Speed awareness courses
Discussion
On one of these tomorrow, what can I expect? Will I be wanting to lobotomise myself with a Bic biro?
I got caught doing 35 in a 30 on holiday in North Wales earlier this year. Wouldn't mind I was really careful most of the time I was there and only drove the bit of road I was caught on twice in the 2 weeks we were there, didn't even see the camera that got me.
I got caught doing 35 in a 30 on holiday in North Wales earlier this year. Wouldn't mind I was really careful most of the time I was there and only drove the bit of road I was caught on twice in the 2 weeks we were there, didn't even see the camera that got me.
tedmus said:
On one of these tomorrow, what can I expect? Will I be wanting to lobotomise myself with a Bic biro?
I got caught doing 35 in a 30 on holiday in North Wales earlier this year. Wouldn't mind I was really careful most of the time I was there and only drove the bit of road I was caught on twice in the 2 weeks we were there, didn't even see the camera that got me.
Expect to be brain-washed big style into accepting that it is speed not stupidity that causes road accidents. Shame that Germany doesn't accept this argument with their more level-headed attitudes to speed limits. I got caught doing 35 in a 30 on holiday in North Wales earlier this year. Wouldn't mind I was really careful most of the time I was there and only drove the bit of road I was caught on twice in the 2 weeks we were there, didn't even see the camera that got me.
However, if you're brave you could do as a guy I spoke to a few weeks ago did, who told them they were a bunch of c**ts, bet they weren't expecting that kind of attitude!
I find myself driving round staring at the speedo nowadays to ensure I've not exceeded the limit by one mile an hour to ensure I don't receive a petty speeding fine, how does this contribute to safer driving when I should be looking at the road?
And how much did this speed awareness course cost, £50, £60 or £80, what a scam. And that is money that won't be spent on the local economy, so more shops and businesses will close down.
Thankfully there is a general election next year, so instead of lobotomising yourself with a Bic biro, just tick one of the other political parties on election day. Hey Cameron... look what the fine did to my voting skills, stick that up your bottom you deluded upper class idiot.
All said in jest
No matter how pissed off you get with what they are saying, remember you can "fail" the course.
You'll lose the money you've paid for the course, and get the original 3 points and £100 fine.
So largely just take it, whatever it is, as you won't have to notify your insurance company for the next five years, and pay any increased premiums , also for the next five years.
You'll lose the money you've paid for the course, and get the original 3 points and £100 fine.
So largely just take it, whatever it is, as you won't have to notify your insurance company for the next five years, and pay any increased premiums , also for the next five years.
tedmus said:
I got caught doing 35 in a 30 on holiday in North Wales earlier this year. Wouldn't mind I was really careful most of the time I was there and only drove the bit of road I was caught on twice in the 2 weeks we were there, didn't even see the camera that got me.
50% strike rate and neither time saw the camera - you sound like a perfect candidate - maybe you might learn something or are you determined not to? 
I've done a couple of these.
The first one was a complete laugh, conducted by two ex motorway cops, they had lots of interesting stories and I have to say I really enjoyed it.
The second wasn't as much fun but was more interesting... they talked about the psychology of road behaviour.. and semed to have more videos etc.
The funniest thing on these courses are the other people.... there is always one idiot who thinks he knows everything and doesn't and the general ignorance of most people there is quite frightening.
Just relax and enjoy it.... And don't forget your ID/ Licence they are real sticklers for that.
The first one was a complete laugh, conducted by two ex motorway cops, they had lots of interesting stories and I have to say I really enjoyed it.
The second wasn't as much fun but was more interesting... they talked about the psychology of road behaviour.. and semed to have more videos etc.
The funniest thing on these courses are the other people.... there is always one idiot who thinks he knows everything and doesn't and the general ignorance of most people there is quite frightening.
Just relax and enjoy it.... And don't forget your ID/ Licence they are real sticklers for that.
Edited by AndrewCrown on Tuesday 9th December 00:28
AndrewCrown said:
I've done a couple of these.
The second wasn't as much fun but was more interesting... they talked about the psychology of road behaviour..
Reminds me of when one of the tutors asked whether anybody used Defensive driving techniquesThe second wasn't as much fun but was more interesting... they talked about the psychology of road behaviour..
He was met with a room full of blank faces when one chap at the back raised his hand
Somewhat elated at getting a response the tutor said 'that's great mate, might I ask what you drive?'
'A train'
Classic... very good..
jules_s said:
Reminds me of when one of the tutors asked whether anybody used Defensive driving techniques
He was met with a room full of blank faces when one chap at the back raised his hand
Somewhat elated at getting a response the tutor said 'that's great mate, might I ask what you drive?'
'A train'
He was met with a room full of blank faces when one chap at the back raised his hand
Somewhat elated at getting a response the tutor said 'that's great mate, might I ask what you drive?'
'A train'
AndrewCrown said:
I've done a couple of these.
The first one was a complete laugh, conducted by two ex motorway cops, they had lots of interesting stories and I have to say I really enjoyed it.
The second wasn't as much fun but was more interesting... they talked about the psychology of road behaviour.. and semed to have more videos etc.
The funniest thing on these courses are the other people.... there is always one idiot who thinks he knows everything and doesn't and the general ignorance of most people there is quite frightening.
Just relax and enjoy it.... And don't forget your ID/ Licence they are real sticklers for that.
The other people are the funniest. There are always some on the course that say they got caught at 32,33,34 in a 30 limit. Your course won't be any different.The first one was a complete laugh, conducted by two ex motorway cops, they had lots of interesting stories and I have to say I really enjoyed it.
The second wasn't as much fun but was more interesting... they talked about the psychology of road behaviour.. and semed to have more videos etc.
The funniest thing on these courses are the other people.... there is always one idiot who thinks he knows everything and doesn't and the general ignorance of most people there is quite frightening.
Just relax and enjoy it.... And don't forget your ID/ Licence they are real sticklers for that.
Edited by AndrewCrown on Tuesday 9th December 00:28
rich888 said:
However, if you're brave you could do as a guy I spoke to a few weeks ago did, who told them they were a bunch of c**ts, bet they weren't expecting that kind of attitude!
I doubt this happened. If it did happen, then it's him who's the '
'.The courses are run by nice enough people who no normal person would swear at.
They're actually quite interesting courses if you're open to learning. Just don't be the nob who argues with everything they say or you'll be there all day - yeah, there was one on my course and three of us got together and told him to zip it during the tea break! It was like climbing inside PH!
Don't be late, they won't let you in. The one thing I thought strange, I was expecting it to be full of boy racers. Out of about 30 people, only one was a young lad, all the rest old blokes and old women! Just nod, say the right thing, don't answer back, have a nice biscuit at break time and go home in the knowledge of you didn't get 3 points. As a side note: The guy stting next to me was caught at the same camera and the exact same speed to me .... suspicious
markbigears said:
The one thing I thought strange, I was expecting it to be full of boy racers. Out of about 30 people, only one was a young lad, all the rest old blokes and old women!
I found this most surprising too, about 2 lads in their mid 20s and rest probably between 40 and 60 on this one (I'm 42).Wasn't all that bad really and quite light hearted, not too preachy. As the other poster said it was a good refresher on signage and their positioning. Not sure I buy the line on cameras/black spots though.
Oh, and I got a free pen.
Tedmus
I asked the instructors about this on the first course I went on, younger people go on a completely different course which I think involves driver training or something. Each course is run for people of similar misdemeanor.....so they said.."cheers A"
Wasn't all that bad really and quite light hearted, not too preachy. As the other poster said it was a good refresher on signage and their positioning. Not sure I buy the line on cameras/black spots though.
Oh, and I got a free pen.
I asked the instructors about this on the first course I went on, younger people go on a completely different course which I think involves driver training or something. Each course is run for people of similar misdemeanor.....so they said.."cheers A"
tedmus said:
markbigears said:
The one thing I thought strange, I was expecting it to be full of boy racers. Out of about 30 people, only one was a young lad, all the rest old blokes and old women!
I found this most surprising too, about 2 lads in their mid 20s and rest probably between 40 and 60 on this one (I'm 42).Wasn't all that bad really and quite light hearted, not too preachy. As the other poster said it was a good refresher on signage and their positioning. Not sure I buy the line on cameras/black spots though.
Oh, and I got a free pen.
Went on an AA one a few weeks ago.
One of the presenters claimed that there were only four (IIRC) Traffic 'warning signs' (mostly triangular) that must be erected
These were
School
Level Crossing
Roundabout
Low Bridge
ALL other signs are only erected when there has been a collision
eg Bend
Staggered junction
Ford
Steep hill etc
ALSO whenever there was a SLOW painted on the road, a fatality had occurred.
This seemed rather fishy so i contacted a Roads planner, who said it was a lot of balls, ie How then on a brand new road there are signs erected ,even before a car has travelled on it let alone had a collision? I contacted the AA on these rather dubious and misleading statements and was told that the prsenter has been 'put straight' on what they had said
Two Things
Ask if they have the reconstruction video of the M4 Hungerford accident DEMAND to see it. It really is sobering
and if the presenters come out with any statements yo might think are a bit dodgy, keep quiet and query it with the organisation running it afterwards. It has two effects, it puts right the presenter and makes future course more truthful.
Other than that dont be the smart arse, one word answers, and you save 3pts and in my case it was £10.00 cheaper than the fine! And i got done for 35.
One of the presenters claimed that there were only four (IIRC) Traffic 'warning signs' (mostly triangular) that must be erected
These were
School
Level Crossing
Roundabout
Low Bridge
ALL other signs are only erected when there has been a collision
eg Bend
Staggered junction
Ford
Steep hill etc
ALSO whenever there was a SLOW painted on the road, a fatality had occurred.
This seemed rather fishy so i contacted a Roads planner, who said it was a lot of balls, ie How then on a brand new road there are signs erected ,even before a car has travelled on it let alone had a collision? I contacted the AA on these rather dubious and misleading statements and was told that the prsenter has been 'put straight' on what they had said
Two Things
Ask if they have the reconstruction video of the M4 Hungerford accident DEMAND to see it. It really is sobering
and if the presenters come out with any statements yo might think are a bit dodgy, keep quiet and query it with the organisation running it afterwards. It has two effects, it puts right the presenter and makes future course more truthful.
Other than that dont be the smart arse, one word answers, and you save 3pts and in my case it was £10.00 cheaper than the fine! And i got done for 35.
silverfoxcc said:
Ask if they have the reconstruction video of the M4 Hungerford accident DEMAND to see it. It really is sobering
Just watched that online, looks horrific. I had a spin avoiding an out of control car in bad weather on the M53 earlier this year which saw me crossing two lanes and facing the wrong way in the outside lane. How I didn't hit anything or get hit is beyond me, think I was just fortunate it was early and the next block of traffic was quite a distance behind, woke me up a bit that did!Edit: Link
Edited by tedmus on Tuesday 9th December 14:20
I found I was the only one out of 22 who knew all the speed limits - but then I do tow a trailer sometimes, and taught my daughter to drive. We all know most of the population who drive at 75mph think the dual carriageway speed limit is 50 - explains their behaviour when they see a Gatso, but not why they were doing 75......
I was chastened by the realisation that 6 mph over the 30 limit outside a primary school meant that I would hit my grandson at 18 mph.
And the Hungerford video was sobering.
I went with a positive attitude and enjoyed it, then did 115 mph the next day......
.......on a track day at Cadwell Park
I was chastened by the realisation that 6 mph over the 30 limit outside a primary school meant that I would hit my grandson at 18 mph.
And the Hungerford video was sobering.
I went with a positive attitude and enjoyed it, then did 115 mph the next day......
.......on a track day at Cadwell Park
rich888 said:
Shame that Germany doesn't accept this argument with their more level-headed attitudes to speed limits.
Whilst you can clog it on the derestricted Autobahn sections, you'll find German speed enforcement in posted limits is draconian in comparison with the UK, and you'll get a more expensive smack on the arse when you do get caught. The speed traps there can be a good deal more covert than here, too.Their speed limits are frequently lower than in the UK also, with generally a 70 kph limit around junctions on major roads, for example.
Nigel Worc's said:
No matter how pissed off you get with what they are saying, remember you can "fail" the course.
You'll lose the money you've paid for the course, and get the original 3 points and £100 fine.
Have you actually been on one? You can't fail unless you walk out before the end. There is no plod, the course tutors are usually driving instructors and someone from an advanced motoring organisation, and their attitude dominates more than the course.You'll lose the money you've paid for the course, and get the original 3 points and £100 fine.
For my sins I've done 2 - Warwickshire was great.. Lead guy was actually a resting actor, but the message was good and not like a brake advert, the second, Staffordshire, was a bigoted idiot who was factually incorrect. Warwickshire had a guy who didn't understand English and he passed.
Just go, be prepared to learn (you may as well, you have to sit through it) and if one thing sticks, it's a result as you'll be a better driver. If nothing sticks, all it's done is confirm the stereotype and beliefs you had before.
I think the OP should have done it by now... How was it?
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff