how long does driver awareness course last

by Harmon Kris 10 min read

about four hours

How long does the driving course last?

The course will last around 4 to 5 hours, depending on the provider. You won't be the only driver in attendance—you'll be taking the course with up to 25 other people.

How long does a Speed Awareness Course last?

There is no strict time limit for how long a driver awareness course must last. On average, a speed awareness course takes around four hours to complete. How many times can you take a speed awareness course? When a motorist completes a driving awareness course, from that moment on they will not be able to take one again for three years.

How long do points stay on your driving licence?

Depending on the conviction, your points will stay on your licence for at least four and, in some cases, up to 11 years. But if you accept a place on a speed awareness course, your licence will remain point-free. Do I have to tell my insurer? You don't need to tell your insurer you’ve been on a speed awareness course, unless they ask you directly.

What technology is required to participate in a driver awareness course?

The technology required to participate is straightforward; a fully-charged laptop, tablet or phone, together with a webcam/in-built camera and good-quality access to the internet. We are UK’s leading company delivering driver awareness and drink driving rehabilitation courses to members of the public that have committed a driving offence.

How long is a speed awareness course on Zoom?

two and a half hoursA virtual speed awareness course session is usually two and a half hours long with a 10-minute break in-between. You'll be sent instructions on how to join using a secure link and attend the online sessions. In case you're unable to attend the course, you can usually reschedule your booking.

How much does a speed awareness course cost UK?

between £80 and £120Different police forces use different organisations to provide the speed awareness course, and each charge a different amount, though they typically cost between £80 and £120.

Does 3 points affect your insurance?

However, bearing all that in mind, research suggests three points could raise a driver's car insurance premium by an average of 5%, while six penalty points could push the cost of insurance up by an average of 25%.

Do you have to tell insurance about speed awareness course?

You don't legally have to tell your insurance provider that you've been on a speed awareness course, unless they specifically ask you. You won't be asked when starting a quote with us, as it's not classed as a driving conviction.

Speed awareness course limits - will I be eligible for a speed awareness course?

If you have been caught speeding, you will receive a letter informing you of the consequences. In many cases, you will be able to choose from three options: paying the fine and taking the points, going to court to settle it, or taking a speed awareness course with a slightly reduced fine and no penalty points.

How often can you take a speed awareness course?

Not every driver caught speeding will be offered the chance to take a speed awareness course, partly because not all police forces subscribe to the programme.

Speed awareness course: how much does it cost?

Different police forces use different organisations to provide the speed awareness course, and each charge a different amount, though they typically cost between £80 and £100.

What to expect

The speed awareness course is a session run by a number of independent companies, including the AA. Although there’s no exam to pass, you have to display a ‘positive attitude’ throughout the course and contribute to group discussions.

Taking a speed awareness course online

Speed awareness courses moved online during the Covid-19 pandemic, so you had to join a video call to participate. Obviously that was necessary at a time in which everyone had to stay at home and meant that you didn’t have to travel to a centre to take the course, which made it a little more convenient.

How long does it take?

A course will usually run for about four hours, with some time for a break in the middle of the session. Courses take place throughout the week but also during the evenings and weekends, so you won’t necessarily have to take time off work to attend.

Can a speed awareness course affect your car insurance?

This is a slightly grey area. While any speeding convictions and points must legally be declared to your insurance company (or any potential insurer when getting quotes), the onus is on the insurer to ask about whether you’ve taken a speed awareness course.

How long can you take a driving awareness course?

When a motorist completes a driving awareness course, from that moment on they will not be able to take one again for three years. If a driver is convicted of speeding less than three years after taking an awareness course, they will have no choice but to take on the penalty points and fine attached with the offence.

How long does a speed awareness course take?

There is no strict time limit for how long a driver awareness course must last. On average, a speed awareness course takes around four hours to complete.

What is speed awareness course?

What is the speed awareness course? The speed awareness course is something which may be offered to a motorist if they have been caught committing a speeding offence. The course is offered in place of receiving penalty points on your driving licence and is usually only offered if it is a lower level speeding offence ...

How long do you have to take a speeding course?

You’ll also have to take the course no more than 12 weeks after the date of the speeding offence, and no further offences must have been committed at the time of the speeding offence. As mentioned earlier, you’ll only be offered the chance to attend a course if you haven’t already been to one in the last three years and if your speed was within ...

Do you need a driving licence to take a speed awareness course?

If you are eligible to attend a speed awareness course, you’ll be notified by the police. When you are given the go ahead you can book a speed awareness course online, and you’ll need your driving licence number to do so. You’ll also need to bring photographic identification with you when attending the course ...

Can you ask if you have been convicted of a motoring offence?

When setting up an insurance policy with a provider, they will ask if you have been convicted of a motoring offence. If the speed awareness course is all you have done, then you can answer ‘no’ to this question. But the insurer may also ask if you attended a speed awareness course and for this you’ll be legally obliged to give an honest ...

Does speed awareness affect insurance premiums?

When a motorist is hit with a speeding conviction they may see their insurance premium increase by around 30 per cent. But a speed awareness course is not the same thing, so your insurance premium may not be affected at all. However, while taking a speed awareness course technically means you’ve avoided being convicted for a speeding offence, ...

What is speed awareness course?

What is a speed awareness course? Speed awareness courses are four to five hour long sessions for people caught speeding. They're offered as an alternative to points on your licence. It’s like going back on an intensive, theoretical driving lesson where you’re retaught the dangers of speeding or dangerous driving.

How long do points stay on your license?

Depending on the conviction, your points will stay on your licence for at least four and, in some cases, up to 11 years. But if you accept a place on a speed awareness course, your licence will remain point-free.

What does it mean to opt for speed awareness?

Opting for a speed awareness course means that the police do not record your speeding offence as a conviction, but you may still be required to disclose your attendance to your insurer ,” said Gocompare.com's Matt Oliver.

What is the penalty for speeding over 21 miles per hour?

You'll receive a fixed penalty notice with a fine between 125% and 175% of your weekly income, as well as 6 points on your licence or face disqualification for up to 56 days.

What is the speed limit on a single carriage road?

Stay aware of road signs informing you of speed changes. Remember that the national speed limit is 60mph on single carriage roads, and 70mph on double carriage roads and motorways

What is the penalty for speeding over the speed limit?

You'll be placed in Band A if you're caught speeding between 1 and 9 miles per hour over the speed limit. You'll receive a fixed penalty notice with a fine between 25% and 75% of your weekly income, as well as 3 points on your licence.

What is the speed limit for band B?

You'll be placed in Band B if you're caught speeding between 11 and 20 miles per hour over the speed limit. You'll receive a fixed penalty notice with a fine between 75% and 125% of your weekly income and up to 6 points on your licence or face disqualification for up to 28 days.

How many people can be on a speeding course?

It encourages speeders to look at why they were driving too fast and gives tips on how to reduce the likelihood of speeding in the future. There can be up to 24 people on each course, lead by two course trainers.

How many points do you get for speeding?

It means you don't have to take the penalty points on your licence. Every time you're caught speeding, three points can be added. If you get 12 or more within three years, you could be disqualified from driving.

Do you have to take a speed awareness test?

It will also touch on the possible consequences of speeding. If you're offered a speed awareness test, it's a good idea to take it. It means you don't have to take the penalty points on your licence.

Can you take a speed awareness course if you haven't been caught in the past 3 years?

You will be able to enrol on a speed awareness course if it is your first speeding offence or if you haven’t been caught in the past three years. You’re only eligible for a speed awareness course if the police offer it to you as a choice.

How many points can you get for speed awareness?

If you’ve already been on a speed awareness course in the last three years, you won’t be able to do it again and you’ll likely be slapped with at least three points and a fine.

What to do if you don't have a driving licence?

You’ll need to bring your driving licence along with you. If you don’t have it, you’ll have to show two forms of ID. If you don’t bring any ID with you, you won’t be allowed to take the course. They're usually run by organisations on behalf of police, like NDORS.

What to do if you've been caught speeding?

If you’ve been caught speeding, you may be invited to attend a speed awareness course. Here’s what you can expect. Speed awareness courses - sometimes referred to as driver awareness courses – are for motorists who’ve been caught speeding and want to avoid points on their licence and a fine.

Does speed awareness raise insurance premiums?

Some insurance companies may raise your premium as a result, but not all of them do. If you find that the cost of your car insurance has gone up after declaring that you’ve been on a speed awareness course, it might be a good time to shop around for a better deal.

How long is the driving course?

The course is theoretical, classroom-based and may include some workshops. It’s around four hours long and doesn’t have a test so there’s no pass or fail. During the course, you’ll be expected to contribute positively in discussions and demonstrate a willingness to learn and improve your driving skills.

How long does it take to attend a speed awareness course?

To attend a speed awareness course, you must book your sessions within 14 days of receiving the option to attend the course. • Your police reference number and PIN (shown on your police course offer letter). When attending the course, you should carry a photo ID such as your driving licence or passport.

What is speed awareness course?

1) When you’re caught speeding only slightly above the allowed limit, usually 10% above the limit. 2) If you haven’t completed the speed awareness course in the past three years. If you fit the above two criteria, you can be eligible for a speed awareness course.

How many speed awareness tests can you take?

How many speed awareness tests can you do. You can only do one speed awareness test in three years. The National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS) records data about when you attend a speed awareness course, and if you pass or fail.

How many people are in a speeding course?

There are usually no more than 24 people in a session and the course is typically delivered by two trainers.

What happens if you drive over the speed limit?

If you’re caught driving above the speed limit, the police can fine you a minimum £100 and add three penalty points to your licence. However, in some cases, you may get the chance to take a National Speed Awareness Course (NSAC) instead of the penalty. The speed awareness course is regulated by the Association of National Driver Improvement Course ...

Is the police course compulsory?

However, the course isn’t compulsory, and your regional police may not offer you the course if they don’t deem it fit. If this is case, you may have to pay the fine and get points on your licence.

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