Driver Awareness Scheme

[yesterday]

Im usually a careful and considerate driver. But sadly on an hectic day I got caught speeding 36mph in a 30mph zone. I waited for the dreaded penalty fine and got a questionaire etc. I have been offered a driver awareness course. It costs £120 to my horror, I am presently unemployed and can not afford to do this. Whatever happened to a fine and a reduction in fine for paying early? Can anyone in the know tell me what my options are. I do not have any points on my licence its clean. Thanks for any advice, much appreciated.

[New Judge]

Your options are to take the course or to accept a fixed penalty of £100 and three points. And that's the very best offer you will get.

If you go to court it will cost you a minimum of £159. The guideline fine (for a guilty plea) is a third of a week's net income. The court uses a minimum assumed income of £120pw for those with little or no income. You will also pay £34 as a "Victim Surcharge" and £85 costs (in some areas that figure is £90). The only advantage to taking the matter to court is that you can ask to pay in instalments but the court will not accept less than £5 per week.

Courses are being held online at present and there are a number of providers, some of whom charge less than others. You could have a look at another provider, but I doubt you'll see the cost much lower than £100.

[New Judge]

BTW - there has never been a reduction in the fine for speeding for paying early. Speeding is a criminal offence and is dealt with either by the offer of a course or fixed penalty (at the discretion of the police) or in court where the Magistrates' sentencing guidelines will be used. Discounts for early payments are available for decriminalised matters such as parking or box junction infringements.

[Karamia]

If you take the course you will not get the 3 points on your licence. You can then keep a clean licence and insurance will not increase.

[Barsel]

If the only thing you are worried about is how to pay for the course, see if you can borrow the money if it's cheaper than the fine and you don't get the points on your licence.

[bookbinder]

Please note that, in order to take the online course, you will need a computer that has a camera and a microphone connected to it.