The Risks and Repercussions of Speeding

Speeding is a common traffic violation, but many drivers are unaware of the full range of consequences that can follow if they are caught. Beyond the immediate dangers of increased accident risks, speeding can lead to a variety of penalties, including fines, points on your licence, and even the requirement to attend specific awareness courses. Remember, when you pass your driving test, you are on probation for 2 years, so if you accumulate 6 points in this 2 year period you will have to restart and pass your theory again, take lessons and retake your practical test.

Fines and Points for Speeding Offenses

When a driver is caught speeding, the most immediate consequence is usually a fine. The amount of the fine generally depends on how much the driver was exceeding the speed limit. In addition to financial penalties, drivers also accumulate points on their driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to higher insurance premiums and even the suspension of your driving license.

Speed Awareness Courses: An Alternative to Points

In some cases, drivers who are caught speeding for the first time or who have only exceeded the limit by a small margin are offered the opportunity to attend a speed awareness course instead of receiving points on their license. These courses are designed to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding and to promote safer driving habits.

The Structure of Speed Awareness Courses

Speed awareness courses typically last for about half a day. They are led by qualified instructors and include discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions. The focus is on understanding the reasons behind speed limits, the consequences of speeding, and strategies for staying within speed limits.

Motorway Awareness Courses

For speeding offenses on motorways, drivers might be offered a motorway awareness course. Similar to speed awareness courses, these are specifically tailored to address the challenges and risks associated with high-speed driving on motorways. They cover topics like safe following distances, lane discipline, and how to react to rapidly changing traffic conditions.

Benefits of Attending an Awareness Course

Besides avoiding points on your license, attending these courses can provide valuable insights into safer driving practices. Many drivers find that they become more aware of their driving habits and learn techniques that help them avoid future speeding violations.

Eligibility and Enrollment

Not all drivers are eligible for these courses. Eligibility typically depends on the severity of the speeding offense and the driver’s previous record. Drivers who are eligible will be notified by the authorities and will have a limited time to enroll in a course.

New drivers

Your licence will be cancelled (revoked) if you get 6 or more points within 2 years of passing your test.

Points on your provisional licence

Any penalty points on your provisional licence that have not expired will be carried over to your full licence when you pass your test. However, your licence will be cancelled if you get any further penalty points that take you up to a total of 6 or more within 2 years of passing your driving test.

If your licence is cancelled within 2 years

You’ll have to apply and pay for a new provisional licence and pass both theory and practical parts of the driving or riding test again to get a full licence.

If you have not sent off for your full licence

You must retake both parts of your driving test if your licence has been cancelled after you’ve passed your test, but you have not sent off for your full licence yet. You can use your current provisional licence to take the tests.

Conclusion

Being caught speeding can lead to a range of consequences, but attending a speed or motorway awareness course can be a beneficial alternative to harsher penalties. These courses not only help drivers avoid points on their licenses but also play a crucial role in promoting safer driving habits and reducing the likelihood of future offenses. When you take driving lessons with BookInstructor, your driving instructor will actively promote defensive and sensible driving, in order that you can pass the driving test and remain licenced once you pass your driving test.