Speed awareness courses explained

If you’ve been caught speeding, you may be invited to attend a speed awareness course. But what actually happens at a speed awareness course, and how much is it going to set you back? Here’s what you can expect.

What is a speed awareness course?

A speed awareness course - sometimes referred to as a driver awareness course – is for motorists who’ve been caught speeding and want to avoid points on their licence and a fine.

How much is a speed awareness course?

Even though the course is the same no matter where you go, the cost varies depending on the area. Usually though it's between £80 and £100.

Given that a fixed penalty notice for speeding is around £100 and 3 points on your licence, opting for a speed awareness course should be cheaper. 

If you want to book a virtual course, you can book one with any provider in the country and you don’t need to travel to complete the course. Costs often change but the following table shows examples of how much a virtual course costs.

Who is eligible for a speed awareness course?

You might be offered the chance to attend the national speed awareness course if your speed was within certain limits e.g. if you were caught doing: 

There are other criteria that make you more or less eligible for a speed awareness course, but these also vary depending on your local police force.

What happens at a speed awareness course?

The course itself should last around 4 hours, though this may vary slightly depending on where you are.

You need to bring your driving licence along with you. If you don’t have it, you’ll have to show 2 forms of ID. If you don’t bring any ID with you, you won’t be allowed to take the course.

The courses are usually run by organisations on behalf of police, like NDORS (National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme).

The course is designed to change your attitude towards breaking the speed limit. The intention is to make you more mindful of your speed and the impact this can have on other road users.

It’s designed to encourage participation and interaction, so you’re not sitting there for 4 hours suffering from death by PowerPoint.

You don’t have to take any kind of test, nor do you have to do any actual driving. As as long as you complete the workshop to the trainer’s satisfaction, you’ve passed the course and can go on your way.

How do I find out about a speed awareness course?

You should be offered the chance to attend the national speed awareness course when you get 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.

Why should I attend a speed awareness course?

It may be that the thought of going to a speed awareness course fills you with dread. You might even prefer paying your speeding fine instead of sitting through a workshop.

But attending the course means you don’t get any points on your licence. Points on your licence might increase the cost of your car insurance at your next renewal. There are other benefits too, including:

• You’re less likely to have another speeding offence

• Learning what the speed limit is for vehicle and road type

• Controlling the speed of your vehicle and selecting a safe speed

• Understanding the difference a few miles over can make to road safety

• You don’t pay a fine

• Your licence doesn’t get any points

• Your employment shouldn’t be impacted (if your employer requests a clean licence)

How often can I take a speed awareness course?

You can take a speed awareness course once every 3 years. If you’re caught speeding again within that time,, you have no option but to accept points on your driving licence, and/or a fine.

Can I take a speed awareness course online?

Since the pandemic hit, nearly all speed awareness courses have been online. To complete an online course you need to book it in, and then have a fully charged laptop and good Wi-Fi connection. The course takes place through a video call and usually lasts around 4 hours.

Do I need to tell my car insurance provider about a speed awareness course?

Though it’s true that you don’t have any convictions to declare to your insurer, you’ve still broken the Road Traffic Act.

Those that run the speed awareness courses may say that you don't need to tell your insurer. But it’s probably a good idea to let them know about it, at least when you get your car insurance renewal notice.

How does a speed awareness course affect my insurance?

Some insurance companies may raise your insurance costs as a result, but not all of them do.

If your price has gone up after declaring that you’ve been on a speed awareness course, it might be worth comparing car insurance quotes for a better deal.

If you decide to switch, you should tell your new insurer about the speed awareness course before you commit to buying the policy.

How do I avoid speeding tickets?

Here are our tips to stay safe and keep your licence clean:

• Allow plenty of time for your journey so you don’t feel the need to rush

• Plan your journey and use your sat nav to alert you of delays on your route

• Familiarise yourself with speed limits on your route and where they change

• Use cruise control on high speed roads

• Check your speedometer regularly

• Don’t be influenced by other drivers on the road - whatever they’re doing

• Don't drink and drive

Speed awareness course FAQs

Can I fail the course?

You can’t fail a speed awareness course and there's no test to take. But if you leave the course early, or don’t complete it, you get points added to your driving licence and might be summoned to court.

How many people will be on the course?

Most speed awareness courses, whether online or in person, have around 20 people attending and 2 instructors. 

How do I book?

You can book a speed awareness course online or on the phone. If it’s a virtual course you can pick any location.

What happens if I’m late or can’t attend?

You might not be allowed to take a course if you turn up late. If you can’t attend the course you should rebook with your provider if possible.