Speed Awareness Course 2026: Eligibility, Cost, and Whether You Should Take It
Speed awareness course eligibility by speed zone, cost (around £100), no points on record, and effect on insurance.
A speed awareness course is an alternative to a fixed penalty for certain speeding offences. If you are offered one and complete it, you do not receive penalty points or a fine. Eligibility depends on your speed relative to the limit and whether you have attended a course in the last three years. The course typically costs around £100 (similar to the fixed penalty). It does not go on your licence as a conviction, but some insurers ask whether you have attended one, which can affect premiums. For new drivers, avoiding points can mean avoiding licence revocation (6 points in the first two years). See [how to appeal a speeding ticket](/blog/how-to-appeal-speeding-ticket-uk) if you are considering challenging the allegation instead.
This guide explains eligibility in 2026, cost, and whether you should take the course.
Who Is Eligible for a Speed Awareness Course?
Eligibility is set by the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS), which operates with police forces under the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 framework for out-of-court disposals. Police forces offer courses for drivers caught within certain speed bands. Typically you are eligible if you were driving at or below the force’s threshold – often 10% plus 2 mph or 9 mph above the limit, depending on the force and the limit (e.g. 35 mph in a 30 mph zone might be in range; 40 mph might not). You must not have attended a speed awareness course in the previous three years. If you have already had a course in that period, you will be offered the fixed penalty (3 points, £100) instead. Some forces have slightly different bands; the offer letter will state whether you are eligible.
How Much Does the Course Cost?
The course fee is set by the provider and is usually around £100, similar to the fixed penalty. You pay when you book. If you do not complete the course (e.g. you miss it or fail to attend), you are referred back to the police and may receive the fixed penalty or be prosecuted. There is no refund for non-completion.
Does the Course Go On My Record?
Completion of a speed awareness course is not a conviction. It does not appear on your licence as points. However, the police keep a record. When you apply for insurance, you may be asked "Have you attended a speed awareness course in the last [e.g. five] years?" You must answer honestly. Some insurers treat it like a minor conviction and may load the premium slightly; others do not. Declaring it is better than not declaring it – non-disclosure can invalidate your policy.
Should I Take the Course If I Am Offered It?
If you are eligible and you do not have a procedural defence (e.g. [NIP 14-day rule](/blog/nip-14-day-rule-late-notice-speeding)), taking the course usually makes sense. You avoid 3 points, which helps with [totting up](/blog/totting-up-12-points-driving-ban-2026) and with new driver rules (6 points in first two years = revocation). The cost is similar to the fine. The main downside is the time (often half a day) and the fact that some insurers ask about it. If you believe the NIP was late or you have another defence, you can decline the course and contest the allegation instead – but that carries the risk of points and a higher fine if you lose.
What If I Have Already Had a Course?
If you have done a speed awareness course in the last three years, you will not be offered another. You will receive the fixed penalty (3 points, £100) or, if you dispute it, the matter may go to court. Plan for points if you are caught again within that window.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the course avoid points completely?
Yes. If you complete the course, you do not receive penalty points or a fine for that offence. It is an out-of-court disposal.
Will my insurance go up if I do the course?
It might. The course is not a conviction, but many insurers ask if you have attended one. Some load the premium; others do not. You must declare it if asked.
Can I do the course online?
Many providers offer online courses. The offer letter will state the options (in-person, online, or both). You must complete by the deadline given.
What if I miss the course?
If you do not attend or complete the course, you are referred back to the police. You may then receive the fixed penalty (3 points, £100) or be prosecuted. Book a date you can keep.
How long is the course?
Typically around four hours, sometimes split into two sessions. The invitation will state the format and length.
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