Study Guide:
Lesson 5 Alcohol, Drugs & Impaired Driving in NYS
Lesson 5 is one of the most serious and impactful sections of the New York 5-Hour Online Pre-Licensing Course. It focuses on the dangers of impaired driving, including the effects of alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, and even legal medications.
This module also explains New York’s strict laws around DUI/DWI and what happens if you’re caught driving under the influence.
Impaired driving happens when your ability to drive safely is reduced by:
Alcohol
Recreational drugs (including marijuana)
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines
Fatigue, illness, or any condition that affects focus, judgment, or coordination
The lesson makes it clear: even small amounts of a substance can have serious effects on driving performance and legal status.
This section breaks down what alcohol does to your:
Vision and reaction time
Depth perception and coordination
Decision-making and judgement
You’ll learn about Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), and how even BAC levels below the legal limit can impair driving — especially for new or lightweight drivers.
New York takes impaired driving extremely seriously. This part of the lesson explains:
The difference between DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired)
Legal consequences, including fines, points, licence suspension, and jail time
What happens if you refuse a breath or blood test
How Zero Tolerance laws affect drivers under 21
You’ll also see real-world examples of how one bad decision can lead to years of legal and personal consequences.
Cannabis and other drugs — even if legally prescribed — can impair judgment and reaction time. This section explores:
How cannabis affects awareness, timing, and depth perception
Interactions between multiple substances
Myths about being “fine to drive” after using
How NY law treats drug-related impairment just like alcohol
The lesson wraps up with tools to help you make safer choices, including:
How to recognise when you’re unfit to drive
Planning alternatives like taxis, rideshare, or designated drivers
Looking out for impaired friends or passengers
Your role in keeping New York roads safe
Why This Lesson Matters
Crashes caused by impaired drivers are preventable — and they change lives. This lesson reinforces that no trip is worth the risk, and even one impaired moment behind the wheel can have permanent consequences.
Never drive under the influence — of anything
Impairment isn’t just illegal — it’s dangerous, even deadly
Know how BAC works, and how quickly impairment happens
NY has strict penalties for DUI/DWI, and “I didn’t know” is not a defence
Plan ahead so you’re never forced to make a risky decision
Be Informed. Be Responsible.
Lesson 5 is about more than passing your road test — it’s about driving responsibly for life. Share what you’ve learned, stay alert, and always choose safety over risk.
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