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National Driver Improvement Scheme


UK Road Safety Ltd acts as the service provider on behalf of Avon & Somerset Constabulary for the National Driver Improvement Scheme. Drivers are referred to the scheme as an alternative to prosecution by the Criminal Justice Service.

It is offered to some drivers who are deemed to have been involved in 'driving without due care and attention' incidents. These incidents may include being involved in a incident/crash or using a mobile phone whilst driving.

National Driver Improvement Scheme FAQ's

Criteria for being offered the course?
The decision to offer a course is based upon sufficient evidence available to follow proceedings for ‘driving without due care and attention or reasonable consideration to other road users’ contrary to section 3 of the road traffic act of 1988.

In addition to the above:

bulletThe driver/rider must have a full licence.
bulletThere must not be any other offences to be dealt with by prosecution at the same time as the due care offence (i.e. no insurance).
bulletThe offer must not be made within 3 years of the completion of a previous course anywhere in the United Kingdom.
bulletDefault or refusal to accept an offer of a course would ordinarily attract a court appearance.

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What does attending the course involve?
The course is designed to provide the client with a mixture of driving theory, delivered on the first morning of the course, and practical on road assessments/tuition which follows the theory session. Both elements combine modern training methods linked with the latest thinking on defensive driving techniques. The course runs for one and a half days. By agreeing to attend the course you undertake to participate and successfully complete the course, which involves;

bulletAttending both the theory and driving sessions.
bullet Completing all necessary course paperwork.
bulletMaking a positive contribution to the course.
bullet Demonstrating a willingness to improve your driving.

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Are there any tests to be undertaken during the course?
The only test you are required to undertake is the eyesight test, which is a statutory requirement to drive a motor vehicle on a Public Highway. You must be able to read a number plate in good daylight with or without glasses at a distance of 20.5metres (67 feet) or 20 metres (65 feet) if it is a new style number plate.

All Diver Training Organisations and Service Providers have an obligation to check an individual’s driving licence when they undertake any form of practical driving assessment or training.

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Who will be attending the courses?
A complete cross-section of the general public attends the courses, which are specifically aimed at those directed to it by the Police. The courses can however be attended voluntarily by anyone wishing to do so. The local Service Provider will inform anyone wishing to do this of course dates and costs.

All those attending will be full licence holders in the category of vehicle they are to drive on the practical assessment element of the course

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Who provides the course?
Both Local Authorities and Private Companies deliver National Driver Improvement Schemes throughout the U.K. In both cases teams of specially trained Department for Transport Approved Driving Instructors deliver the on road driving sessions and a combination of Road Safety Officers and Driving Instructors deliver the classroom based theory sessions.

UK Road Safety Ltd specifically engage on the National Driver Improvement Scheme trainers and assessors who are on the Fleet Register of Approved Driving Instructors and also hold advanced qualifications such as RoADA Diploma in Advanced Driving.

For a comprehensive list of staff qualifications please see Staff Qualifications

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How much does the course cost?
The fee charged by Service Providers may vary throughout the country, but averages out at around £160.00 for the one and a half day course. The fee is payable prior to attending the course.

Fees may be paid in a variety of forms.

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What happens after the course?
Upon successful completion of the course the Service Provider returns the client file to the relevant Police Authority or referring service provider . They in turn will notify the client that no further action will be taken for that particular incident. The client’s name will, however be held on a database at the DVLA for a period of three years from the date of course completion. If they are involved in another incident falling under the same criteria within the three-year period they will not be offered a National Driver Improvement Course in lieu of proceedings and therefore prosecution proceedings will commence.

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Where will the course be held?
Where possible, the course will take place in your home county.

Clients have the opportunity to undertake the course any where in the United Kingdom.

For a complete list of locations pleaser refer to Course Locations

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Is a vehicle provided?
Yes.  A fully insured, modern vehicle will be provided for the course.

UK Road Safety Ltd also offer provision to undertake the practical assessment on motorcycles. UK Road Safety will provided motorcycles where required. Also PCV, LGV providing the client provides their own PCV or LGV vehicle with evidence of insurance and MOT if required.

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Is lunch provided?
Yes, a buffet lunch is provided on all courses for clients, however you are welcome to bring your own food or source your own lunch.  Free Tea and coffee will be supplied throughout the duration of the course. 

UK Road Safety Ltd will endeavour to provide special dietry requirements when requested.

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Is accommodation provided?
No, the courses are not residential and therefore accommodation is not provided.

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What do I need to bring with me?
You must bring your original driving licence with you on the first day of the course, a photocopy will not be accepted. If you have a photo-card licence, both parts are required. In the case of a fixed penalty offence, the receipt for the licence must be produced.  You will not be accepted onto the course if you do not have your full driving licence with you and your fee will not be refunded. 

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What happens if I am late for my course?
You must arrive on time for your course.  Late arrivals may be refused entry and your case will be returned to the Police or referring service provider.  No refund of course fee will be made.  You will be expected to leave plenty of time for your journey to the course venue.

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How do I get to the venue?
A location map will be included with your confirmation and receipt letter, when payment has been received.

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What if I can’t get time off work to attend a course?
UK Road Safety Ltd will endeavour to find you a suitable course date and venue, however, if you cannot make time to attend, you will be prosecuted in the usual way.

You are encouraged to contact UK Road Safety Ltd at the earliest opportunity if you feel there may be problems with attending.

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What if I am unable to make the course date offered?
UK Road Safety Ltd will endeavour to find you an alternative course date within the deadline given by the Police.

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Is there any childcare available?
No, and children are not allowed to attend the course with you.

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I have special needs – can you accommodate me?
UK Road Safety Ltd welcome everyone on to the course, but please let us know on the booking form or over the phone what your needs are.

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What happens if I don’t turn up?
Your details will be referred back to the Police or the originating service provider.

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Can I bring a friend or member of my family with me?
No, you may only bring an interpreter with you.  UK Road Safety Ltd need to be advised of the circumstances beforehand.

UK Road Safety Ltd will always help any individual who requires the attendance of a assistant for personal reasons. However, please contact UK Road Safety Ltd t discuss your needs.

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