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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule my IDRC class?

Once you are convicted of a DUI, the court will send your information to the State Intoxicated Driving Program (IDP), and you will be automatically scheduled for the next available IDRC class in your county of residence. If your address has changed, you must update your address with BOTH the sentencing court AND the IDRC.

If you do not attend the first IDRC class you are scheduled for, you must contact your county IDRC to reschedule. Please see “What if I cannot attend my IDRC class?”

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I did not receive my scheduling letter/class dates for the IDRC class. 

If you were recently convicted of a DUI and have not received a scheduling letter with your class date on it, contact your county IDRC. Please ensure that the IDRC has your current address on file, and ensure to notify the IDRC of any address changes. You must update your address with BOTH the sentencing court AND the IDRC.


What happens at the IDRC class?

First, you will submit the IDRC program fee of $264 (via online payment). When you attend the class, you will check in and receive a workbook and paperwork to complete. You will attend the 12-hour educational program. During this program you will participate in a substance use screening. The screening consists of meeting with a counselor for a personal evaluation interview.


What if I cannot attend my IDRC Class? How do I reschedule?

To reschedule your assigned class, please contact the IDRC via email at merceridrc@tcnj.edu.

You may reschedule your assigned class for the following reasons:
– Health Emergency
– Death in the Family
– Documented Work Emergency
– Family Emergency

Documentation such as a doctor’s note, obituary notice, or a note from your employer is necessary when rescheduling a class. Please be advised that all absences are considered unexcused unless the IDRC receives verification of a documented emergency. If you have a documented emergency and cannot attend class as scheduled, please email verification to the Mercer County IDRC office as soon as possible (email: merceridrc@tcnj.edu).

Please note that both days of class must be attended consecutively. If you miss either day of class without proper documentation, you will be required to pay and attend the full 2 day course again.

 


What happens if I do not participate?

If you fail to complete your 12-hour IDRC program or do not satisfactorily complete a prescribed assessment, treatment, or self-help program, your case will be referred back to the sentencing court and your driver’s license may be indefinitely suspended until all IDRC/IDP requirements have been satisfied. This includes the IDRC educational program as well as any indicated assessment or treatment. The court may also impose a two-day jail sentence for program non-compliance.

If you fail to attend your initial court-ordered IDRC class date, you will be considered non-compliant with IDRC. In order to be rescheduled for the next available class, you must submit payment online with a credit card in the amount of $264.00 (plus service fee). If you have already submitted payment, please give us a call or send us an email at merceridrc@tcnj.edu.


What does the IDRC Education Program consist of?

The education program, which is part of the 12- and 48- hour IDRC, contains information on:

  • Alcohol, drugs, and their effects on driving ability
  • The New Jersey Intoxicated Driving Law
  • Social and problem drinking
  • Substance abuse
  • Family and social relationships


What happens after I have been detained and screened?

You may be referred to a treatment provider for a substance use assessment as part of your IDRC requirements. If you are referred for further assessment and treatment is clinically recommended by the treatment provider, the IDRC is responsible to monitor your treatment during this period. This is a requirement of the IDRC and is indicated on the court order.

If you are not referred for further assessment or monitoring based on the screening, the IDRC will update the sentencing court and state IDP directly upon completion of the 12-hour class. Please be advised that the IDRC will only report to the sentencing court.


When will my driving privileges be restored?

The IDP/IDRC Program is responsible for providing client education and compliance monitoring. Your driving privilege is maintained by the NJ MVC and will be restored when you have satisfied all court and MVC-imposed suspensions and once you are in compliance with all IDRC requirements.


Am I in compliance with the IDRC?

Non-Compliance information is communicated to clients via mail. Please ensure to check and update the IDRC of any address changes immediately. Even if you update your address with the court, you still MUST contact IDRC to update your address as well. A case may be placed into non-compliance for reasons such as, but not limited to:

  • Failure to pay for/attend your court-ordered IDRC class
  • Failure to attend required assessment
  • Failure to engage in treatment if recommended following assessment
  • Treatment non-compliance (e.g. tardiness, unexcused absences, positive UDS, etc.).

If you are not sure of your case status, please contact the Mercer County IDRC. It is extremely important to check the status of your case as non-compliance will result in further license suspension and the sentencing court will be notified. Additionally, the court may impose a two-day jail sentence for program non-compliance.

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