Do I need to complete a DUI Screening for the MVD?
In a DUI arrest, there are many moving parts and requirements to fulfill. You might find yourself asking, “Why do I need to do so many things?” While I may not have all the answers, I can clarify the purpose of the MVD-required Alcohol and Drug Screening.
What is an MVD Alcohol and Drug Screening?
For many individuals arrested for a DUI offense, the first step after spending the night in jail is to complete the Alcohol and Drug Screening required by the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). This screening is not a urine test; rather, it involves a one-on-one assessment. The purpose of the assessment is to evaluate the individual’s history with drugs and alcohol through a series of questions.
Which Alcohol and Drug Screening?
The Michigan Alcohol Screening Test, or MAST, is the most commonly used assessment for alcohol and drug screening. Developed in 1971, the MAST can accurately identify dependent drinkers with 98% accuracy. During the assessment, clients will be asked a series of questions designed to provoke introspection regarding the social, work, and relational issues associated with their drug and alcohol use. The answers provided will help the screener gain a more in-depth understanding of the client’s history.
Why use the MAST for the Alcohol and Drug Screening?
Using the MAST to complete the MVD-required Alcohol and Drug Screening allows the Screener to develop a detailed understanding of the client’s history. However, focusing primarily on the client’s past may overlook early signs of alcohol and drug issues. As an observer, I believe that being convicted of a DUI could indicate the initial stages of an alcohol or drug problem. However, I must emphasize that I’m not a mental health professional, so my perspective may be limited.
Why Arizona DUI Services?
At Arizona DUI Services, our MVD-required Alcohol and Drug Screenings are conducted entirely online, with no intake fees or processing time required. The screening takes place via a video chat platform and lasts approximately 30 minutes. You can conveniently complete your screening during your lunch hour, Monday through Thursday. Once the screening is finished, Arizona DUI Services will notify the MVD about your completed screening and will send you copies of the MVD confirmation and the screener’s notes for your records. To schedule your alcohol screening with a licensed counselor, please click here.
