Can you request speed awareness course

Depending on the conviction, your points will stay on your licence for at least four and, in some cases, up to 11 years.

Usually, insurers will only want to know if you've received points on your licence for a motoring conviction or fixed penalty notice. The police and local authorities don't inform insurers about speed awareness courses either. And you won't be asked about them when you compare car insurance quotes with us.

Insurers view driving convictions very differently though — they all take it seriously. Not telling us to get cheaper insurance is a bad idea.

Avoiding speed awareness courses and speeding tickets is the best option. Stay aware of road signs informing you of speed changes. Remember that the national speed limit is 60mph on single carriage roads, and 70mph on double carriage roads and motorways. Many navigation apps display the speed limits where you're driving - these aren't always up to date, so keep an eye out for road signs too. Speed awareness courses If you're caught speeding, you could be offered the option of attending a speed awareness course instead of being fined and getting points on your licence.

Simon Read Updated 25 June 4 min read read. Home Motoring Guides Speed awareness courses. Alternatively, if you accept a place on a speed awareness course, your licence will remain point-free and the impact on your motor cover should be less.

Bear in mind that any speeding convictions and points must legally be declared to your insurance company — even when shopping around on a comparison website. But the onus is on the insurer to collect all the information that they need from you to provide cover, not for you to declare everything that they think might be important.

But, do not be tempted to withhold this information in a bid to keep costs down: if you have been asked by an insurance provider, you must answer truthfully, or else risk invalidating your policy. There is a chance that your premiums will increase both those in the future and retrospectively, but the financial and legal implications of driving without insurance are far greater.

According to insurers, claim statistics show that drivers who have committed a speeding offence are a higher risk than drivers who do not commit speeding offences in the first place — and this must be reflected in the cost of the premium. In reality, many insurers do not increase premiums for a single offence, and an SP30 three points on your licence. While there is not a test to pass, if you fail to complete the course in a satisfactory way not participating or quitting the workshop before it finishes, for example , then you will have to take the points or be summoned to court.

If you are caught breaking the speed limit, you will receive a notice of intended prosecution from the police. If given the option to take a speed awareness course, you must accept the offer and return the form within the time limit stated on your letter. Here you will find out which organisation is providing courses in your area, and how to book online.

Once you have been accepted, you will be sent a confirmation email with details. You can reduce the chances of getting a speeding ticket or taking a speed awareness course by driving more safely.

Tips include:. Remember that roads with regular street lighting usually have a speed limit of 30mph, unless signed otherwise. Use a hands-free navigation app to warn you of any traffic issues and remind you of the speed limit.

You have no previous convictions regarding other speeding offences in the past 3 years. Speed awareness courses can only be taken once every 3 years.

Once you decide to take the course, it must be completed within 4 months of the committed offence. A speed awareness course is not classed as a conviction. The best thing to do is look around to find the best deal for you. However, it is down to the insurance company to ensure that they collect all the necessary information from you in order to provide sufficient cover, not for you to declare anything you feel is of interest. The letter will tell you which organisation is providing courses in your area, and how to book online.

Yes, courses are usually held seven days a week and can be attended in the morning, afternoon or evening. Read our guide to average speed cameras and how they work, or read our guide to driving licence penalty points.

Towing with an electric car, hybrid or plug-in hybrid - what's the capacity and can you tow a caravan? Electric car charging stations: a complete guide. Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer. Tips and advice Home Tips and advice. Speed awareness course limits - will I be offered one? Speed awareness course: how much does it cost? What to expect The speed awareness course is a session run by a number of independent companies, including the AA.

Taking a speed awareness course online Speed awareness courses moved online during the Covid pandemic, so you had to join a video call to participate. How long does it take? Can a speed awareness course affect your car insurance? Speed awareness course: frequently asked questions Can you fail the course?