What is a speed awareness course?

If you've been caught speeding, you may be offered a speed awareness course as a legal alternative to a fine and driving licence penalty points. 

Speed awareness courses have been offered on an ad hoc basis by police forces in England and Wales for many years, but if you've never attended one before then you may be wondering what's involved and how much it will cost.

To help you understand speed awareness courses, we've put together a guide to help you understand how they work, what's involved and why you might be offered one.

What is a speed awareness course?

If you've been caught speeding by a roadside camera or the police, you may given the option to take a speed awareness course.

A speed awareness course is an alternative to a speeding fine and driving licence penalty points. It takes around four hours to complete and is designed to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding with a theory-based driving lesson.

Speed awareness courses usually take place in-person and you'll be able to choose a location that's convenient to you. In some instances, you may also be given the option to take the course online. 

If you do not wish to take a speed awareness course, you can decline it and take the fine and driving licence penalty points instead.

How do I book a speed awareness course?

Before you can book your speed awareness course you will need your driving licence, payment card details and the speed awareness course offer letter you received from the police.

To book a speed awareness course, you must:

• Visit the UK Road Offender Education website
• Enter the reference number from the speed awareness course letter from the police
• Provide your personal details (driving licence number, name, address and email address)
• If given the option, choose if you want to do the course in-person or virtually
• Choose a date, time and location for the course (you may be taken to the course provider’s website to do this)
• Make payment and receive a confirmation email

How much does a speed awareness course cost?

The cost of a speed awareness course can range between £80 and £120. The exact amount you will pay will depend on the location and the provider of the course. Online speed awareness courses are usually the cheapest option.

What happens on a speed awareness course?

A speed awareness course is designed to make you a safer and more considerate driver. It takes around four hours to complete and includes group discussions, videos and sometimes quizzes to engage participants.

Most speed awareness courses take place in a physical classroom and you'll be required to book your place at the venue and organise your own travel. 

If you book an online speed awareness course, you'll be able to attend the event from the comfort of your own home. 

Whether you take the speed awareness course in-person or online, you'll be required to show your driving licence to the course organiser. If you do not have your licence, you'll need to bring two other forms of ID. Speak to the event organiser to confirm what ID they require, otherwise you may not be able to take the course.

Around 25 people will attend the speed awareness course and there will be two instructors. When the course is completed, the organiser of the event will notify the police you have completed the course. 

• Speed limits in the UK – know the laws
• Speeding fines – how much will you have to pay?
• Speed cameras – how do they work?

Who is eligible for a speed awareness course?

A speed awareness course may be offered to a driver who:

• Has not attended a speed awareness course within the past three years
• Is deemed to have committed a minor speeding offense where they have been caught driving up to 10% + 9 mph over the speed limit

How often can you do a speed awareness course?

Drivers who are caught speeding and are asked to attend a speed awareness course must not reoffend within three years, otherwise they are subject to more serious punishments.

This includes fines and points on a driving licence.

Why wasn't I offered a speed awareness course?

There could be several reasons why you were not offered a speed awareness course:

• The local police force doesn't offer a speed awareness course
• The speed limit was exceeding by a significant margin
• You have committing multiple driving offences
• You having a court summons for anther crime

Do I need to tell my insurer I have taken a speed awareness course?

No, you don’t need to tell your insurer you have completed a speed awareness course unless they specifically ask.

According to the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS), a speed awareness course is not a conviction and it should not be treated as one.