In 2015, according to Government statistics 1,207,570 drivers opted to complete a Speed Awareness Course (NSAC), as an alternative to receiving fixed penalty points and a fine.
The National Speed Awareness Course (NSAC) scheme is designed to allow the Police to divert low-end speeding motorists to a re-education course. The course content is designed to change the driver’s behaviour with the aim of preventing the driver from reoffending.
To qualify for a National Speed Awareness Course the driver’s speeding needs to be within certain limits for example in a 30mph zone, your speed needs to be between 35mph and 42mph. On motorways, the figure needs to be between 79mph and 86mph. Furthermore, you will not be offered a Speed Awareness Course if you have taken one in the three years prior to your most recent speeding offence.
The National Speed Awareness Course is a half-day theory based workshop designed to help you recognise speed limits, address the reasons for speeding and give you information to help you reduce the likelihood of speeding in the future. Completing the workshop means that you will not have to pay the Fixed Penalty Notice and you will not get penalty points on your licence.
There are up to 24 people on each course and 2 course trainers. The people attending are of all ages and driving experiences. It is a relaxed setting for you to assess your driving behaviour and gain tips to reduce the likelihood of speeding in the future.
TTC delivers National Speed Awareness Courses in the areas covered by the following Police Authorities: West Midlands; Cumbria; South Yorkshire; Gwent and South Wales; West Mercia; Avon and Somerset; Devon and Cornwall; North Yorkshire and North Wales.
If you have been referred by the Police to attend a National Speed Awareness Course book here.
What is a Speed Awareness Course?
It is a half-day theory based workshop designed to help you recognise speed limits, address the reasons for speeding and give you information to help you reduce the likelihood of speeding in the future. Completing a Speed Awareness Course means that you will not have to pay the Fixed Penalty Notice and you will not get penalty points on your licence.
What are the benefits of attending a Speed Awareness Course?
The main benefits of attending a Speed Awareness Course are that you will gain up to date information relating to speed awareness that can help you to contribute to safer communities and you will not receive the penalty points on your licence.
What is involved in attending a Speed Awareness Course?
You will need to attend on time with your Valid Driving Licence and to complete the course in a ‘satisfactory’ way.
Satisfactory completion of a Speed Awareness Course means:
* Attending for the full duration of the course (around 4 hours);
* Whilst on the course displaying a positive attitude to road safety and;
* Participating in group discussions to the best of your ability and paying attention to the information that is being provided.
If you fail to complete the course in a satisfactory way your case will revert to the Police. Depending on the police force, this will result in you receiving a Fixed Penalty (penalty points and a fine) or attending court proceedings.
Not completing the course in a ‘satisfactory’ way could include (but is not exclusive to):
* Leaving the workshop before the course has been completed, and you have been notified accordingly by the trainer;
* Not showing a willingness to participate in a positive way;
* Disrupting the course and/or being rude to other members of the group or the trainer.
Who will be at the course?
There are up to 24 people on each Speed Awareness Course and 2 course trainers. The people attending are of all ages and driving experiences. It is a relaxed setting for you to assess your driving behaviour and to gain tips to reduce your likelihood of speeding in the future.
Do the Police deliver the course?
No, the courses are delivered by registered course providers, such as TTC. Registered course providers can be private companies or Local Authorities contracted by the Police, but not part of the Police.
How long is a Speed Awareness Course?
The Speed Awareness Workshop is 4 hours long; TTC offers morning and afternoon courses.
How often are the Speed Awareness Workshops run?
Speed Awareness Workshops are held throughout the week and on the weekends across England and Wales. You can attend the workshop in any area that runs a national scheme so you do not have to return to where your offence took place.
Will there be a test? / Can I fail the course?
There is no test; it is theory only with no driving involved. However, you are required to ‘complete the workshop in a satisfactory way’. This means you must make a positive contribution to the workshop by participating fully and displaying a positive attitude to road safety.
Is there any driving involved?
No, it is a theory-only, classroom-based workshop. There is no driving involved on the course. You do not have to bring your car, if you would rather get a lift to the venue or use public transport (or walk) that is entirely up to you.
Do I need to bring my driving licence?
Yes, it will be a requirement for you to produce a valid driving licence upon attending the course.
If you do not have a photo card driving licence you will be required to produce your paper licence (not the counterpart) together with two other forms of identification.
If you do not have your valid driving licence in any form you can attend with two other forms of identification listed below.
Acceptable forms of I.D (2 of these will be required):
* Valid Passport;
* Recent Utility Bill (i.e. gas or electric bill);
* Bank Statement;
* Debit/Credit Card.
If you fail to arrive with the correct identification you will be refused entry to the course and providing you have sufficient time within your completion date, you will be required to rearrange the course which will incur a rearrangement fee as explained in our Terms and Conditions.
Is the Speed Awareness Workshop a lecture?
No, it is an interactive workshop with group work, discussions and some visual aids. The aim is for you to be able to examine your driving behaviour and discuss this with others in a relaxed atmosphere, and to gain some good driving tips with an experienced trainer.
Can I opt to attend a Speed Awareness Workshop if I have not received an offer from the police?
No, you can only attend a Speed Awareness Workshop if you have received the offer from the police following an alleged speeding offence.
If this all sounds a little daunting or you can’t afford to loose your licence or have it endorsed, think before you drive. Read more at: http://www.ttc-uk.com/police-referred-courses/national-speed-awareness-course/
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