VicRoads Behaviour Change Program: What Drivers Need to Know
Losing your licence in Victoria after a drink or drug driving offence brings paperwork, deadlines, and several steps that may not be obvious at first. A common requirement is the Behaviour Change Program, usually shortened to BCP. You generally need to complete the required program before applying to get your licence back after a drink, drug, or combined drink and drug driving offence.
Timing matters. Since 17 October 2024, Victoria has applied a mandatory three-year zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC) period for drink-driving offenders after they complete the interlock program. Behaviour Change Programs are delivered in person rather than online, so booking requires some planning. This article provides general information, not legal advice. Your letter from VicRoads or the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) sets out the requirements that apply to your case.
Victoria’s Drink Driving Rules at a Glance
Most fully licensed drivers must keep their BAC below 0.05. A zero limit applies to learner and probationary drivers, as well as anyone whose licence has a ‘Z’ or ‘I’ condition. It is also illegal to drink alcohol while driving or supervising a learner, even if you remain under the applicable BAC limit.
What the BCP Is and Who Has to Complete One
A BCP is a facilitated group program covering the decisions and habits associated with drink and drug driving. It encourages safer decision-making and a better understanding of road safety responsibilities before drivers return to the road. If your letter requires it, you can also explore the VicRoads Behaviour Change Program through an approved Victorian provider.
It also explains the practical rules that may apply after you are relicensed. It is an education requirement rather than a knowledge test, and your completion is recorded for the relicensing process.
You generally need to complete a BCP after a drink, drug, or combined offence before applying to get your licence back. The requirement can also apply to some other serious motor vehicle offences. Do not choose a program based on another driver’s experience. Check your own VicRoads or DTP letter.
Which Program Applies to You
The standard streams cover drink driving and drug driving. The intensive program applies in more serious circumstances, including repeat offences, a BAC of 0.15 or higher, refusal offences, driving under the influence, and other serious alcohol or drug-related motor vehicle offences.
Your VicRoads or DTP letter should name the program you need to complete. Have the letter available when contacting a provider because it contains information needed to confirm the correct stream.
What to Expect in the Sessions
Standard drink or drug programs consist of two sessions held one week apart, with each session lasting 3.5 hours. The intensive program includes three 3.5-hour group sessions and a one-on-one counselling session scheduled before the third group session.
The sessions involve discussion and participation rather than a one-way lecture. You must attend every scheduled session, so compare the dates with your work and family commitments before booking.
Each BCP includes a DTP cost-recovery fee of $67 AUD, or $34 AUD for eligible concession card holders. This is charged in addition to the provider’s fee, which varies. Fees can change, so ask the provider to confirm the total amount before you pay.
The Alcohol Interlock Phase
An alcohol interlock is a breath-testing device connected to a vehicle’s ignition. Where an interlock condition applies, the device must be fitted before you apply to get your licence back. The required interlock period ranges from at least six months to four years, depending on the offence. If your letter also lists a BCP, you can explore the VicRoads behaviour change program offered by a Victorian provider, then confirm the required stream and timing against your letter.
A violation is recorded if your BAC is 0.02 or higher at the start of a trip and you do not provide a successful retest within 60 minutes. The vehicle’s horn and lights may activate after failed or refused tests. Common sources of avoidable problems include using alcohol-containing mouthwash shortly before a test and missing a retest prompt while driving.
Participants can register for AIMS, the interlock program’s online system. It provides access to monthly summaries, options for contesting failed tests, and downloadable progress reports. Reviewing the system each month can help you identify issues before the end of your interlock period.
Removing the Interlock and Completing the Zero BAC Period
If you completed the intensive program for an alcohol-related offence, you must also attend a two-hour pre-interlock removal program before seeking removal of the device. Schedule this session early rather than waiting until the final week of your interlock period.
Removing the device does not end every licence condition. Relicensed drivers carry a ‘Z’ zero BAC condition for at least three years. For drivers who complete an interlock program, the mandatory three-year zero BAC period introduced on 17 October 2024 applies after that program ends.
When the Court Is Involved
Some licence cancellations, including certain drug driving matters, require a Licence Eligibility Order from the Magistrates’ Court before relicensing. The hearing must be scheduled at least 28 days after the application date and cannot take place before the cancellation period ends. Apply early enough to account for this waiting period.
A change that took effect on 1 March 2025 allows magistrates to decide not to cancel a licence when a positive THC result is linked to prescribed medicinal cannabis. Laws against impaired driving have not changed, and driving while impaired remains an offence.
How to Choose a BCP Provider and Book
Providers differ in location, session schedules, fees, and the administrative help they offer. When comparing options, you can review information about the vicroads behaviour change program offered by a Victorian provider such as Drink Drive Victoria, then check the details against the requirements in your VicRoads or DTP letter.
Ask each provider three practical questions: Which program does my letter require? When is the next available set of sessions? What is the total cost, including the DTP fee? Drink Drive Victoria is one option for drivers comparing session times and program formats, although current availability and pricing should always be confirmed directly.
The Order of Steps
- Read your VicRoads or DTP letter and note the end date of your licence cancellation.
- Book and complete the BCP stream named in the letter.
- If you need a Licence Eligibility Order, apply early enough to allow for the 28-day hearing rule.
- If required, have an interlock fitted before applying to get your licence back.
- Complete the interlock period and monitor your progress through AIMS.
- Complete the two-hour pre-interlock removal program if you attended the intensive BCP for an alcohol-related offence.
- Apply for interlock removal and maintain zero BAC for the required period.
No provider can guarantee the outcome of a licence application. However, booking early through Drink Drive Victoria or another approved Victorian provider can reduce delays caused by unavailable sessions or incomplete paperwork.
FAQ
Are Behaviour Change Programs available online?
No. BCPs are delivered in person, and online delivery is not offered. A course advertised as an online replacement will not meet the requirement. Check the program name and delivery format against your letter before paying.
