Understanding Objective Testing During a DUI Evaluation in Illinois.

When an individual undergoes a drug or alcohol evaluation for court or an Illinois Secretary of State hearing, the process involves both clinical judgment and standardized testing tools. These tools are referred to as objective tests, and they serve a critical role in identifying patterns of alcohol and drug use, assessing risk to public safety, and determining appropriate levels of intervention or treatment. Among the most commonly used tests in Illinois evaluations are the Driver Risk Inventory (DRI), Adult Substance Use and Driving Survey (ASUDS), and the Mortimer-Filkins Test.

This article will explain each of these objective tests, how they function, and how results influence the overall evaluation process. Cloudgate Healthcare LLC routinely incorporates objective testing into our evaluations for both court proceedings and Illinois Secretary of State driver’s license reinstatement hearings.

The Role of Objective Testing in Illinois DUI Evaluations

Under 77 Ill. Adm. Code 2060.503, an Illinois substance use evaluation must incorporate both clinical assessment and at least one objective diagnostic tool. Objective testing helps ensure the evaluation is not solely reliant on self-reported information, which may be incomplete or inaccurate.

Objective tests assist the evaluator in the following ways:

• Identifying patterns of substance use

• Assessing the relationship between substance use and driving

• Determining treatment or education needs

• Supporting clinical findings with measurable data

In the sections below, we review objective testing that has been employed in the past, as well as the current testing standards.

1. Driver Risk Inventory (DRI): The Most Commonly Used Tool Today

The Driver Risk Inventory (DRI) is currently the most widely used objective test in Illinois for DUI evaluations. Developed specifically for individuals involved in driving-related offenses, the DRI is designed to assess multiple dimensions of risk related to substance use, mental health, and behavioral patterns. The DRI focuses on the following topics during testing:

• Alcohol use patterns

• Drug use history

• Driver risk factors

• Antisocial behavior

• Stress coping abilities

• Self-assessment of risk

Administration Method:

• Typically administered via paper-and-pencil or computer format

• Consists of approximately 130–140 questions

• Takes about 25–30 minutes to complete

Scoring Method:

• Results are scored electronically

• The system generates risk levels for each domain: Low, Medium, or High Risk

• Summary reports highlight problem areas and may suggest intervention needs

Interpretation of Scores:

• Low Risk: Indicates little or no evidence of problematic substance use or behavioral risk

• Medium Risk: Suggests some elevated concern, often requiring education or brief intervention

• High Risk: Indicates a strong likelihood of substance use disorder or other behavioral health concerns; generally associated with a need for intensive treatment

The DRI provides structured insight into the driver’s behavior and risk profile and is highly regarded for its consistency and comprehensiveness. It is commonly used in both uniform reports and updated evaluations.

2. ASUDS-R (Adult Substance Use and Driving Survey – Revised)

The ASUDS-R is a standardized test originally developed by Dr. Douglas Simpson and used for many years throughout the United States. While less common today, it has been used in many prior evaluations for assessing DUI offenders.

Key Focus Areas:

• Patterns of alcohol and drug use

• Driving history

• Criminal history

• Attitudes toward substance use and legal authority

Administration Method:

• Paper-and-pencil format

• Consists of approximately 50–70 items, depending on the version

• Usually completed in about 20–25 minutes

Scoring Method:

• Responses are manually or electronically scored to produce a profile

• Risk is categorized into tiers based on cumulative scores

• Clinical judgment is used to interpret borderline cases

Interpretation of Scores:

• Score ranges indicate whether the client is at Minimal, Moderate, Significant, or Severe risk

• High scores in substance use domains may indicate a likely diagnosis of substance use disorder

• Results help inform whether the individual should complete education or enter treatment

Though used less frequently than the DRI, the ASUDS-R remains an important part of the historical development of objective testing tools in DUI evaluations.

3. Mortimer-Filkins Test: A Pioneering Tool in DUI Assessment

The Mortimer-Filkins Test was one of the earliest standardized assessment tools designed specifically for DUI offenders. It was developed through research conducted at the University of Wisconsin and was widely used before more contemporary tools like the DRI became standard for modern testing.

Key Focus Areas:

• Drinking behavior patterns

• Recognition of alcohol-related problems

• Legal and social consequences of drinking

• Personality traits related to impulsivity and denial

  
  

Administration Method:

• Paper-based questionnaire with 50–70 items

• Multiple choice or true/false format

• Generally completed in 15–20 minutes

  
  

Scoring Method:

• Manual or software-based scoring

• Produces a numerical score with categorical cutoffs for risk level

• Uses historical data to determine likelihood of alcohol misuse and recidivism

Interpretation of Scores:

• Low scores suggest minimal evidence of problematic behavior

• Mid-range scores indicate possible concern and may warrant further evaluation or education

• High scores typically support a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder and indicate a need for structured treatment

The Mortimer-Filkins Test is rarely used today in Illinois DUI evaluations due to the advancement of newer tools, but it played an instrumental role in establishing the importance of standardized testing in DUI intervention.

How Objective Testing Fits into the Overall Evaluation

At Cloudgate Healthcare, objective test results are used during our evaluation interview in conjunction with other tools, such as review of the subject’s driving record, BAC score (when applicable), alcohol/drug use history, behavioral observations, DSM-V symptoms, and psychosocial history to determine a DUI risk classification. This classification helps identify what intervention is appropriate under Illinois guidelines.

Risk classifications include:

• Minimal Risk: Requires completion of a 10-hour DUI Risk Education course

• Moderate Risk: Requires 10 hours of Risk Education and 12 hours of Early Intervention

• Significant Risk: Requires 10 hours of Risk Education, 20 hours of outpatient treatment, and continuing care

• High Risk: Requires 75 hours of treatment and continuing care

  
  

Objective test results are not used in isolation, but rather as part of a comprehensive assessment process. Evaluators use their clinical training to interpret scores in context and ensure that the final risk classification accurately reflects the individual’s level of need.

Contact Cloudgate Healthcare for Illinois DUI Evaluations, Risk Education, and Treatment

Cloudgate Healthcare LLC is a SUPR-licensed alcohol and drug treatment provider offering Illinois DUI evaluations, Secretary of State evaluations, DUI Risk Education, and outpatient treatment services throughout Illinois. Objective testing is included as part of every evaluation to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with Illinois law.

Cloudgate’s experienced clinical team understands the legal and clinical requirements of DUI evaluations and tailors every assessment to meet the standards set forth in Illinois Administrative Code. Whether an individual is preparing for court or a Secretary of State hearing, our evaluations and documentation are formatted to meet all required guidelines.

To schedule a DUI evaluation, risk education course, or outpatient treatment, contact Cloudgate Healthcare today.

📞 Phone: (630) 780-0262

🌐 Email: contact@cloudgatehealthcare.com

Cloudgate offers both in-person and virtual services to accommodate client needs. Evening and weekend sessions are available. Evaluations and treatment are delivered with professionalism, respect, and strict adherence to Illinois requirements.