Safe and Considerate Driving
Safe and Considerate Driving is a course designed for clients being referred for reasons including offences relating to driving without due care and attention. Clients are referred to Safe and Considerate Driving if they are involved in a collision. The course increases clients’ awareness and understanding of:
- the causes and negative consequences of risky and inconsiderate driving;
- the importance of concentration, observation, anticipation and allowing adequate space and time;
- the reasons why their own driving may be unsafe or inconsiderate.
Clients receive practical, personalised, on-road coaching, and are encouraged to create an action plan to address personally relevant issues. The course duration is all day - 8.45am to 4pm.
Read the course Terms and Conditions here.
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FAQs
How much does the course cost?
The cost of the course is one hundred and eighty five pounds (£185 GBP). This fee is non-refundable.
Can I pay by instalments?
No. The course must be paid for in full, online, at the time of booking.
Where will the course be held?
The course will be held at: The Driver Education Centre, Lindbergh Road, Ipswich, IP3 9QX
How often are courses available?
The course is usually offered once or twice per month, on a weekday, Monday - Friday.
How many people will be on the course?
There will be a maximum of 18 people on the course.
What will the course involve?
The morning will be in a group in the classroom. In the afternoon you will be on the road in the trainer’s car, with one other client, and you will take turns driving.
Are there any tests to be undertaken?
There is no test for the classroom or driving part of the course. However, you must:
- complete the whole course
- make a positive contribution by joining in
- show that you have a responsible attitude towards safe driving.
- show respect for others on the course
The only test you are required to undertake for the on road session is the eyesight test, which is a legal requirement to drive a motor vehicle on a public highway. You must be able to read a number plate with or without glasses in good daylight at a distance of 20.5 metres (67 feet) or 20 metres (65 feet) if it is a new style number plate.
I have special needs, can these be accommodated?
We will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible. Please contact a member of the team to discuss your requirements at: NDORS.courses@suffolk.gov.uk or telephone: 0345 600 1291 PRIOR TO BOOKING
What do I need to join the course?
Please bring your driving licence with you. If your licence does not include a photograph please provide additional photographic ID, such as a passport, or suitable alternative. You will not be able to participate without photographic ID. You will also need a pen and paper.
Can I change my course date?
Course dates can only be changed in exceptional circumstances. In most cases, changing your course date will incur a £145 charge.
What happens if I arrive late?
Late arrivals will be refused entry. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, you will have your file returned to the Police and the offer of a SCD course withdrawn. If the option of booking another course is still available, it will incur a fee of £145. Rebooking can only be done 24 hours after the original course date.
What happens if I do not complete the course?
This is a two part course and both parts must be completed successfully. Failure to do so will result in your file being returned to the Police and the offer of a SCD Course withdrawn.
What happens if I do not attend?
If you do not attend the full course, and fail to provide evidence of exceptional circumstances, your file will be returned to the Police and the offer of a SCD Course withdrawn.
Can I attend the course voluntarily?
No, At this time courses are only offered on a referral basis from the Police.
Do I need to inform the police I have attended?
No, the Driver Education administration team will update the (NDORS) National Driver Offender Retraining database with your attendance. Your Police force will be notified accordingly.
If I offend again, will I be able to attend another course?
You cannot attend another SCD course within a 3 year period.