The Responsible Driver Program-

Program overview

The RDP is a remedial program for drivers with certain alcohol and/or drug related driving prohibitions. Every Canadian province and many jurisdictions throughout the world have similar programs and they have been shown to reduce the risk of repeat alcohol and/or drug related collisions and convictions.

Drivers who have certain alcohol and/or drug related driving prohibition(s) must participate in the Responsible Driver Program to regain or keep their driver’s licence.  Any drivers who choose not to participate in the program are not eligible for a driver’s licence.

Alcohol or drug affected drivers meeting the criteria outlined in the Motor Vehicle Act regulations will be given a referral to participate in the RDP. Sections 25.1, 25.2 and 233(7) of the Motor Vehicle Act outline the driver’s participation in the RDP. Referrals made under Section 25.2 of the Motor Vehicle Act are prescribed in regulation and are not subject to a reconsideration process.

If a driving record does not meet the criteria for a mandatory referral, but is still considered unsatisfactory, the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles (the lead representative of RoadSafetyBC) may still require a driver to take part in the RDP under Section 25.1 of the Motor Vehicle Act.

In these cases, drivers may ask the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles to reconsider their referral to the RDP. 

Drivers that receive certain convictions under the Criminal Code of Canada are required to complete the RDP prior to reinstating their driver’s licence, per Section 233(7) of the Motor Vehicle Act.

Program details and registration

The Superintendent of Motor Vehicles will send a letter to anyone who is referred to the RDP. The driver must complete the program as a condition of keeping their driver's licence or, depending on the type of prohibition received, before they can regain their driving privileges. 

The RDP is offered virtually, or onsite throughout British Columbia and costs $1,200. 

• Read the RDP brochure (PDF, 219KB)

The quickest way to register for the RDP is by visiting the CAMH website at www.ResponsibleDriverProgram.ca.

Alternatively, you can download the registration form (PDF, 241KB) and mail, email or fax the completed form to CAMH. Once your registration is processed, you will get a confirmation email with a list of service providers and next steps. After paying the program fee, participants will start the RDP.

The RDP has 3 components:

It may take up to 11 months to complete the entire program. Prompt registration with CAMH is strongly advised.

RoadSafetyBC will notify you in writing once you have completed the RDP to the satisfaction of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles.

No Barriers Financial Assistance Plan

As of September 13, 2024, a program participant is eligible for the No Barriers Financial Assistance Plan if they receive any of the following assistance from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction:

• Income Assistance
• Disability Assistance
• Hardship Assistance
• General, Health or Income Supplements.

The No Barriers Financial Assistance Plan reduces the total program cost of $1,200 by 29% to $852.50. There is no payment plan option with the No Barriers Financial Assistance Plan.    

If you are receiving income assistance, you may qualify for CAMH’s No Barriers Financial Assistance Plan. To apply:

1. Go to CAMH’s website and register for the RDP. 
2. Visit the My Self Serve portal for a copy of their income assistance confirmation message and email it to CAMH using the rdp.info@CAMH.ca email address as proof of eligibility when they submit their registration form.

Each month, up to 5% of program participants are accepted into the No Barriers Financial Assistance Plan and will be eligible for a reduction to their registration fee.

CAMH will contact you to let you know if you are accepted into the No Barriers Financial Assistance Plan and eligible for the reduction in the registration fee. If not accepted, CAMH may add you to a waitlist for future availability.  

Affordability Payment Plan

The Affordability Payment Plan is a payment option for new participants of the RDP. The plan splits the $1,200 program cost into the following four scheduled payments: 

1.  $505.00 at the time of Registration, within 30 days of the date on your referral letter. 
2.  $150.00 before scheduling the Screening component, within 30 days of Registration 
3.  $450.00 before scheduling the Workshop component, within 90 days of Registration 
4.  $95.00 before scheduling the Follow-up component, within 6 months of Registration 

It can take up to 11 months to complete the entire program so register right away. Delaying registration or missing a payment could delay progress in the program and may result in the cancellation of your driver’s licence.  

To make each payment, contact CAMH at 1-844-398-4144 or RDPinfo@camh.ca. When your payment is confirmed, you will receive confirmation via email, mail, or phone with instructions on how to schedule and pay for your next component.