Driver alertness course

This course if offered to people who have been blameworthy in a collision or a motoring offence.

The Course involves a mixture of driving theory, utilising the latest researched thinking on ‘low-risk' driving techniques, combined with modern training methods in practical on-road driving.

If a client accepts the offer to attend a course but then fails to attend or successfully complete, the Service Provider will refer the client back to the relevant Police force for a decision to be made in respect of further action.

After successfully completing the course the police report on the motorist’s file will be closed and no further action taken. The date of course completion is recorded. If the motorist is involved an another road traffic incident of a similar type within three years the date of the offence, then the matter will automatically be considered for prosecution as another offer will not be made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Important: Please read the following guidance notes carefully.

Who gets offered the course

Who runs the courses

Where are the courses held

What does the course involve

How long does the course last

How much does the course cost

What will you expect from me

Can I attend a course other than in Cheshire

What happens after I have returned the application form

When will the course take place

Will a vehicle be provided

What if I have special needs

Driving licence

Will there be a test

What happens once I have successfully completed the course

Who gets offered the course?

Cheshire Police offer a course to drivers/riders as an alternative to prosecution for the offence of driving without due care and attention. The course is aimed at rectifying driving behaviour in the hope that there will be no further incidents and ultimately you will be a safer driver.

Who runs the courses?

The courses in Cheshire are run by Cheshire Constabulary using approved Driving Standards Agency driving instructors who have passed an advanced test to carry out theory lessons and practical driving sessions.

Where are the courses held?

Courses in Cheshire are held at the Driver Training Centre, Verdin Exchange, Winsford, CW 2AN

What does the course involve?

The course is a mix of theory and practical training incorporating the latest thinking on defensive driving techniques. The practical on road driving is completed in the company of an experienced driver tutor.

How long does the course last?

The course in Cheshire runs for one day.

How much does the course cost?

The course fee is currently £130.00 in Cheshire. Payment will be requested as part of the course booking process and must be made in full at the time of booking the course

What will you expect from me?

Satisfactory completion of the course will involve:

  • attending both sessions on time
  • completing all course paperwork
  • making a positive contribution to the course
  • demonstrating a willingness to improve your driving
  • arriving at the course in a fit state to drive i.e. wearing glasses or contact lenses if you need them and not fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Can I attend a course other than in Cheshire?

Yes, the scheme operates in most police force areas. Please see http://www.driver-improvement.co.uk/index.php/home/ndis-service-providers

What happens after I have returned the application form?

If you have elected to attend a course in Cheshire we will write to you with full details of the course including the booking arrangements.

If you have indicated that you wish to attend a course at an alternative location, we will write to you with details of how you can arrange this.

When will the course take place?

As part of the course booking process, you will be given the opportunity to choose the most convenient date from the courses available. However, it should be noted that you will have to complete the course by a set date.

Failure to do so will render the offer invalid and the matter will be referred back for us to consider court proceedings.

Will a vehicle be provided?

Yes, a fully insured car will be provided.

What if I have special needs?

You will be asked prior to attending the course if you have any special needs. We will cater for most needs with the exception of an interpreter. In this instance, you will be expected to bring your own.

Driving licence

You will be required to produce a valid driving licence at the start of the course.

  • If you have a photocard style driving licence, both the paper counterpart and ID card must be produced.

Failure to do so will disqualify you from participating on the course and the matter will be referred back to us to consider court proceedings.

Will there be a test?

The only test you are required to undertake is an eyesight test, which is a statutory requirement to drive a motor vehicle on a public highway.

There is no formal written or practical test.

What happens once I have successfully completed the course?

You will receive notification from Cheshire Police stating that no further action will be taken in respect of the offence.

Terms and Conditions

  • Courses are held Monday to Friday and occasionally on Saturdays. Your course must be completed within 4 months of the offence date. If you are unable to complete the course in this time, the offer of a course will be withdrawn and the matter returned to the issuing officer for court proceedings.
  • The course fee must be paid in full at the time of booking.
  • If you need to change your course date you must contact the Central Ticket Office on 01606 364072 to discuss your requirements. Any changes made within 14 days of your course date will attract an administrative charge of £35.00.
  • In the event of you being unable to attend or complete a course due to illness, a refund of the course fee will only be considered upon receipt of a Doctor’s note (MED3) with an original signature.
  • The course fee will not be refunded if you are unable to complete/attend a course for any other reason than that detailed above. Every effort will be made to offer an alternative course date. However, you will be required to pay a further full course fee at the time of re-booking.
  • You must provide details of any special needs at the time of booking. Failure to provide this information at the time of booking may mean that your needs cannot be met. The Constabulary will aim to accommodate most needs with the exception of an interpreter. In which case, you would be expected to bring your own.
  • It is your responsibility to meet any expenses or loss associated with attending this course, including travel, child care, dependant person’s provision and any loss of earnings or leave entitlement. We have no facilities to accommodate children or dependant adults.
  • If your course is cancelled at short notice (including on the day), due to unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather, you will be offered an alternative date within the 4 months from the date of your offence. Any costs or loss of earnings or leave entitlement associated with the cancelled course or attending the re-arranged course will be your responsibility.
  • Disruptive, uncooperative and unacceptable behaviour including abusive or foul language, either to other attendees or course presenters, will not be tolerated. In such circumstances, you will be asked to leave the course and your file will then be referred back to the issuing officer to commence court proceedings. No refund of the original course fee will be made and no further course will be offered.
  • If you do arrive late or fail to produce suitable photographic identification (e.g. current Passport, photo card driving licence, work place photo ID or bus-pass with photo) you will be refused admission and your course fee will NOT be refunded. It may be possible to offer you an alternative course date (providing there is sufficient time within the 4 month deadline). However, you will be required to pay the full fee for the new course.
  • For personal or religious reasons, the wearing of a head dress or item of clothing that covers the face will be permitted. However, the removal or adjustment of the garment may be requested, to confirm the identity of the attendee, prior to the commencement of the course.
  • Parking is provided at the venue but is used entirely at your own risk.
  • To satisfactorily complete the course you must attend the whole course, complete all paperwork and make a positive contribution. If you leave the course early or fail to attend any parts, you will not have completed the course. In such circumstances, your file will then be referred back to the issuing officer to commence court proceedings. No refund of the original course fee will be made and no further course will be offered.
  • You must attend the course in a fit state to fully participate (and not be incapable of participating by reason of tiredness, alcohol, drugs or other cause). If you are found to be unfit to participate, you will be asked to leave and your file will then be referred to the issuing officer to commence court proceedings. No refund of the original course fee will be made and no further course will be offered.
  • Mobile phones/pagers must be switched off for the duration of the course.
  • For client confidentiality reasons, no-one other than those attending the course will be permitted into the course training room. The exceptions to this are clients accompanied by an interpreter.
  • You must book your course within 14 days of this letter. Failure to do so will result with the offer of a course being withdrawn and the matter returned to the issuing officer for court proceedings.
  • Prior to you attending the course you must complete and return the medical questionnaire that is issued, failure to do will result in us remving the offer of the course and instead referring the matter to prosecution.
  • You will be asked to read a vehicle registration plate before undergoing the on road practical element of the course, if you are unable to read the registration plate the tutor will not allow you to continue and the matter will be referred to prosecution.