Please can anyone tell me about the practical driving on a speed awareness course

katies_mum

After 32 years of driving I was flashed by a speed camera. I have been offered a Speed Awareness Couse. The local one to me in Knowsley, Merseyside is for 6 hours and includes practicle driving. Please can anyone who may have done one of these courses tell me a little more about the driving bit. I drive an automatic (not diven a car with gears for 20`odd years) and only ever drive my own car so am absolutely worried sick about driving a car I don`t know and have never driven before. How much driving is involved and what are you expected to do?

Would be greateful for any info / advice as the other alternative is to pay the fine and get the points which I really don`t want to do.

Many thanks

LandyAndy

I've been on one but there was no practical element. I would imagine it will be a brief observed drive in your own car, certainly nothing to worry about.

You could always call them and ask the question.

Definitely go on the course rather than take the fine. Remember you do not have to declare attendance to your insurance company.

katies_mum

Thanks, yes they do the driving part on Merseyside and I think it could be a driving instructors car - this is the bit I`m worried about.
I thought the courses were classroomed based until I started reading up on them.

LandyAndy

katies_mum wrote: »

Thanks, yes they do the driving part on Merseyside and I think it could be a driving instructors car - this is the bit I`m worried about.
I thought the courses were classroomed based until I started reading up on them.

I think it will be mostly in the classroom anyway won't it?

The reasons I think the driving bit will be in your own car are.

They don't have to get insurance or hire a driving instructor.
They don't have to worry about people with 'automatic only' licences or disabilities.

I presume they tell you that you must bring a car with you.

katies_mum

The website doesn`t say you have to come in your own car! that what made me think it was a driving instuctors car (isn`t it them or the police who run the courses?)

Lum

Are you aware that you can opt to take the course in a different area? Cheshire Police's course (held in Winsford) is theory only and costs £60 whereas IIRC Merseyside's course costs £88, so even with the increased travelling distance this would still be a moneysaving option. Greater Manchester's course is also £60 but I do not know if there is a practical session involved on that course.

I am not aware of any speed awareness courses cheaper than £60, nor am I aware of any speed awareness courses that let you use your own car.

Just beware if shopping around like this that if you turn up late, you fail, you do not get your £60 and you then have to pay £60 and 3 points for a total cost of £120+ and 3 points.

Other than that there is no way to fail a speed awareness course short of getting yourself thrown out for being disruptive or sleeping through it or something equally stupid.

LandyAndy

katies_mum wrote: »

The website doesn`t say you have to come in your own car! that what made me think it was a driving instuctors car (isn`t it them or the police who run the courses?)

In Wiltshire, where I attended, it was the Road Safety Partnership, now disbanded because of the cuts, who ran courses.

I can't access the Merseyside website as my work filter blocks it.

Presumably every time you buy a new car you have to drive it for the first time;). In any case all modern cars feel pretty much the same to drive.

As I said before, ring them up and ask the questions.

esmerobbo

I done the same course at the same place. You have a sit down session then two of you go out with a driving instructor. You each have a turn at driving. He/she points out any problems you have. You don't take any tests they just give you an assessment at the end. They do offer an option for an automatic. The day I was there a Lady only had an auto lic and there were already two in the auto car so she didn't even have to drive.
It is nothing to worry about relax.

They don't pay the instructor you do as it cost I think £90 when I done it,

esmerobbo

PS take your own sarnies as the Hotels were awful and expensive. But you get free tea or coffee. Thats if its still the Holiday inn Express.

Lum

esmerobbo wrote: »

They do offer an option for an automatic.

Pretty sure that option is only for people with an automatic-only licence.

I'd just take it in Cheshire. The course is 2 hours shorter, £28 cheaper and you don't have to drive.

esmerobbo

Lum wrote: »

Pretty sure that option is only for people with an automatic-only licence.

I'd just take it in Cheshire. The course is 2 hours shorter, £28 cheaper and you don't have to drive.

The auto could be correct I am not sure. Was yours with TTC?

It seems this company have taken over now.

http://www.drivesafe.org.uk/merseyside/