For UK drivers caught exceeding speed limits, the National Speed Awareness Course offers an educational alternative to penalty points. However, you can only attend a speed awareness course once every three years and only if you are referred for one by the police. If you’re caught speeding again within that three-year period, you won’t be eligible for another course and will instead have to accept penalty points on your licence and/or pay a fine.
Key takeaways:
Frequency of speed awareness courses
In England and Wales, drivers can be eligible to attend a speed awareness course once every three years, provided they meet certain criteria, such as the severity of the speeding offence and not having attended a similar course within that period. This training is offered at the discretion of the local police forces.
In contrast, Scotland currently does not offer speed awareness courses for speeding offences, despite discussions and considerations over the years. This means drivers in Scotland are more likely to receive penalty points and fines for similar offences. Speed awareness courses are available in Northern Ireland, but AUTODOC experts note that in practice they are offered less often than in England and Wales.
Regional differences in speed awareness courses
| Region | Course availability | Frequency limit | Additional notes |
| England & Wales | Widely available through most police forces | Once every 3 years | Eligibility depends on offence severity and prior attendance |
| Northern Ireland | Available, but less commonly offered | Once every 3 years if offered | Fewer opportunities compared to England & Wales |
| Scotland | Not available | N/A | Not offered; speeding offences result in penalty points and/or fines instead |
Motorway speed awareness courses
The National Motorway Awareness Course (NMAC) is specifically designed for motorway-related offenses and follows the same three-year frequency restriction as standard speed awareness courses – you cannot take another NMAC within three years of your previous one. However, a key distinction is that attending a standard speed awareness course does not affect your eligibility for a motorway awareness one, and vice versa, as they’re considered different programmes.
Eligibility for motorway courses typically applies to speeds between 79mph and 86mph on 70mph motorways, in accordance with the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) guidelines, particularly on smart motorways with variable speed limits. It may also be offered for other motorway infractions like passing through a “red X” lane closure or improper use of hard shoulders.
| Type | Eligibility criteria | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Speed Awareness Course | Must be referred by police Speeding must fall within threshold Not taken same course in last 3 years | Once every 3 years | Police discretion applies; not guaranteed even if eligible |
| National Motorway Awareness Course (NMAC) | Motorway-specific offences (e.g., 79–86mph in 70mph zones) Red X or misuse of hard shoulder | Once every 3 years | Treated separately from the standard course; can take both types within 3 years if offered |
Repeating a speed awareness course
You can attend a speed awareness course more than once but, as mentioned, time restrictions apply; you must not have taken the same type of course within the previous three years.If you’re caught speeding again within this three-year period, you’ll face the standard penalties: points on your licence and a fine. This restriction exists because these programmes are designed as learning opportunities, and repeated offenses suggest the educational intervention wasn’t effective.
Maximum number of speed awareness courses
While there is no specified maximum lifetime limit on the number of courses a driver can take over their driving career, apart from the three-year restriction between programmes of the same type, the final decision on whether you are offered an educational option always rests with the police. For repeat offenders caught speeding within the three-year period, the only alternatives are accepting a fixed penalty notice (typically three points and a £100 fine) or contesting the charge in court. Court proceedings carry significant risks including higher fines (up to £1,000, or £2,500 on motorways), increased penalty points, and potential driving disqualification, especially if the offense involves excessive speed.
FAQs
Can I take a speed awareness course every time I’m caught speeding?
No. You’re only eligible if you haven’t taken the same one in the past three years and if the offence meets police criteria. Repeat offences during that period lead to penalty points and/or a fine.
Do speed awareness courses remove points from my licence?
No. They prevent points for that offence but don’t remove any existing ones. The offence is still recorded by the police.
Is the motorway awareness course the same as a regular speed awareness course?
No. The National Motorway Awareness Course covers motorway offences and is treated separately. You can take both, but not the same one within three years.
Why can’t drivers in Scotland take a speed awareness course?
Scotland doesn’t offer them. Despite past discussions, drivers there still receive penalty points and fines for speeding offences.
Conclusion
Speed awareness courses offer a valuable opportunity for UK drivers to avoid penalty points through education, but strict rules apply. Understanding eligibility and regional availability can help you respond appropriately if caught speeding.
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