse counselor. The qualification process requires a process of registration, internship, and certification, and that certification must be kept up-to-date. At Absolute Advocacy, we have the qualifications you need.
• Confidence. When you choose Absolute Advocacy, you are choosing a company with expertise, efficiency, and credentials. We have been providing DWI services since 2011, and the top local DWI attorneys in the Charlotte area refer their clients to us for a reason! You can also view client testimonials here. 
• Convenience. Both our DWI Assessments and ADETS or DWI classes are offered during evenings and weekends to accommodate your busy schedule. As of 2020, these are now part of our online services which helps us serve you safely and with even more convenience to you. Our services are also available in Spanish.
• Advocacy. We are not just service providers. The name Absolute Advocacy displays our commitment to being your ally through the DWI process.

Any additional questions about the DWI process at Absolute Advocacy? Check out our DWI FAQs.

Contact Absolute Advocacy for help with your DWI