RIDE - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rider Intervention Developing Experience (RIDE)?

RIDE has been put into place to give, at the discretion of the Police, offenders who ride in a careless or inconsiderate manner, or whose riding behaviour is considered to be anti-social, the opportunity to attend a workshop as an alternative to prosecution.

Do I have to pay for the course?

You will need to contact the Service Provider for the area in which you are taking your course in order to determine the fee.

Will I be eligible to be offered RIDE?

Courses will only be available to riders via an offer from a police force. Having attended a course, you will not be eligible to attend a second course within 3 years of your offence.

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 Provider as soon as possible. You will be required to provide a doctors certificate. In either situation your case will be referred back to the Police for their consideration.

Is a training machine provided?

No, where a practical element is included, 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 for their decision.

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 your offence 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 and a decision made. If you are not happy with the decision and do not accept the course, the case will be referred to the Magistrates Court.

Who runs the RIDE?

Each Constabulary will appoint a Service Provider in their area to deliver these courses. Many Service Providers will be members of the National Association of Driver Intervention Providers (NADIP).

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 practical 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 22 people on the course

NADIP