Have you been caught going over the speed limit? It’s an easy mistake to make, but it could result in being offered a speed awareness course. Here’s what you can expect and whether it could be the right option for you.
For more advice on pricing information, visit our valuation guidance hub.
What is a speed awareness course?
A speed awareness course is an educational programme offered to some motorists who have been caught speeding. In certain circumstances, attending the course allows drivers to avoid penalty points on their licence.
The aim of the course is to help drivers better understand speed limits, stopping distances, hazard awareness, and the risks associated with speeding. Rather than being a punishment, it is designed to reduce the likelihood of future offences.
If you don’t want to find yourself faced with a massive penalty notice and the points on your licence that come along with it, check out this speeding fine guide.
Who can take the course?
Not everyone caught speeding will be eligible for a speed awareness course. It is generally offered for lower-level speeding offences and only if specific criteria are met.
Typical eligibility requirements include:
- The offence must be your first speeding offence within the last three years.
- You were driving above the enforcement threshold but within the range eligible for a course.
- No more than 12 weeks have passed since the offence.
- No additional offences were committed at the same time.
- You have not attended a speed awareness course within the previous three years.
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements, you may receive a fixed penalty notice and licence points instead.
How much does a speed awareness course cost?
The cost of a speed awareness course varies depending on the area and provider, but it is typically similar to the cost of a speeding fine.
Many drivers choose the course because it allows them to avoid licence points, which could potentially help prevent increased insurance premiums in the future.
Should I pay the fine or take the course?
The right option depends on your circumstances.
While attending a course requires several hours of your time, successfully completing it usually means you avoid penalty points on your licence. For many drivers, this can be preferable to accepting points and a fine.
Before deciding, consider:
- The cost of the course.
- The value of your time.
- The potential impact of licence points on future insurance premiums.
What can I expect on the day?
Most speed awareness courses last around four hours and are delivered either in person or online.
The course is typically run as a workshop and encourages discussion rather than formal testing. Topics often include:
- Why speeding occurs.
- The consequences of speeding.
- Highway Code guidance.
- Stopping distances.
- Understanding speed limits.
- Identifying and avoiding hazards.
Once you have completed the course successfully, the provider will notify the relevant authorities. No further action is usually required.
It’s worth remembering that attendance is recorded. If you commit another qualifying speeding offence within the next three years, you are unlikely to be offered another course.
Related Driver Guidance
You may also find this article useful:
Thinking about changing your car?
If rising running costs, insurance premiums, or general ownership expenses have you considering a change, you can find out what your vehicle is worth with Jamjar.
Get an instant valuation in seconds and compare offers from trusted UK buyers.