For many new Maryland drivers—especially those converting an international driver’s license—the 3 Hour Safe and Sober Course is a mandatory requirement. This short but essential program helps drivers understand the dangers of impaired driving and ensures they know Maryland’s strict alcohol and drug laws before receiving their Maryland driver’s license.
Whether you are new to the state, new to driving, or required by the MVA, this guide explains everything you need to know about the Maryland 3 Hour Safe and Sober Program and why it plays a key role in promoting safe, responsible driving.
What Is the 3 Hour Safe and Sober Course?
The 3 Hour Safe and Sober Course is an MVA-approved alcohol and drug education program required for anyone converting an out-of-country license to a Maryland driver’s license.
This short course is designed to:
Educate drivers about Maryland DUI laws
Explain how alcohol and drugs impact driving
Promote safe and responsible driving habits
Reduce impaired driving accidents
It is also known as the Safe and Sober Program, 3-Hour Drug & Alcohol Education Program, or Maryland Alcohol and Drug Education Course.
Who Needs the 3 Hour Safe and Sober Course in Maryland?
Not everyone needs the course, but certain drivers must complete it to receive their license. You need the Maryland Safe and Sober Course if:
✔ You have an international driver’s license
Drivers from another country must complete this program before taking the Maryland MVA driving test.
✔ You are new to Maryland and not previously licensed in the U.S.
Anyone without a past U.S. driver's license must fulfill this requirement.
✔ You are referred by the MVA
Sometimes the MVA directs certain applicants to complete the program based on their application or background.
✔ You want to better understand alcohol and drug safety
Even voluntary students take it to become safer drivers, especially teens and new drivers.
This course ensures every driver understands the serious consequences of impaired driving before receiving their Maryland license.
What You Learn in the 3 Hour Safe and Sober Course
The program covers essential knowledge that every responsible driver should have. Key topics include:
✔ Effects of Alcohol on Driving
You learn how alcohol affects:
Vision
Reaction time
Decision-making
Coordination
The course explains how even small amounts of alcohol can impair your ability to drive safely.
✔ Drug Use and Its Impact on Driving
This includes:
Marijuana
Prescription drugs
Over-the-counter medications
Illegal substances
Students learn how these substances can distort judgment, slow reflexes, and increase accident risk.
✔ Maryland DUI and DWI Laws
You will understand:
Maryland’s legal BAC limits
Penalties for drunk driving
Ignition Interlock requirements
Fines, license suspensions, and jail times
Knowledge of Maryland DUI laws is crucial to avoid severe consequences.
✔ The Cost of Impaired Driving
This includes financial, emotional, and legal impacts such as:
Fines
Court costs
Insurance increases
Crash-related injuries
Loss of employment
The course highlights the real-life consequences of irresponsible decisions.
✔ Safe Driving and Prevention Strategies
You learn how to:
Plan ahead
Choose a designated driver
Use rideshare services
Make safe choices when drinking is involved
How Long Is the 3 Hour Safe and Sober Program?
As the name suggests, the course takes approximately 3 hours to complete. Some providers offer self-paced online learning, while others require in-person attendance.
Most students finish the course in a single session, and many schools offer same-day completion and same-day certification.
Online vs. In-Person Safe and Sober Course
Maryland allows both online and in-person formats. Here's what you need to know:
Online 3 Hour Safe and Sober Course
Complete from home
Use your computer or mobile device
Self-paced learning
Instant certificate upon completion
Available 24/7
Online courses are the most popular option due to convenience and speed.
In-Person 3 Hour Safe and Sober Course
Classroom environment
Instructor-led teaching
Scheduled session times
Great for students who prefer face-to-face learning
Both options satisfy the Maryland MVA requirement.
What Happens After Completing the Course?
Once you complete the 3 Hour Drug and Alcohol Course, you will receive a certificate of completion, often instantly. This certificate must be presented to the MVA before you can:
Take the knowledge test
Take the road test
Apply for your Maryland license
Without this certificate, you cannot move forward in the licensing process.
Why the Maryland Safe and Sober Course Matters
The program is more than a requirement—it saves lives. Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in Maryland. The Safe and Sober Course Maryland helps reduce accidents by ensuring every driver understands:
How substances affect driving
The legal consequences of DUI
Safe decision-making
Personal responsibility on the road
For new drivers unfamiliar with U.S. driving laws, this education is critical.
Benefits of Completing the Maryland 3 Hour Safe and Sober Course
1. Required for License Conversion
It is mandatory for international drivers.
2. Helps Prevent DUI Violations
Knowledge reduces risks and promotes safer decisions.
3. Builds Confidence for New Drivers
Understanding the law strengthens responsible driving habits.
4. Promotes Public Safety
Fewer impaired drivers means safer Maryland roads.
5. Quick and Easy to Complete
Only 3 hours with instant certification.
Choosing the Right Safe and Sober Course Provider
When selecting a provider, make sure they are:
MVA-certified
Affordable
Reliable with good reviews
Offering online or in-person learning
Providing same-day certificates
A trusted provider makes your licensing process smooth and stress-free.
Conclusion
The 3 Hour Safe and Sober Course is a simple but essential step for anyone converting an international license or needing alcohol and drug education in Maryland. By understanding how substances affect driving and learning Maryland’s DUI laws, you become a safer, smarter, and more responsible driver.
This program ensures all drivers—especially new and international drivers—make informed choices that protect themselves and others on the road. With online and in-person options available, completing the Maryland Safe and Sober Program is fast, easy, and extremely valuable.
