Driver Training Course

[MarkF]

Anyone been on one and can tell me what they are like?

Been offered one, or, a £100 fine and 3 points. Gutted, been driving/riding over 35 years with a clean license, I live on what is the road with the most cameras per mile in the UK, pass at least 12 cameras on my commute, each way, every day and have been caught at 36mph.

 

[Pale Rider]

Not been on one, but I've spoken to people who have and most concede there's some useful tips to be had - assuming you want to be a safer driver.

At the very least, the course is harmless and preferable to the alternative.

 

[Bromptonaut]

Been there done that. Got caught doing 38 in 30 while visiting daughter in Plymouth.

Attended course near home in Northampton at cost of £100. Took all of a morning.

Bit like a work training course. Room set up in 'casino' style with about 5 tables of 8 attendees. Some segments led from front by qualified road safety trainers, some group work. In no way was it a lecture to 'naughty boys', covered stuff about observation, what makes a thirty limit or a dual carriageway etc. Most interesting was a segment of visual defects and how the eye can be tricked; why you need to look twice.

I think I'm reasonably well informed but I learned a lot.

 

[DCLane]

I'm guessing it's the 'speed awareness' course which is the lower of the two. My wife's been on two of them, didn't stop her being photographed again on New Year's Day in Holmfirth though. I think she's got a thing going with the speed camera unit as they keep sending me photos of her

My suggestion is go on the course.

About 8 years ago I went on the 'driver improvement course' - and learnt a lot from it.

 

[Smokin Joe]

I used to be an instructor on them. It is well worthwhile doing, you'd be surprised how sloppy your driving can become over the years and most people go away saying that they've learnt a lot. When you consider how much we pay towards passive safety devices in cars the £100 or so you pay for a driving course that will make you less likely to need them is money well spent.

And your licence stays clean.

 

[Tail End Charlie]

I've done one, it was very worthwhile if you go with an open mind. They don't seek to belittle you or be judgemental, but make you realise your knowledge of the Highway Code is poor (at least in my case) and that your reasons for speeding are just excuses.

 

[StuAff]

+1 to the positive comments. I took the course after speeding in a 30 mph limit, and it was very useful to me. Been a lot more careful to stay on the limit since.

 

[lutonloony]

Forgot to arrange my course so now got £100 and 3 points

 

[Broadside]

I haven't been on one but my wife did in November, she thought the course was very good and has been telling lots of people about it. It has also changed her driving habits so it is good all round.

It is an obvious thing to attend if offered, I can't believe some people intentionally take the points instead!

 

[jonny jeez]

Anyone been on one and can tell me what they are like?

Been offered one, or, a £100 fine and 3 points. Gutted, been driving/riding over 35 years with a clean license, I live on what is the road with the most cameras per mile in the UK, pass at least 12 cameras on my commute, each way, every day and have been caught at 36mph.

The course is worthwhile a d you will.learn something from it...that much is certain.

I think we should all have to pay to sit one of these every 10 years or so.

 

[MarkF]

Thanks for all the replies, I'll book it.

 

[Bazzer]

I found the driver awareness course very instructive. After >3 decades of driving I thought it was also useful to have someone independent look at my driving and where appropriate, provide hints and tips.
There were some on my course who clearly turned up thinking it was soft option, even going so far as not bringing their driving licences. The course manager swiftly brought them down to earth.

 

[gbb]

Been there done that. Got caught doing 38 in 30 while visiting daughter in Plymouth.

Attended course near home in Northampton at cost of £100. Took all of a morning.

Bit like a work training course. Room set up in 'casino' style with about 5 tables of 8 attendees. Some segments led from front by qualified road safety trainers, some group work. In no way was it a lecture to 'naughty boys', covered stuff about observation, what makes a thirty limit or a dual carriageway etc. Most interesting was a segment of visual defects and how the eye can be tricked; why you need to look twice.

I think I'm reasonably well informed but I learned a lot.

Pretty much my experience.
Got caught not paying attention, 32 in a 30 which means my speedo was probably reading 35, my fault entirely. First offence in something like 35 years, probably more annoying was i know the camera is there.

The experience was similar, maybe 20 people in my case, not naughty boy syndrome in any way, informative, part group work....very good.

They did emphasise at the beginning...MUST have photo ID to prove who you are or please leave now, at which point i messed myself..i have an old paper licence. But they accepted that and another piece of ID. They also stressed if anyone failed to take it seriously, ie became disruptive in any way...they'd be asked to leave immediately, no refund.

I guess the overall experience was take it seriously and they treat you respectfully. Don't...then leave immediately.

 

[Keith Oates]

I was also done for speeding in a 30MPH area and found it very interesting as well as informative and it has made me more attentive to speed limit signs.!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Smokin Joe]

I was also done for speeding in a 30MPH area and found it very interesting as well as informative and it has made me more attentive to speed limit signs.!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shaun is setting up a forum course targeting people who exceed the exclamation mark limit. You're booked on the six month intensive.