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Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: pscocoa on 17 July 2013, 14:49:22

Title: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: pscocoa on 17 July 2013, 14:49:22
The other day on way back from the north I diverted off M40 down A34 (which is unfamiliar territory for me these days) to visit friends and now I have a speeding notice - 58 mph in a 50 mph zone. The education course is an option to points and fine.

Questions:

1) is there any point whatsoever in sending a grovelling letter - strange route, no points  for 12 years etc?

2) if I am offered course is there any impact on insurance - suspect not as no  points?

3) anyone with any experience of these speed awareness courses?

Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: Kevin Wood on 17 July 2013, 14:53:40
I've heard some insurers now ask if you've attended an awareness course. Not sure how they'd find out you were lying if it's not recorded, but...

Other than that - no experience, being a good boy. :-X
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: tunnie on 17 July 2013, 14:55:14
Always worth a letter, I got done for 50mph in a 30 on the bike, nice little letter got me a course (initially no course offered)  :)
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: aaronjb on 17 July 2013, 14:58:36
1) is there any point whatsoever in sending a grovelling letter - strange route, no points  for 12 years etc?

Ignorance is no defence in the eyes of the law, and all that, surely?

Quote
2) if I am offered course is there any impact on insurance - suspect not as no  points?

I'd heard some insurers were asking and loading premiums the same as points anyway, but then I've also heard that this is contrary to the rules of the Insurance Ombudsman so.. no personal experience, though.

Quote
3) anyone with any experience of these speed awareness courses?

A friend of mine was talking about them just the other day as she's done one - she actually said it was quite informative, though more the 'non speeding' parts than the speed kills gospel parts! Things she'd never thought about doing were such as; when stopped waiting to cross traffic, keep your wheels straight so that when (if) you're rear-ended you don't get pushed into the oncoming traffic. Something she'd been unconsciously doing for years and now doesn't..
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 17 July 2013, 15:01:59
Is this the AA-Drivetech course?
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: mick-1975 on 17 July 2013, 15:21:57
Some times they don't offer you the course I had to ask about it depends on the speed and road you was on . But the a 34 should be fine at doing the course . Just look around on the website when you book it as some places are cheaper than others . My insurance did not ask so not said nothing .
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: mick-1975 on 17 July 2013, 15:25:11
Some times they don't offer you the course I had to ask about it depends on the speed and road you was on . But the a 34 should be fine at doing the course . Just look around on the website when you book it as some places are cheaper than others . My insurance did not ask so not said nothing .

The course is boring so beware
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: pscocoa on 17 July 2013, 16:03:56
Is this the AA-Drivetech course?

Yes it is
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: Rog on 17 July 2013, 16:08:50
The other day on way back from the north I diverted off M40 down A34 (which is unfamiliar territory for me these days) to visit friends and now I have a speeding notice - 58 mph in a 50 mph zone. The education course is an option to points and fine.

Questions:

1) is there any point whatsoever in sending a grovelling letter - strange route, no points  for 12 years etc?

2) if I am offered course is there any impact on insurance - suspect not as no  points?

3) anyone with any experience of these speed awareness courses?

I got one for 34 in a 30 by a mobile camera

1. The grovelling letter WILL NOT work. Don't waste your time, and it could make things worse

2. It didn't used to, but some insurance companies are now specifically asking if you've been on one.

3. Yes. Done one. They cost money, but less than a fine and no points. They are a bit boring. Just attend, don't argue, and be a good boy. The person running the course can report you !

Oh the courses are NOT a total waste of time, except that everyone here at OOF knows everything, drives perfectly, and does no wrong - ever  ;D    ;D
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: Kevin Wood on 17 July 2013, 16:38:23
If you do the course, try to pass the time by repeating the following words in your head:


"I MUST NOT leave rubber in the car park when I leave."
"I MUST NOT leave rubber in the car park when I leave."
"I MUST NOT leave rubber in the car park when I leave."

... ;)
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 17 July 2013, 17:19:28
I received an SP 30 recently. :'(

I paid the £60 and ***k the speed awareness course.

Most insurers now ask if you've been on a course.........and then load the policy accordingly.


P.S. After telling my new insurer that I had an SP30 the cost of the policy was still only £150.50 fully comp. :y :y


Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: TheBoy on 17 July 2013, 17:31:23
If you do the course, try to pass the time by repeating the following words in your head:


"I MUST NOT leave rubber in the car park when I leave."
"I MUST NOT leave rubber in the car park when I leave."
"I MUST NOT leave rubber in the car park when I leave."

... ;)
AFAIK, its not held in the local BP.
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: pscocoa on 17 July 2013, 18:06:18
Thanks all I will do the course if offered.
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: Andy B on 17 July 2013, 18:45:10
....
Oh the courses are NOT a total waste of time, ....

I'd argue the point .........

IMHO a complete waste of time  :-X
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: YZ250 on 17 July 2013, 19:16:06

2) if I am offered course is there any impact on insurance - suspect not as no  points?

You'd like to think not but, contrary to what they tell you on the course, the Insurance companies say that attending a course is an admission of guilt.  :-\
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: Kevin Wood on 17 July 2013, 19:29:21

2) if I am offered course is there any impact on insurance - suspect not as no  points?

You'd like to think not but, contrary to what they tell you on the course, the Insurance companies say that attending a course is an admission of guilt.  :-\

.. but, hypothetically speaking, could they actually find out that you attended a course?
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: 05omegav6 on 17 July 2013, 20:26:58
1. Waste of ink.
2. Don't ask, don't tell.
3. Taking the course means 3 less points on your licence. It has some useful bits, some 'Your going to hell if you ever do more than thirty ever again' bits, and some tosh.

Different areas use different 'suppliers' to deliver the courses, but there is a time limit for completing a course if offered, so you might end up travelling to attend one :-\
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: Nick W on 17 July 2013, 21:39:27
1. Waste of ink.
2. Don't ask, don't tell.
3. Taking the course means 3 less points on your licence. It has some useful bits, some 'Your going to hell if you ever do more than thirty ever again' bits, and some tosh.

Different areas use different 'suppliers' to deliver the courses, but there is a time limit for completing a course if offered, so you might end up travelling to attend one :-\


You get to meet some of the 'problematic' drivers, and discover why they are like that. For instance, on the course I attended(for being a prat and not wearing the seatbelt) over half the people couldn't read the eye chart! None of us got all 48 of the roadsigns correct, but 30 was a good score!

I found it to be an interesting morning.
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: dbug on 18 July 2013, 00:15:03
I've done one of these courses - found it reasonably interesting (guess it depends on the guys running the course) - as said costs about £85, but compare that to £60 fine + 3 points + increased premiums.

If you do go on the course don't be over contentious - there was a typical rsol on the course I attended who disagreed and argued about everything - at the end he was failed and told he would get the fine and points (+ the cost of the course)

HTH ;)
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: ronnyd on 18 July 2013, 00:34:08
I've done one of these courses - found it reasonably interesting (guess it depends on the guys running the course) - as said costs about £85, but compare that to £60 fine + 3 points + increased premiums.

If you do go on the course don't be over contentious - there was a typical rsol on the course I attended who disagreed and argued about everything - at the end he was failed and told he would get the fine and points (+ the cost of the course)

HTH ;)
Pays to keep your mouth shut then :y
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: chrisgixer on 18 July 2013, 00:52:37
Rarely is a course attended and nothing learned ime. Usually worth while. :)
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: Kevin Wood on 18 July 2013, 10:28:08
Rarely is a course attended and nothing learned ime. Usually worth while. :)
I don't know.. I've been on some poor ones through work in the past. ::)

Box of matches always useful. With practice you can use them to prop your eyes open. :y
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: chrisgixer on 18 July 2013, 10:32:37
Rarely is a course attended and nothing learned ime. Usually worth while. :)
I don't know.. I've been on some poor ones through work in the past. ::)

Box of matches always useful. With practice you can use them to prop your eyes open. :y
Even if its "how not to run a course" ;D
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: Glyn on 18 July 2013, 15:15:11
I went on one last year.

Point 1 - No idea

Point 2 - No impact on insurance. The speaker specifically told us in no uncertain terms
that we DO NOT have to tell the insurance company we have been on the course even
if they ask.

Point 3 - Boring. Just sit listen nod your head now and then. Its worth it not to have the three points.
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: ffcgary1 on 20 July 2013, 20:47:07
I attended an AA drive tec course about a 3 months ago, and the instructor told us that only one insurance co has started to ask if there clients have attended a course, and it is the one to do with the navy, ah hem!!!
but you do not have to offer the info UNLESS you are asked.
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: pscocoa on 14 August 2013, 18:18:56
Attended the AA Drivetech course today along with 21 others - only 4 ladies in the 22.

It was much better than I thought it would be and I actually got something out of it in terms of better awareness of stopping distances and speed of impact plus a lot of knowledge of the speed camera situation in the 3 counties (Berks, Bucks, Oxford in this case). The 4 medium sized (Sprinter size) van drivers were also unaware of the national limit minus 10 mph restriction on single and dual carriageways.

The stopping distance/speed of impact video featured.....a silver police Omega which performed a series of emergency braking routines colliding  with a dummy.

I can think of several people who would benefit from this course - it was delivered in a very good style which kept people involved and there were no know - alls in attendance.
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: Gaffers on 15 August 2013, 07:00:25
I wouldn't even bother grovelling, I tried that after the one and only time I have been caught doing 56 in a 50 (late evening, roadworks, empty road apart from me).  I was on my way to serve in Iraq for the first time.  There was no leeway, no ifs no buts.

I wasn't upset but I had heard of colleagues getting either let off or reduced punishment in similar circumstances.  All gone now, and I prefer the rule of 'Don't get Caught!' :y
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: innarightestate on 15 August 2013, 19:10:29
yep got done on sunday going to a car show .on the 414 between harlow and chelmsford.doing 42 when should be 30.coppers were pulling loads of motors just my luck must have been having a purge at 8am .applied for awarness course >:( :( :o
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: 05omegav6 on 15 August 2013, 19:20:05
42 in a 30 ::) i would be grateful to have a choice of points or a course :-\ bang to rights springs to mind...
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: Crazycarzowner on 15 August 2013, 19:36:00
42 in a 30 one more MPH = straight ticket  :y
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: innarightestate on 15 August 2013, 20:10:32
im talking about a quiet contry road not the middle of london.how many ofyou have stuck to the right speed limit i bet not  many at times.if we all stuck dead on or near there be a traffic  jam every where ;D :)
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: bored bigyin54 on 15 August 2013, 21:54:54
The other day on way back from the north I diverted off M40 down A34 (which is unfamiliar territory for me these days) to visit friends and now I have a speeding notice - 58 mph in a 50 mph zone. The education course is an option to points and fine.

Questions:

1) is there any point whatsoever in sending a grovelling letter - strange route, no points  for 12 years etc?

2) if I am offered course is there any impact on insurance - suspect not as no  points?

3) anyone with any experience of these speed awareness courses?
do it its a boring course but no points :y :y didn't tell my insurance they never got to know :y
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: Andy B on 15 August 2013, 22:31:02
im talking about a quiet contry road not the middle of london.how many ofyou have stuck to the right speed limit i bet not  many at times.if we all stuck dead on or near there be a traffic  jam every where ;D :)

I do!  ::) ::) ::)

& am willing to bet that Jason does his best too ....... in the interest of his job  ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: Speeding - speed awareness courses
Post by: 05omegav6 on 15 August 2013, 22:52:48
I'm no saint either, but doing 12mph over the limit through a speed trap is just stoopid ::) be grateful you got offered the course. You never know, you might learn summat :y