What are the criteria for being offered the course?

The decision to offer a course is based upon sufficient evidence to prosecute for a variety of motoring offences.

The driver must have a full licence

There must not be any other offences to be dealt with by prosecution at the same time e.g. no insurance

The offer must not be made within 3 years of a similar offence

Defaults or refusal would ordinarily attract a driver being prosecuted.

What does attending the course involve?

The course lasts 2 and a quarter hours, not including registration and breaks and is all based out on road with a driving instructor, with another driver sharing. The course is designed to provide you with a practical assessment and guidance to address any identified training needs. Emphasis will be on hazard awareness and safety margins. By agreeing to attend the course you undertake to participate and successfully complete the course, which involves,

Participating fully

Making a positive contribution to the course

Are there any tests to be undertaken?

The only test you are required to undertake is the eyesight test, which is a statutory 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.

What if I have special needs?

If you have any special needs, to help you participate fully, you must ensure that you inform your preferred Course Provider of your requirements. It is your responsibility to inform your Course Provider at the time of booking your course. Every effort will be made to facilitate these needs.

Will I need to show my licence?

All Course Providers have an obligation to check an individual's driving licence when they undertake any form of practical driving assessment or training. If you have a photo card licence, then you must ensure that the photo card part has not expired. Failure to do so will result in you not being able to complete the course.

Who will be attending the courses?

A complete cross section of the general public attends the courses, which are specifically aimed at those who have been referred for training by the Police.

Who provides the course?

Either Local Authorities or private companies deliver Driving4Change. Courses are delivered by a combination of Road Safety Officers and Department for Transport Approved Driving Instructors (ADI’s)

How much does the course cost?

The fee charged by Course Providers may vary throughout the country. Contact your local provider for details. The fee is payable prior to attending the course, and may in certain circumstances be payable by instalments with the agreement of the Course Provider.

What happens after the course?

Upon successful completion of the course the Course Provider returns the client's file to the relevant Police Authority. The Police may notify the client that no further action will be taken in regard to that particular incident. The client's name will, however, be held on the Police NDORS database for a minimum period of three years from the date of the offence. If a client is involved in another incident falling under the same criteria within this three year period they cannot be offered another Driver4Change Course in lieu of Police proceedings.