Everything about the UK's Speed Awareness Course
Many drivers will have to take the speed awareness course. The UK has strict laws for speeding, applying to every driver, whether that's in a car, truck or motorcycle. These vehicles can only travel at specific speeds when they are on the road. The speed limit is visibly set as a steady guideline for how fast you should drive the vehicle. Some drivers could be penalized if they exceed the standard speed limit so be ready to take the class when it is scheduled. You will be informed beforehand, typically by letter.
The class focuses on speeding elements on the road, and some other things too but the main priority of the lesson is to further educate you on speeding and road safety. You should come out of it understanding the road better.
What is the Speed Awareness Course?
The speed awareness course is a lesson that was created to further educate drivers on their driving capabilities as well as the rules around speeding and road safety in general, which is always important in a safe world. Whether you have accidentally or purposefully driven over the speed limit, and been caught, you will typically be sent your speed awareness course warning by mail. It's important to know that if you have driven 1mph or 15mph over the limit, you're still speeding and will be sent a warning. To better obey the speed limit, you should pay attention to the road, and more specifically the speed road signs which tell you how fast you can go.
If you reject the speed awareness course, you will be fined, alongside 3 penalty points on your licence. The speed awareness course is a calm approach, giving you another chance. After completing and finishing the course, you should become more serious on the road and pay more attention to avoid another speeding situation which will result in worse penalties.
Will I receive any penalties for having to do the Speed Awareness Course?
Whether you're speeding on a public road, or on the motorway, you may receive penalties. On some occasions, you may be pulled over by the police, who only give you a verbal warning, which is the best outcome. When this happens, take it seriously as things could've been much worse. The police can also give you a fixed penalty notice (FPN) or an order to go to court. If you plead guily to the FPN, you will pay £100 and have 3 points added onto your driving licence as punishment. On the other hand, you may be offered the speed awareness course, which we have spoken about. It's an option where you can go and learn about speeding and road safety, without getting points.
Please note that you will only receive the speed awareness course option if you're eligible.
- The police decide it's appropriate for your offence
- You have not done the speed awareness course in the past 3 years
If one or more of these points are not accurate, then you won't be offered to opportunity.
How long is the course and how much does it cost?
Once you have officially joined the course and entered the lesson, you will be looking at around 4 hours in total length. The exact duration time can always change, due to a variety of different things. In a single class, you can expect around 15-25 individuals, so you won't be alone. To enter the course, you will typically pay around £100 however this may change going forward, so be on the lookout.
Now you know the approximate time of the course, as well as the cost, you should prepare for the lesson. Before entering the class, you will need the following:
- A functioning camera showing your face
- A charged device that won't cut off
- An internet connection that is consistent
Throughout the course, you may be asked questions on the spot to make sure you're listening and paying attention. Getting the questions right will enable you to sign off at the end, with a pass. Getting a question wrong may result in a consequence and further penalties. Therefore, you could educate yourself before entering to make sure you get it right.
Conclusion
The speed awareness course in the UK has been designed to further educate drivers on speeding and road safety. Without basic safety, the risk of collision and danger will always be present, and nobody wants an avoidable crash. The course aims to give drivers a second chance, and to improve on their previous mistakes. Rejecting the speed awareness course will result in a hefty fine and penalty points on your licence, which nobody wants.