The Driver Improvement Program (DIP) is a program which drivers may be referred because of the accumulation of points on their driving record. The 3-Hour Alcohol and Drug Education Program (ADEP) is designed for driver’s license applicants who hold an out of country driver’s license.

The information provided below explains how the provider of one of these programs can request approval of an individual to become an instructor in the program. The requirements for an instructor are more fully discussed in section 11.12.09.06 of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) and should also be reviewed prior to applying.

Notes:

1. Individuals cannot apply to the MVA for approval to become an instructor on their own; only a program provider can apply on their behalf.
2. An applicant for program provider approval can submit an application for instructor approval at the same time as they apply for provider approval.
3. Providers also must apply for renewal of their instructors’ approval when the provider itself applies for renewal. For more information about the program provider approval (and renewal) process, see Program Provider Approval – DIP and 3 Hour ADEP Programs.
   

How do I become an approved instructor in the DIP or 3-Hour AEP programs?

A program provider must submit the application packet on your behalf. This may occur at the same time that the program provider is applying for approval.

To obtain an application packet, contact the MVA’s Driver Instructional Services Division (DISD). Then complete and return the forms to the DISD. Among the instructor eligibility requirements, an applicant must:

• Be at least 21 years of age or older;
• Possess a high school certificate of graduation or its equivalent. (A transcript is not proof of a degree, unless it states that a degree was awarded);
• Have a valid driver’s license issued by Maryland or another state without an alcohol, ignition interlock or work or education only restriction;
• Maintain a satisfactory driving record with less than five (5) active points while approved to teach the DIP and/or 3 Hour ADEP;
• Have not been charged or convicted of any sex offense;
• Have no outstanding charges or convictions of a crime of moral turpitude unless evidence is presented, in the opinion of the MVA, that satisfactory rehabilitation has taken place; and
• As of January 2008, new applicants must successfully complete an Administration approved DIP instructor certification course.
  
  

Notes: A 3 Hour ADEP instructor must also:

1. Complete a course on the effects of alcohol and drugs, or an equivalent course as specified by the Office of Education and Training for Addictions Services, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; or
2. Be approved by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration to instruct an alcohol and drug education program.

Fees:

• There is no fee associated with this process.
  

Contact Information:

MVA
Driver Instructional Services Division (DISD)
6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E.
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

For telephone questions:
MVA Customer Service Center:     1-410-768-7000
TTY/Hearing Impaired:                     ​ 1-301-729-4563

​​