National Driver Improvement Scheme
The Association of Chief Police Officers of England, Wales & Northern Ireland (ACPO) favour education rather than punishment for certain offences where the driver would benefit from attending an appropriate course rather receiving a fine and penalty points.
When a person is involved in a Road Traffic Incident and evidence is collated by the Police which indicates that they have been 'Driving Without Due Care and Attention or Reasonable Consideration to Other Road Users' contrary to Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act, 1988, the person/s involved are given an option to either have the incident referred to the Crown Prosecution Service where they may receive a fine and penalty points on their driving licence, or an opportunity to attend a National Driver Alertness Course.
After attending and successfully completing the course, the driver will be notified by the relevant Police Authority that no further action will be taken for their particular incident. The date of course completion is recorded and on a National Database. If the driver is involved in another road traffic incident, falling under the same criteria within 3 years of the course completion date a second course will not be offered in lieu of proceedings.
National Driver Alertness Course
Course aim:
· Reduce crashes, injuries and deaths on the roads
· Improve quality of life in our communities
Course format:
• 9.00am - 9.15am - registration and welcome.
• 9.15am - 11.00am - classroom session 1
• 11.00am - 11.15am - coffee break
• 11.15am - 1.15pm - drive 1
• 1.15pm - 1.45pm - lunch
• 1.45pm - 2.00 pm - workbook activities with Instructor
• 2.00pm - 3.45pm - drive 2
• 3.45pm - 4.45pm - classroom session 2
Course Cost:
The National Driver Alertness Scheme is completely self financing and costs £125.00. Refreshments are provided during the in-class elements but in order to keep the cost of the course as low as possible, while a lunch break is scheduled, food is not provided. Attendees are asked to bring a packed lunch or they can purchase snack lunches at the venues used for lunch breaks.
Course Locations:
Courses will be held in either North Staffordshire, at SiTECH, Longton, or in Central Staffordshire, at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust HQ, Wolseley Bridge, near Rugeley.
Precise details, including a venue location map, are provided to attendees.
· Download a location map for SiTECH Longton
SiTECH location map||
· Download a location map for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust HQ
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust HQ location map||
Completion criteria:
The National Driver Alertness Course is an alternative to prosecution; this means that if it is satisfactorily completed, no further action will be taken against the driver for the original offence.
Satisfactory completion simply means attending for all sections of the course and making a positive contribution throughout the day.
Willful non-compliance or willful misbehaviour whilst on the course will result in the driver being expelled from the course. Their file will be returned to the referring Police Authority who will proceed with prosecution for the original offence.
It is a statutory requirement that any course offered must be completed within 5 months of the driver's offence date and only one course option can be accepted within any three year period.
Non-Staffordshire course locations:
Drivers can elect to attend a National Driver Alertness Course within any of the following areas as these Police forces are also part of the National Pilot scheme.
· Metropolitan Police region
· Greater Manchester Police region
· Gwent Police region
· Thames Valley Police region
· Humberside Police region
· Devon and Cornwall Police region
· Lancashire Police region
· South Yorkshire Police region
· South Wales Police region
Frequently asked questions
Q Does the course contain a test and can I fail it?
A The course does not have any 'test' elements, however, in order to complete the course satisfactorily, you will be expected to participate in a positive way.
Q If I opt for the course option, will the original prosecution process continue?
A No. The course is an alternative to prosecution, provided you complete it satisfactorily.
Q Where are the courses held in Staffordshire?
A Courses are held near to Rugeley and Longton, Stoke on Trent.
Q What happens if I do not complete the course, fail to turn up on my scheduled course date or arrive at the venue late?
A You will not be able to do the course and your file will be returned to the referring Police Authority marked as 'Not Completed'. Any fee paid to Staffordshire County Council will be forfeited and prosecution for the original offence will continue.
Q Where else in the Country can I take this course?
A You can elect to take this course in any of the following Police force regions:
· Metropolitan Police region - Course Supplier: DriveTech (UK) plc. 0845 3459623
· Greater Manchester Police region - Course Supplier: DriveSafe (Greater Manchester Provider Group). 0161 234 1155
· Gwent Police region - Course Supplier: Professional Driver Services. 0871 200 2217
· Thames Valley Police region - Course Supplier: DriveTech (UK) plc. 0845 3459623
· Humberside Police region - Course Supplier: Hull City Council. 01482 615930
· Devon and Cornwall Police region - Course Supplier: Devon County Council. 01392 444773 & Professional Driver Services. 0871 200 2217
· Lancashire Police region - Course Supplier: Lancashire County Council. 01772 534487
· South Yorkshire Police region - Course Supplier: TTC. 0845 270 4363
· South Wales Police region - Course Supplier: Professional Driver Services. 0871 200 2217
· Staffordshire Police region - Course Supplier: Staffordshire County Council 01785 276620
Q How can I find out more information about courses outside of Staffordshire?
A If you have access to the web, log on to: https://dors.police.uk/|| You will need to have your driving licence number to hand when logging on. Only drivers who have been referred to this course by the Police Authority can access this website. Please note, you can't book a course on this website, just find suitable courses in those areas. If you do not have access to the internet, please telephone one of the course suppliers who is nearest to you from the list above.
If you have any queries which are not covered here, please call
Staffordshire County Council's Road Safety Unit on 01785 276617
Staffordshire County Council Road Safety Unit office opening times:
9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday
9am to 4.30pm Friday
Closed Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays
24hr answer service in operation during busy times or during out of office hours
For further information please visit www.staffssaferroads.co.uk
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