The Responsible Driver Program

The Responsible Driver Program 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 Responsible Driver Program. Sections 25.1, 25.2 and 233(7) of the Motor Vehicle Act outline the driver’s participation in the Responsible Driver Program. https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96318_01#section25.2

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 program 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 Responsible Driver Program. https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96318_01#section25.1

Drivers that receive certain convictions under the Criminal Code of Canada are required to complete the Responsible Driver Program prior to reinstating their driver’s licence, as per Section 233(7) of the Motor Vehicle Act. https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96318_08#section233

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

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

• Registration Form
• Program Brochure

Alternatively, you can download a copy of the registration form and mail, email or fax it to CAMH. Once your registration is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with a list of service providers and next steps. After paying the $1200 program fee, drivers start the Responsible Driver Program.

The Responsible Driver Program is offered virtually, or onsite, throughout British Columbia. This program has three components:

Component 1 – The driver will undergo a telephone assessment. This assessment will be used to determine which of the two workshops the driver must complete.

Component 2 – There is a Level 1 - 8-hour workshop or a Level 2 – 16-hour workshop. Your assessment will determine which workshop you will need to complete. Workshop placement is dependent on a number of factors, including driving history and lifestyle choices. Both workshops present information on topics such as, how alcohol and other drugs affect your ability to drive safely, and, how to separate drinking and other drug use from driving.

Component 3 - A one-on-one follow up discussion takes place six months after the workshop component and is an essential component of the Responsible Driver Program. The purpose of the follow-up is to review the skills gained and goals set at the workshop.

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 Responsible Driver Program to the satisfaction of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles.

Service Delivery

• After June 15, 2024, drivers can register for the Responsible Driver Program with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), make payments and speak to them on the telephone.
• CAMH will interview drivers referred to the Responsible Driver Program over the phone. It uses the results of the interview to determine if a driver must take the 8- or the 16-hour workshop.
• CAMH will share the driver's results in the Responsible Driver Program and their attendance with RoadSafetyBC. 
• Visit CAMH for information on the Responsible Driver Program, its cost, and how to register: www.ResponsibleDriverProgram.ca

•  As of June 15^th, 2024, the new cost of the Responsible Driver Program (RDP) with CAMH is $1200.
•  People who registered for the RDP with Stroh Health Care before June 15, 2024, will need to complete the RDP with Stroh Health Care before June 15, 2025.  No amount of the registration fee or any course progress is transferable to CAMH. People who fail to complete the program with Stroh Health care will forfeit their fees and progress and be required to register and complete the program with CAMH

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.

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 Responsible Driver Program. 
2. Drivers can visit the My Self Serve portal for a copy of their income assistance confirmation message: https://myselfserve.gov.bc.ca/ and email it to CAMH using the rdp.info@CAMH.ca email address as proof of eligibility when they submit their registration form.
3. 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.
4. CAMH will contact you and let you know if you are accepted into the No Barriers Financial Assistance Plan and eligible for a reduction in the registration fee, or CAMH may add you to a waitlist for future availability. Eligible participants will be able to register at a 29% reduction of cost ($852.50).

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.   

Payment method:

• Visa
• MasterCard (credit card or debit)
• Money order (payable to Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
• Certified cheque (payable (payable to Centre for Addiction and Mental Health).

If you are eligible for a reconsideration, the process to follow is in the Notice to Refer to Remedial Programs letter we sent you. If you can't find your referral letter or need more information, contact ICBC or RoadSafetyBC.