Speed Awareness Course UK: What to Expect and Is It Worth It?
Car Owl
Published in English •
Summary
- Avoids points: Complete the course and no points go on your licence.
- Cost: Around £80-100 (similar to the fine you'd pay anyway).
- Duration: About 4 hours, available online or in-person.
- Eligibility: Minor speeding only, and you can't have done a course in the last 3 years.
Caught speeding? You might be offered a speed awareness course instead of points. For many drivers, it's the smart choice - especially new drivers who can't afford points on their licence.
This guide explains how the courses work and what to expect.
What Is a Speed Awareness Course?
The National Speed Awareness Course (NSAC) is an educational programme offered as an alternative to a fixed penalty for minor speeding offences.
If you complete the course:
- No penalty points on your licence
- No fine (you pay for the course instead)
- Nothing recorded on your driving record (it's not a conviction)
Who Is Eligible?
Not everyone caught speeding is offered a course. Eligibility depends on:
Speed Thresholds
Typically, you must have been within a certain range above the limit:
| Speed Limit | Typical Course Threshold |
|---|---|
| 20mph | 24-31mph |
| 30mph | 35-42mph |
| 40mph | 46-53mph |
| 50mph | 57-64mph |
| 60mph | 68-75mph |
| 70mph | 79-86mph |
If you were going faster than the upper threshold, you'll likely receive points or a court summons instead.
Other Requirements
- You haven't completed a speed awareness course in the last 3 years
- You hold a valid UK driving licence
- You respond to the offer within the deadline (usually 14-28 days)
How Much Does It Cost?
Course fees are typically £80-100, depending on the provider and region.
For comparison:
- Fixed penalty: £100 fine + 3 points
- Speed awareness course: ~£90, no points
While the course costs about the same as the fine, you avoid points - which can significantly affect your insurance.
Does It Affect Insurance?
This is where opinions differ:
- The course isn't a conviction, so you don't legally have to declare it
- However, some insurers ask if you've attended any driver awareness courses
- If asked, you must answer honestly
Having 3 penalty points typically increases premiums by 5-10%. A course often has less impact, but check with your insurer.
What Happens on the Course?
The course lasts approximately 4 hours and covers:
- Speed limits: Why they're set where they are
- Stopping distances: How speed affects braking
- Hazard perception: Spotting dangers earlier
- Consequences: Impact of speeding on victims and families
- Your own driving: Discussion of habits and choices
Course Format
- Online: Available since the pandemic, done via video conference
- In-person: At a training centre, usually with 15-20 other attendees
Both formats are interactive. You'll need to participate in discussions - it's not just watching a video.
What You Need for Online Courses
- Working webcam and microphone
- Stable internet connection
- Quiet room with no distractions
- Your driving licence for ID checks
Can You Fail the Course?
You can't fail academically, but you could be asked to leave if you:
- Are disruptive or disrespectful
- Don't participate
- Are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Have technical issues you can't resolve (online courses)
If you're asked to leave or don't complete the course, the speeding offence will be dealt with through the normal route (fine and points).
How to Book
- Receive your Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)
- Return it confirming you were driving
- If eligible, you'll receive a course offer letter
- Book online through the link provided
- Pay the course fee
- Attend on your chosen date
You must book and complete the course within the deadline given (usually within 3-4 months of the offence).
Is It Worth Doing?
For most people, yes:
- Keeps your licence clean
- Avoids insurance increases from points
- Refreshes your knowledge
- Only takes half a day
For new drivers (under 2 years), it's especially valuable - 3 points would be half your allowance before automatic revocation.
When It Might Not Be Worth It
- You've already done a course recently (not eligible)
- You're about to lose your licence anyway
- Scheduling is impossible
Common Questions
Will my employer know about the course?
No. It's not a conviction and doesn't appear on criminal record checks or DVLA records.
Can I do the course online?
Yes. Online courses have been available since 2020 and are accepted nationwide.
What if I miss the booking deadline?
The offer is withdrawn and you'll receive a fixed penalty notice (fine + points) instead.
How long does the course take?
About 4 hours including a break. Some courses offer half-day or evening options.
Final Thoughts
A speed awareness course is usually the smart choice if you're offered one. Yes, you have to give up half a day and pay about £90. But you keep your licence clean and avoid insurance premium increases.
Plus, you might actually learn something useful. Many drivers come out surprised by what they didn't know.
Read our other articles:
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