The Driver Improvement Scheme was initially set up as a result of the 'North Report' published in 1988. One of the recommendations made in the report was that:

"A pilot study of one day retraining in basic driving skills as a disposal option should be undertaken to determine whether such retraining produces a lasting improvement in the driving skill of the offender undertaking it."

Since that time the scheme has been successfully implemented by some 40 plus police forces in partnership with local authorities and the private sector.

The course is held over one and a half days and comprises of approximately four hours of theory and six hours of practical on-road tuition.

All the training is conducted by specially selected and trained Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs), some of whom have specialist skills with larger vehicles.

To successfully complete the course a client must:

A driver who successfully completes the course is referred back to the police and no further action is taken.

Evaluation of this course has shown that many people feel that this type of course should be made available to volunteers who have not been involved in any incident and not referred by the Police. Consequently this provision has been made and anyone who wishes to attend the course for their own improvement should contact the Road Safety Group at the number below.

For more information telephone UK Road Safety on 01454 423162 or visit the Association of National Driver Improvement Scheme Providers (ANDISP).