Java Database Connectivity (JDBC)

I have a Java application that I have recently re-written to use JDBC to access the database behind the application. I am trying to figure out what I have to do to distribute this application so that users on client machines can access the databases. I understand that I need a JDBC driver; I'm trying out a demo version of a commercial product, which works just fine on my local machine. However, if I want the program to work on remote computers, it seems like I would have to distribute the driver Java files with my application, which I don't think I can do based on the licensing policy.

So do I need to implement this as a three-tier application, with the database access parts of my code running independently of the rest of the code on the the computer where the JDBC driver would be located (the server), and using sockets or RMI to interface between the server and the client?

I just don't know what the "common practice" is for dealing with this kind of situation, and would appreciate insight from more experienced JDBC users/developers.

Thanks,

Pam