when will i be asked to attend speed awareness course in uk

by Eddie Lubowitz 4 min read

You’ll be offered the chance to attend the national speed awareness course when you receive notification of your speeding offence. This should be within 14 days of being stopped by the police or being caught on camera. It’s down to you whether you attend the course or take the penalty.

In fact they're only offered if: You haven't been convicted of any other speeding offences in the past three years. Most police forces offer a course to drivers who are caught speeding between 10% plus 2 and 10% plus 9 of the legal limit.

Full Answer

How many times can you do a Speed Awareness Course?

Apr 01, 2021 · To attend a speed awareness course, you must book your sessions within 14 days of receiving the option to attend the course. To book a speed awareness course, you’ll need: • Your police reference number and PIN (shown on your police course offer letter).

Will I get penalty points if I complete the Speed Awareness Course?

Mar 15, 2013 · Disqualification: seven to 56 days. You'll be placed in Band C if you're caught speeding more than 21 miles per hour over the speed limit. 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 maximum speed limit for Speed Awareness?

Jul 02, 2019 · In addition: – No more than 12 weeks must have elapsed since the date of the alleged offence. – No further offences must have committed at the time of the alleged offence. – You must not have attended a speed awareness course …

Are fixed penalty offers and Speed Awareness Course interchangeable?

If you've been caught speeding in 2022, you might be offered a speed awareness course. Here's information on whether they will still happen during the pandemic, how much they cost, who will and won't be given the opportunity to take one - and if you'll get penalty points on your licence.

When would you be offered a speed awareness course?

You may be eligible if: you haven't attended a speed awareness course in the past three years. the speed you were caught at was within the acceptable range. This is typically between the speed limit + 10% + 2mph and the speed limit + 10% + 9mph (for example, between 35-42mph in a 30mph zone).Oct 30, 2019

What makes me eligible for a speed awareness course?

the speed you were travelling at the time of the offence must fall within the acceptable speed range (Speed limit + 10% + 9mph). For example, in a 30 mph limit – you could attend a course up to 42mph inclusive.

How often do you get offered a speed awareness course?

once every three yearsYou can only attend one once every three years, which means if you offend again within that period you will have to take the points. The speed awareness course is a popular choice. Figures from the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme show that in 2014 alone, nearly 1.2 million drivers completed the course.Jan 27, 2016

Are they doing speed awareness courses online?

Currently, all speed awareness courses are offered online. These sessions are only 2 1/2 hours long, with a 10-minute break.May 28, 2021

Why wasn't I offered a speed awareness course?

Why haven't I been offered a speed awareness course? It's entirely up to the discretion of your local police on whether or not to offer you a one of these courses. If you've already taken one within the last 3 years, or you were well above the speed limits stipulated by the police, you won't be offered one.May 19, 2019

Can a police car catch you speeding UK?

Driving in excess of the established speed limit in the UK is considered illegal and punishable with a conviction, such as fines and penalties. You can be caught out by either a police officer, a speed camera, or stationary police vans.

What questions do you get asked on a speed awareness course?

This takes a few minutes and they ask you questions as a group, such as “Why are you on this speed aware course?” and “Do you think you were speeding?” or “Do you think your speed was appropriate for the road/conditions?” to which the answers are “because I don't want points”, “no” and “not really”.Dec 30, 2018

How much does 3 points affect 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%.Jul 22, 2021

Do you need to declare a speed awareness course?

Luckily, because you won't technically have a speeding conviction after a speed awareness course, you do not have to disclose this to your car insurance provider unless they ask you specifically. If they have not requested, it cannot be used against you in terms of your premiums.Apr 20, 2021

Do you have to answer questions on a speed awareness course?

This depends entirely on whether or not the insurer asks the question. If they do not ask, it cannot be used as a factor when working out your premium. However, if you are indeed asked whether you have attended one, you will need to answer honestly, and your premium may be affected depending on underwriting criteria.

How long does the online speed awareness course take?

Online courses have also sprung up as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, meaning that you can take a speed awareness course from the comfort of your own home via a video call, removing at least some of the inconvenience. Sessions typically last for four hours, and you do have to pay a fee to attend.

Can you fail the speed awareness course?

Is it possible to fail a speed awareness course? While there is not a test to pass, if you fail to complete the course in a satisfactory way (not participating or quitting the workshop before it finishes, for example), then you will have to take the points or be summoned to court.

Are speed awareness courses still on offer because of the coronavirus pandemic in 2021?

The physical classrooms for these courses remain closed during lockdown 2021, but the courses are still taking place in a virtual format. If you al...

What would make me suitable for a speed awareness course offer?

Police will usually look to offer a course - and prevent a driver being prosecuted and fined - if it is clear that the offence was a genuine lapse...

How much does a speed awareness course cost?

Prices vary across the country, but expect to pay around £100.

Does taking the course count as a motoring conviction?

No. Taking the course halts legal proceedings.

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 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 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 ...

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.

Does speeding affect insurance premiums?

Getting a speeding ticket doesn’t impact your insurance premium much as it isn’t a criminal offence. However, informing your insurance provider about your speed awareness course can help avoid a rise in insurance premium. Driving convictions like accident offence, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and licence offence are ...

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 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 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

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 is speed awareness course?

A speed awareness course is designed to educate drivers about the increased risk posed when speeding. It is offered by some regional police forces as an alternative to penalty points and a fine and allows them to divert low-end speeding motorists to re-education.

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

If you are stopped by the police for speeding or are caught by a speeding camera, you will be sent a notice of prosecution within fourteen days of the offence. This must be completed and returned within the given time.

Are speed awareness courses still on offer because of the coronavirus lockdown 2021?

The physical classrooms for these courses remain closed during lockdown 2021, but the courses are still taking place in a virtual format. If you already had one booked, or have been offered one by the police, then book your virtual course here .

What would make me suitable for a speed awareness course offer?

Police will usually look to offer a course - and prevent a driver being prosecuted and fined - if it is clear that the offence was a genuine lapse of concentration or error of judgement.

What happens on speed awareness courses?

The courses allows low-level speeding offenders take an educational course, alerting them to the dangers and possible outcomes of speeding.

Does the speed awareness course involve a practical session?

No. Even before the coronavirus pandemic closed all classroom-based session, speed awareness courses do not have a practical element. All sessions are based in a virtual setting at the moment and in the classroom when Covid-19 restrictions allow.

Will I need to take the speed awareness course where the offence was committed?

Even before the coronavirus pandemic, it was unlikely that offenders would be required to take their speed awareness course in the same area the offence was committed. However, if forces use an alternative to the national provider, NDRS, the driver may have to return to the original area.

Will I still get penalty points on my licence if I take a speed awareness course?

No. If you are certified as completing the speed awareness course, you will not have penalty points added to your driving licence.

What if I am caught speeding again?

Any speeding offence committed within three years of the previous offence, will typically see the driver face prosecution and receive a minimum of three penalty points.

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