what happens on a driver's awareness course

by Mattie Mertz III 10 min read

The course covers areas such as stopping distances, improving awareness of your surroundings, and working out what the speed limit of a road is if no road signs are visible. Speed awareness courses also cover the consequences of speeding, going through accounts of how people’s lives have been affected by injury or death caused by excess speed.

Full Answer

Should you do an advanced driving course?

Whether you want to brush up on your driving or need to overcome your fear of motorways, an advanced driving course could help Once you've passed your practical and theory tests, you may think you’re an expert driver. However, there are lots of things you can do after passing your driving test, or to improve years after passing.

What is driver awareness training?

Training drivers

  • Introduction. The law obliges employers to consider the health and safety capabilities of people when they give them tasks to do, and to ensure that they are properly trained before ...
  • Choosing drivers. ...
  • Training drivers. ...

What is driver awareness?

Driver awareness. Driving is a privilege that is often taken advantage of. In business, you not only have to be concerned for your employed drivers, but other drivers on the road. Make sure your employees are aware of all the distractions that may arise. Home.

What happens at a Speed Awareness Course?

This is what happens on a Speed Awareness Course - what to expect if you're caught speeding

  • No police. Although guilty drivers are caught by the police or one their cameras, no officers are present on the day of the course.
  • Not a fail or pass. Attendants are not required to pass a test in order to complete the course and avoid the points on their licence.
  • The dangers of speeding. ...
  • Economical driving. ...
  • Check your insurance. ...
  • Tested by not scored. ...

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 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.

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 ...

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.

What happens if you don't turn up for a class?

However, if you don’t turn up for the classes or if you fail to complete the course within the time period mentioned by the police, your eligibility to take the course will be revoked and your file will be returned to your regional police for further action.

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 long is a speed awareness course?

Speed awareness courses take between 4/5 hours with a break in the middle. They don’t provide food, so you’ll need to bring your own if you wish to eat during the break. Courses are available during the day, evenings and at weekends.

What is speed awareness?

A speed awareness course is an instructor-led session that offers an honest discussion about safe driving. It aims to change your attitude towards speeding and make you a safer driver. Most importantly, it is a theory test refresher.

What to do if you've been caught speeding?

If you’ve been caught speeding, you may be offered a speed awareness course. It’s a discussion about driving habits that aims to change your attitude towards speed and make you a safer driver.

Does the police offer speed awareness courses?

Your police force doesn’t offer speed awareness courses. If you’re eligible for a speed awareness course, your Notice of Intended Prosecution (the document informing you of a speeding offence), will give you the option and all the relevant information.

Is speed awareness a punishment?

Speed awareness courses aren’t quite as non-patronising as the providers describe. For starters , it is still a punishment. It’s less severe than a speeding fine, but you do have to ‘sit down, do as you’re told, get it done and move on’.

Does speed awareness affect your driving licence?

This means you may see higher quotes than you’re used to. Speed awareness courses don’t affect your driving licence in any way.

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.

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.

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.

Can insurance companies use speed awareness to calculate premiums?

If an insurer hasn't asked whether you've attended a speed awareness course, then they can’t use it to calculate your quote.

How long is a speed awareness course?

The speed awareness course lasts around four to five hours. Courses take place throughout the week, including evenings and weekends. During the course, you'll be part of a group of drivers (around 15 to 25 attendees) learning together.

How many people attended speed awareness courses in 2019?

In 2019, 1,282,698 people attended a speed awareness course. Since 2010, when only 447,724 completed the course, the figures have shot up, according to data from the NDORs. Of course, there are more motorists on the roads, most of whom will consider themselves sensible drivers. But some people do have a complete disregard for the speed limits.

What happens if you speed too much?

If you were caught speeding excessively, you wouldn't be offered the choice of a speed awareness course. You'll have to pay a fine, take three points on your licence or could even receive a court summons if you're speeding way beyond the speed limit. Speeding is a serious offence.

What happens if you are caught speeding in the UK?

After all, speed limits are in place to keep drivers safe. If you're caught speeding, you could be offered a speed awareness course instead of getting a fine and penalty points on your licence.

How many points do you need to pass a speed awareness test?

Within the first two years of you passing your driving test, you'd only need to get six points to be disqualified. Taking the speed awareness course could also save you money on your car insurance.

What is defensive driving?

The course also focuses on defensive driving, which teaches safe driving practices to help drivers avoid dangers. It increases awareness of hazards, obstacles and dangers and how to stay safe despite the actions of other drivers or conditions.

How long does it take to get a notice of intent to prosecute for speeding?

After being caught speeding, whether by a speed camera or if you've been stopped by the police, you'll be sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution and a Section 172 Notice - usually within 14 days. It'll inform you what's happened and the consequences.

What is speed awareness?

Speed awareness courses also cover the consequences of speeding, going through accounts of how people’s lives have been affected by injury or death caused by excess speed.

How long is a scuba diving course?

The course usually lasts around four hours (half a day) and can be taken on weekdays, weekends or evenings so you can fit it around work if necessary. It is delivered to a group of around 20 people in a classroom-type setting. The course covers areas such as stopping distances, improving awareness of your surroundings, ...

Do speeding fines go on your driving record?

Speeding fines go on your driving record, which means you will need to find specialist van insurance for convicted drivers in the future; many high street insurance companies will not offer insurance to people in this category. That’s why you’ll need to turn to a specialist like Insurance Factory.

Do you need van insurance if you have a speeding conviction?

If you have a conviction for speeding, you will need van insurance for convicted drivers. Here at Insurance Factory, we have years of experience helping van drivers with convictions find the right insurance cover for them.

Do van drivers have to follow the rules?

When it comes down to it, as a van driver, you are required to follow the rules of the road and you are responsible for not endangering other road users. Allowing plenty of time for a journey is a much better option than racing against the clock.

Is speed awareness a serious matter?

But the truth is that it could be a timely wake-up call. A conviction for speeding is a serious matter – it can push up your insurance premiums and mean you need to find specialist van insurance for convicted drivers, too.

When will face to face driver awareness courses be suspended?

All face-to-face driver awareness courses were suspended on the 19th March 2020 as a result of guidance from UKROEd. This organisation oversees all police-referred driver offender retraining courses in the UK.

When is National Speed Awareness 2020?

National Speed Awareness Online Course. National Speed Awareness Online Course iNSAC. TTC Group is pleased to confirm that, from Monday 6th April 2020, it will be delivering digital classroom-based National Speed Awareness Course (iNSAC) to members of the public who have already booked a place to attend a face-to-face course.

Can you view face to face courses online?

Also, all the content from face-to-face courses can be viewed online through a secure, video link. 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.

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