Speed, or the inappropriate use of speed, is a factor in a
significant percentage of road traffic incidents (20% of all fatal
collisions). The greater the speed involved the more serious the
incident is likely to be.
The fundamental point of any course is that education, as an
alternative to prosecution must be based on a driver’s mistake,
rather than a reckless or intentional act, with the objective that
the offender benefits from the course and contributes to road and
community safety, with potential environmental benefits also.
The course is an alternative to prosecution, for all speed bands
and classes of vehicle speeds except 20mph zones.
Previous driving history will not be taken into account when making
an offer.
The course is no soft option for the offender. Attendance on the
course attracts a fee payable by the offender, as well as the time
and effort involved. The course will cater for all classes of
drivers and there will be no discrimination regarding age, ability,
language, ethnic origin or ability.
Once a motorist has completed a course the will be ineligible
for another course offer if they reoffend within 3 years of the
original offence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Important: Please read the following guidance
notes carefully.
Who runs the
courses
Where will the
course be held
What does the
course involve
Do I have to do
any driving
Is there a
test and can I fail it
What
happens after I have returned the application form
When will the
course take place
How long does
the course last
Can I
attend a course outside Cheshire
What if I have
special needs
When do I make a
payment
Do I need my
driving licence
If I opt to take the course do I have to pay the fine and get
penalty points
Who runs the courses?
In Cheshire, the courses are delivered by experienced advanced
driving instructors. There is no police involvement.
Where will the course be held?
All courses are held at:
The Driver Training Centre,
Verdin Exchange,
Winsford,
Cheshire
CW7 2AN
What does the course involve?
The course is designed to explore why drivers have exceeded the
speed limit and to provide guidance to prevent recurrence.
At the end of the course, participants should be able to
identify:
- What causes drivers to speed
- The disadvantages of speeding
- The consequences of misusing speed
Do I have to do any driving?
No - the course is a classroom based theory only course.
Is there a test and can I fail it?
No - however, you will be expected to make a positive
contribution to the course.
What happens after I have returned the application form?
If you have elected to attend a course in Cheshire 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 in another Force area, we will write to you with details of
how this can be arranged.
If you have not received the relevant documentation within 10
days of returning your application, please contact this office on
01606 364072.
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 within 4 months from the date of the
offence.
Failure to do so will render the offer invalid and the matter
will be referred back to the officer in the case to consider
summons proceedings.
How long does the course last?
The course lasts approximately 4 1/4 hours, including
registration and breaks.
Can I attend a course outside Cheshire?
Yes, the scheme operates in most Force areas.
http://www.driver-improvement.co.uk/index.php/home/speed-awareness-scheme/nsac-service-providers
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.
When do I make payment?
Payment must be made in full when booking a course date.
Failure to do so will render the offer invalid and the matter
will be referred back to the officer in the case to consider
summons proceedings.
Do I need my driving licence?
You will be required to produce a valid photo card driving
licence at the start of the course.
If you do not hold a photo card style driving licence, you will
need to provide your passport or other suitable photo
identification (e.g. work ID card, student card) in addition to
your paper licence.
Failure to do so will disqualify you from participating on the
course and the matter will be referred to the officer in the case
to consider summons proceedings.
If I opt to take the course do I have to pay the fine and get
penalty points?
No - if you accept the offer and successfully
complete the course, the police will not take any further action in
respect of this matter.
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.