Driver improvement course
Frequently asked questions
Q - I have been offered a driver improvement course, what is this?
A - The driver improvement course provides the opportunity to change driver behaviour through training for low-risk offenders rather than punish them with points and fines, though a fee is charged for attendance. They are aimed at educating drivers in order to change attitudes and prevent reoffending. To attend a course, you must contact the course provider of your choice to book the course, not West Yorkshire Police. You do still have the option of accepting the Conditional Offer of Fixed Penalty or having the matter heard at Court.
Q - Do speed awareness courses work?
A - Research carried out by Ipsos MORI (social research institute) indicated that participation in the National Speed Awareness Course has a larger effect in reducing speeding reoffending than the penalty points and fine associated with the fixed penalty.
The effect of the course also appears to persist over time, with an impact still visible where there is a reduction in reoffending up to three years after participation.
Q - Can I keep on attending courses to avoid accumulating points?
A - You can only attend a course once in a three-year consecutive period, if you have done so, the matter will be dealt with by way of a fixed penalty of £100 and 3 penalty points. Information on who has attended courses is held on a national database if you attended one in a different region you will not be eligible to attend elsewhere for three years.
Q - How do I book a Course?
A - You have 28 days from the date of the document to book and pay for the educational course.
We advise all clients to book within 28 days and attend a course at the earliest opportunity. If a course is booked and cannot be attended due to unforeseen circumstances, then please note no extensions can be given to the time period allowed.
Book a course online: -
To book a course online please visit https://offer.ndors.org.uk and you will need the following information:
- Your 16-digit reference – this can be found on the combined notice
- Your PIN number - This can be found on the combined notice
- Your Driving Licence Number
Book a course by phone: -
Prior to contacting the course provider to book your course, you must register online at https://offer.ndors.org.uk, you will need to hand your 16 digit reference number and pin number. All courses are subject to availability of the provider; however, you may attend outside of your area.
Click here for a list of course providers
Q - How long have I got to complete my course?
A - You must attend and successfully complete the course within 120 days of the date of your offence. The Police retain the right to withdraw a course offer at any time up to the point that you have successfully completed the course. Please also bear in mind that if you book a course close to your 120-day deadline and do not attend, it will not be possible to rearrange another course.
Q - Will I need my Driving Licence with me when I attend on the day of the course?
A - When you arrive at the course venue, you will be required to produce your Driving Licence for validation against the course attendance register. In the event you hold a paper driving licence, you must provide additional photographic identification, failure to do so may disqualify you from participating any further and the matter may revert to criminal proceedings.
Q - Do I need to inform the police once I have completed my course?
A - No, on successful completion West Yorkshire Police will be notified automatically and no further action will be taken.
Q - Will the police arrange my course for me?
A - The onus is on the driver to book, pay and attend the course within the given time constraints. West Yorkshire Police cannot rearrange or extend course deadlines.
Q - I have paid HMCTS my fine, can I still attend a course?
A - Once payment is made, this is deemed that the fixed penalty has been accepted and the course is withdrawn. Once withdrawn the course cannot be reoffered or reinstated.
Q - Can a course be offered by HMCTS?
A - Once the course offer has been withdrawn, it is not possible for it to be reinstated. HMCTS do not have authority to offer any diversionary courses.
Q - Why wasn’t I offered a course?
A - Eligibility - this usually means you have attended a relevant course in the preceding three-year period, the offence is over the speed threshold for a course, or the admission was received outside of 90 days from the date of the offence.
Disclaimer
The information given on this website is compiled by West Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership from a variety of sources and every effort is made to ensure it is accurate. However, no liability will be accepted by West Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership or its agents if it isn't.