Speeding is a common occurrence in the UK, despite the danger it presents. In 2023, the Department for Transport found that 44% of cars [1] exceeded the speed limit on 30mph roads and 45% did so on motorways.
If you've been caught speeding, you may be invited to attend a speed awareness course, but what does the course include? And how much does it cost? Here’s everything you need to know.
EASY AS HACK
A speed awareness course can cost you around £100. However, the price varies depending on the provider and format you choose.
At a glance
- Speed awareness courses are designed to stop you from speeding in the future
- To book a course, you’ll need your driving licence, the letter you received from the police, and your payment details
- Then visit the UKROEd website and select the relevant course
what is a speed awareness course?
Speed awareness courses are designed to encourage safer driving. If you’ve been caught speeding by the police or a speed camera, you may be given the option of taking the course, which is sometimes offered as an alternative to a fine and points on your licence (depending on the speed you were doing).
These courses aren't mandatory, and you can opt to take the fine and points instead, but the course can help you become a safer driver. [2]
what happens on a speed awareness course?
A speed awareness course is all theory based, which means there’s no hands-on driving involved.
You attend a workshop – either in person or online – and are taught the consequences of speeding, hazard perception, the Highway Code and more. It’s a lesson that helps educate everyone on safe driving.
On most courses you’ll be encouraged to participate and interact to show that you understand the course. Workshop trainers want to see that everyone is paying attention and taking in the relevant information.
The course typically takes around 2.5-4 hours depending on the format and provider.
how to book a speed awareness course
To book a speed awareness course you’ll need:
- Your driving licence
- The letter you received from the police for speeding
- Your payment details
Once you’ve got these, you need to:
- Visit the UK road offender education (UKROEd) website
- Enter the reference number and PIN that should be on your course offer letter. If you don’t have your PIN, you can enter your driver number, which is located as item 5 on your licence [3]
- Provide your personal details such as name, address, driving licence number
- Select the relevant course and pick a date and time that’s best for you
If you choose an in-person course, you’ll need to travel to the venue so make sure you pick somewhere easy to get to. Virtual courses, however, can be booked with any course provider.
For more information, visit gov.uk.
how much is a speed awareness course?
A speed awareness course can cost around £100. However, the price varies depending on the provider and format you choose. Online courses are usually cheaper than in-person sessions.
do i need a speed awareness course?
You may be invited for a speed awareness course if you’ve broken the speed limit by up to a certain number of miles per hour:
- 31 mph in a 20 mph area
- 42 mph in a 30 mph area
- 53 mph in a 40 mph area
- 64 mph in a 50 mph area
- 75 mph in a 60 mph area
- 86 mph in a 70 mph area
It also depends on whether you’ve already completed a course within three years and if the local police offer a course.
why should you take the speed awareness course
Some people might not want to pay for a speed awareness course or take time out to attend it, but it can be better than getting points on your licence.
The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points. If you end up with twelve or more points, you could be disqualified from driving for three years.
If you’re a new driver and have built up six or more penalty points within two years of driving, your licence will be revoked. [4]
Having points on your licence can also raise your car insurance premium.
The course means less risk of your licence being taken away, as well as being better educated to not speed again.
do speed awareness courses affect my insurance?
Some insurers might ask if you’ve taken a speed awareness course. If they do ask and you say yes, this might increase your premium, but it depends on the insurer.
do i need to tell my insurance provider when doing a speed awareness course?
According to UKROEd, [5] you only have to give your insurer the information they ask for. Any false information could invalidate your insurance.
FAQs
Who are speed awareness courses run by?
Speed awareness courses are run by the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS), which is managed by UK Road Offender Education (UKROEd).
Is a speed awareness course instead of a fine?
Yes, a speed awareness course is offered as an alternative to a fine and points.
Find out more about Ageas car insurance
Sources
[1] Vehicle speed compliance statistics for Great Britain: 2023 - GOV.UK
[2] https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/speeding/
[3] https://offer.ndors.org.uk/#/home
[4] https://www.gov.uk/speeding-penalties
[5] UKROEd
