Speeding Ticket

[Soph01]

do you get a choice of dates on a driving speed awareness course?

[exarmy448]

Choice of dates and venue,

[Old_Geezer]

If 300 miles from home then maybe you can pay the fine now and save the course for next time.

[Prudie]

They must have changed it in the last 5 years then as I was offered no choice of date nor location.

[paul1763]

When I done my speed awareness 20 back in July I was offered quite a few dates and venues as long as I'd done it within 6 months(I think) of the date I was caught. Also I was surprised to see how much the price varied between forces

[Old_Geezer]

That seems unwise. If you opted not to take the course last time and didn't learn your lesson, surely it is in everyone's interest that you give it a bash next time. (Unless the authorities know it isn't really any use at changing folks' behaviour. In which case why does it become useful again after 3 years ?)

[Hymie]

See this link and my post on the frequency that the courses are run at a particular venue – and the options normally offered.

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Motoring/Question1426787-2.html

[New Judge]

"If you've had a speeding fine in the last three years you will not be eligible for a course. "

That's not correct, I'm afraid, db. Only if a driver has taken part in a speed awareness course in the previous three years (the date of offences being used for the calculation) will he be ineligible for a course. He can have committed speeding offences which were dealt with by way of a fine and endorsement (including by fixed penalty) but if he hasn't done a course he is eligible. He may have committed offences which involved too high a speed for a course (they are offered up to limit + 10% + 9mph) but if he hasn't done a course he can opt to do one to avoid further points.

[Maydup]

Yes, mostly bookable online chosing the date from a drop down menu.

As long as attended in the time given, its OK. The booking process will tie your course booking up with your driving licence number so no more paper work needed and no need to inform insurers either.

Then all you have to do is turn up, listen for a bit, enjoy the tea and biscuits and drive home safely!

[Answerprancer]

Soph, if you do attend the patronisation course: when they show you the pictures of the deserted street and ask you why it's deserted: the reason is that they photoshopped out the ambulance etc. there was an accident involving the death of an 8 year old kid. Put your hand up and tell them, I'd love to be there and see the wind taken out of their sails!

[New Judge]

Or better still just pay the fee, do the course and move on !!!!

[Answerprancer]

Better than what NJ? I never advised her NOT to take the course.
I did it ...from choice.

The course is a no-brainer: it's slightly cheaper than the fine and you don't lose points or have to inform your insurance broker if you complete it to their satisfaction.

[New Judge]

Better than attending and asking inane questions.

All that will do is delay all the participants, most of whom simply want to attend the course, sit through it, keeping their heads down and get out asap. :-)

[Answerprancer]

"Better than attending and asking inane questions".

Actually what I suggested to Soph was an answer to an inane question that I knew might come up as it did during my "course".

FYI, I saved my "inane questions" to the end when the course was finished.
So now you may dismount from your high horse and do something more inventive with that gavel ;-)