Speed Awareness Courses Near Me
If you've been caught speeding, you may be offered the chance to attend a speed awareness course instead of receiving penalty points on your licence. These courses are designed to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding and help improve road safety. Here's everything you need to know about finding and attending a course near you.
What Is a Speed Awareness Course?
A speed awareness course is an educational programme that focuses on the risks and consequences of speeding. The course typically lasts around 4 hours and covers topics such as stopping distances, speed limits, and the impact of speed on road safety.
Successfully completing the course means you won't receive penalty points on your licence or pay a fine, though you will need to pay the course fee (usually between £80-£100).
Am I Eligible for a Speed Awareness Course?
Not everyone who speeds will be offered a course. Eligibility depends on several factors:
- You haven't attended a speed awareness course in the past 3 years
- Your speed was within the acceptable range (typically 10% + 2mph to 10% + 9mph above the limit)
- You have a valid UK driving licence
- The police force in your area offers the scheme
Speed Limits and Course Eligibility
The speed ranges that typically qualify for a course vary by speed limit:
- 20mph zones: 24-31mph
- 30mph zones: 35-42mph
- 40mph zones: 46-53mph
- 50mph zones: 57-64mph
- 60mph zones: 68-75mph
- 70mph zones: 79-86mph
How to Find Courses Near You
Speed awareness courses are run by approved providers across the UK. If you're eligible, you'll receive details about booking a course with your Notice of Intended Prosecution. The main course providers include:
- UK Road Offender Education (UK ROE)
- TTC Group
- AA DriveTech
- Local authority-run schemes
Full List of Course Providers
Below is a complete list of all course providers and their contact details. You can contact them directly to book your course or get more information about availability in your area.
| Location (A-Z) | Course Provider | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Avon and Somerset | TTC | 0330 024 1805 |
| Bedfordshire | DriveTech | 0344 264 6323 |
| Cambridgeshire | DriveTech | 0344 264 6323 |
| Cheshire | Cheshire Constabulary | 0160 636 3700 |
| Cleveland | Hartlepool Borough Council | 0142 952 3803 |
| Cumbria | TTC | 0330 024 1805 |
| Derbyshire | DriveTech | 0344 264 6323 |
| Devon and Cornwall | TTC | 0330 024 1805 |
| Durham | Hartlepool Borough Council | 0142 952 3803 |
| Dyfed-Powys | Dyfed-Powys Police | 01267 618823 |
| Essex | Safer Essex Roads Partnership | 0333 013 7590 |
| Gloucestershire | Driver Education Gloucestershire | 0145 275 4562 |
| Greater Manchester | DriveSafe | 0300 123 1518 |
| Gwent | TTC | 0330 024 1805 |
| Hampshire | Hampshire Police | 0238 047 8700 |
| Hertfordshire | Hertfordshire County Council | 0300 123 4035 |
| Humberside | Safer Roads Humber | 0148 239 9065 |
| Kent | Kent County Council | 0300 041 8282 |
| Lancashire | Lancashire Constabulary | 0177 241 0950 |
| Leicestershire | Leicestershire County Council | 0116 305 8787 |
| Lincolnshire | Lincolnshire County Council | 0152 278 2068 |
| London | DriveTech | 0344 264 6323 |
| London | TTC | 0333 070 5977 |
| Merseyside | DriveTech | 0344 264 6323 |
| Norfolk | Norfolk County Council | 0160 363 8136 |
| North Wales | TTC | 0330 024 1805 |
| North Yorkshire | TTC | 0330 024 1805 |
| Northamptonshire | TTC | 0330 024 1805 |
| Northern Ireland | DriveTech | 0344 264 6323 |
| Northumbria | DriveTech | 0344 264 6323 |
| Nottinghamshire | Safer Roads for Nottinghamshire | 0115 844 5929 |
| Scotland | TTC | 0330 024 1805 |
| South Wales | TTC | 0330 024 1805 |
| South Yorkshire | TTC | 0330 024 1805 |
| Staffordshire | Staffordshire County Council | 0300 111 8012 |
| Suffolk | Suffolk County Council | 0345 600 1291 |
| Surrey | DriveTech | 0344 264 6323 |
| Sussex | West Sussex County Council | 0330 222 8999 |
| Thames Valley | DriveTech | 0344 264 6323 |
| Warwickshire | Warwickshire County Council | 0192 641 2990 |
| West Mercia | TTC | 0330 024 1805 |
| West Midlands | Safer Roads for West Midlands | 0121 380 5770 |
| West Yorkshire | TTC | 0330 024 1805 |
| Wiltshire | TTC | 0330 024 1805 |
Online vs Classroom Courses
Most speed awareness courses are now available online, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Online courses offer the same content as classroom sessions and are just as effective. You can choose between attending a virtual classroom session or completing a self-paced online module, depending on what's available in your area.
What Happens During the Course?
Speed awareness courses are interactive and educational rather than punitive. You can expect:
- Discussion about why speed limits exist
- Information about stopping distances and reaction times
- Real-world scenarios and case studies
- Group discussions with other attendees
- Practical exercises to reinforce learning
How Much Does It Cost?
Course fees typically range from £80 to £100, depending on your location and the provider. While this might seem expensive, it's often cheaper than the combined cost of a fine and increased insurance premiums that come with penalty points.
What If I Don't Complete the Course?
If you fail to attend or complete the course, you'll automatically receive the original penalty: typically 3 points on your licence and a fine. There are usually no second chances, so it's important to take the course seriously and attend on time.
Benefits of Attending a Speed Awareness Course
- No penalty points on your licence
- No fine to pay (just the course fee)
- Avoid increased insurance premiums
- Learn valuable road safety information
- Refresh your knowledge of the Highway Code
Do I Have to Tell My Insurance Company?
Attending a speed awareness course doesn't result in a conviction, so you typically don't need to declare it to your insurance company. However, some insurers may ask about course attendance when you renew your policy, so it's worth checking your policy terms.
When Should I Seek Legal Advice?
While speed awareness courses are straightforward, you might want legal advice if you believe you weren't eligible for the course, if you're facing additional charges, or if you're at risk of a driving ban due to totting up points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose where to take my speed awareness course?
Yes, you generally have some flexibility in choosing where to take your course. Most providers offer multiple locations within their coverage area, and many now provide online options as well. When you receive your course booking details, you'll be able to select from available venues and dates that suit your schedule. Online courses are particularly convenient as they can be taken from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.
Will taking a speed awareness course affect my insurance?
Taking a speed awareness course should not directly affect your insurance premiums in the same way that penalty points would. Since completing the course means you avoid getting points on your licence, your insurance company won't see any driving convictions when they check your record. This is one of the key benefits of taking the course, as penalty points typically lead to increased insurance costs for several years.
Do I have to declare a speed awareness course to my insurer?
This depends on your insurance policy terms. Since attending a speed awareness course doesn't result in a criminal conviction, most insurers don't require you to declare it. However, some insurance companies have started asking specifically about course attendance during the quote or renewal process. It's important to read your policy documents carefully and answer all questions honestly. If in doubt, contact your insurer directly for clarification on their specific requirements.
What happens if I miss my speed awareness course?
If you miss your scheduled speed awareness course, you'll automatically receive the original penalty instead - typically 3 penalty points and a fine. Most course providers don't offer second chances or rescheduling options once you've missed your appointment. In exceptional circumstances (such as serious illness or bereavement), some providers may consider rescheduling if you contact them immediately with supporting evidence. It's crucial to attend on time and come prepared to participate fully.
Do I have to take the course in the same area where I was caught?
No, you don't necessarily have to take the course in the same area where you were caught speeding. Many course providers have reciprocal arrangements, allowing you to book with a different provider that's more convenient for your location. However, you'll need to check with the issuing police force first, as some may require you to use their specific approved provider. Online courses have made this much more flexible, as location becomes irrelevant when taking a virtual course.
How do I book a speed awareness course?
If you're eligible for a speed awareness course, you'll receive booking details along with your Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP). The letter will include a unique reference number and instructions for booking online or by phone. You'll typically have around 28 days to respond and book your course, with courses usually available within 8-12 weeks. You can choose your preferred date, time, and location (or online option) based on availability. Payment is required at the time of booking, usually by card.
Need help understanding your options for a speeding offence? Get in touch and we'll connect you with a specialist motoring solicitor.