Frequently Asked Questions Relating to the National Speed Awareness Scheme

What is the National Speed Awareness Scheme?

The National Speed Awareness Scheme has been put into place to give, at the discretion of the Police,  offenders who drive in excess of the speed limit the opportunity to attend a workshop as an alternative to the Fixed Penalty system of a £60 fine and 3 penalty points.

Do I have to pay for the course and what is involved?

There are two types of course approved by the Home Office that come under the National Speed Awareness Scheme (NSAS).

Course type one is an interactive workshop which costs £60

Course type two combines the interactive workshop with in-car instruction and costs up to £100

You will need to contact the Service Providers for the area in which you are taking your course in order to determine which course you are taking as not all Service Providers offer both courses.

Will I be eligible to be offered a National Speed Awareness Course?

Courses will only be available to drivers via an offer from a police force, having exceeded a posted speed limit. Having attended  a course, you will not be eligible to attend a second course within the following 3 years.

If I attend a course, will I still get penalty points on my licence?

No, Once you have successfully completed the course, the file on that incident is closed and no further action will be taken.

What happens if I am late, or am unable to attend on the day?

If you are late, you will not be admitted to the course. It is your responsibility, having accepted the offer of the course, to ensure that you arrive in plenty of time. If you are ill, you will need to contact the Service Provideras soon as possible. You will be required to provide a doctors certificate. In either situation your case will be reffered back to the Police for their consideration.

Is a training vehicle provided?

Where an in-car practical element is included, yes, unless you have a specially adapted vehicle. A fully insured, modern car will be provided for the course, usually including an automatic if required.

Motorcyclists will normally be required to bring their own machines.

How important is it that I bring my driving licence with me?

Absolutely essential. You will not be allowed onto the course unless you produce your driving licence. If you have the new style photocard licence, you must also produce the paper counterpart. If you have to send your licence away for any reason, make sure it will be back in time for the course. You will not be allowed on the course if you have been disqualified from driving since you received the course offer.

What if I cannot attend the course that is offered?

If you are unable to attend the course you are offered, you should contact the Service Provider who will make a decision based upon your circumstances as to whether they can offer an alternative date or refer you back to the Police. If you are referred back to the Police you will then be sent a Conditional Offer (fixed penalty ticket or issued with a summons)

Can I appeal against the offence?

Yes, you have the right to appeal against the offence. This will however need to be done through the Magistrates Court. You should confirm in writing to the Police that you would prefer this matter to be heard in court. The details of how to do this will be on the correspondence issued by the police. If you appeal against the offence, the offer to attend a course is withdrawn.

Will my mitigating circumstances be taken into account?

Mitigation will only be considered if the nature of the speeding was due to exceptional circumstances. Mitigation will also need to be supported with evidence. You will need to be supported with evidence. You will need to write to the police explaining your circumstances. Consideration will be given given and a decision made. If you are not happy with the decision and do not accept the course or Conditional Offer (fixed penalty ticket) the case will be reffered to the Magistrates Court.

Who runs the National Speed Awareness Courses?

Each Constabulary will apoint a Service Provider in their area to deliver these courses. All Course Providers will be members of the Association of National Driver Improvement Schemes Providers, ANDISP.

This association is established to ensure the quality and consistency of delivery of courses throughout the UK.

Do I have to take a written or driving test?

No, however there will be group discussions that you will be expected to participate in to successfully complete the course.

What if I have special needs?

Prior to attending a course you will be asked by the Service Provider, to indicate if you have any special needs that will have to be taken into consideration in order to insure that you can fully participate in the course. Every effort will be made to facilitate these needs.

How many people will be on the course?

There may be up to 20 people on the course