Could Attending a Driving Course Save You From a Fine? Here’s How!

In an effort to address road safety and improve driving habits, the police now have the discretion to offer drivers involved in minor traffic offences a chance to attend educational courses instead of facing prosecution.

These options include courses on speed awareness, seat belt use, and driving attitude adjustments.

Understanding the Alternative Options

The Officer Seen Conditional Offer (OSCO) gives the police authority to propose educational courses as an alternative to traditional penalties such as fines and points on the driver’s licence. These courses, referred to collectively with acronyms such as D4C, WDU, SA, and SBC, are designed not only to educate drivers but also to cultivate safer driving practices that could significantly reduce the likelihood of future offences.

Driving4Change (D4C)

Aim: To improve a driver’s practical skills directly through in-car exercises.

Duration: 2¼ hours

Format: In-car training with a 2:1 participant-to-instructor ratio

Focus Areas:

• Recognising and addressing personal driving skill deficits
• Enhancing overall driving performance
• Encouraging a motivation for ongoing improvement in driving habits

What’s Driving Us? (WDU)

Aim: To reform driving attitudes and foster responsible driving behaviours.

Duration: 3¼ hours

Format: Classroom-based, theory only, no practical driving

Focus Areas:

• Understanding the complexity and responsibilities of driving
• Acknowledging the risks and consequences of unsafe driving practices
• Increasing awareness of the emotional and financial impacts of accidents
• Promoting compliance with traffic regulations

Speed Awareness (SA)

Aim: To reduce road casualties by promoting adherence to speed limits.

Duration: Variable, typically a few hours

Format: Classroom-based with practical elements like hazard perception

Focus Areas:

• Benefits of speed limit compliance
• Recognising areas with different speed limits
• Understanding the personal and communal impact of one’s driving speed

Seat Belt Awareness (SBC)

Aim: To increase seat belt usage through behavioural change.

Duration: 1½ hours

Format: Classroom-based

Focus Areas:

• Educating on seat belt legislation
• Challenging the attitudes of neglecting seat belt use
• Demonstrating the practical reasons and safety benefits of wearing seat belts

Key Points to Remember

It is crucial for drivers to note that the opportunity to attend one of these courses rather than receiving a penalty is not a guaranteed option and can only be offered at the discretion of the reporting officer. The decision is finalised through the Conditional Offer Administration Tracking System (CATS), and no promises are made at the time of the offence.

By opting for these educational sessions, drivers not only have the chance to avoid points and fines but also to genuinely enhance their driving skills and safety awareness. This proactive approach by the police aims to reduce road traffic offences by addressing the root causes of irresponsible driving behaviour through education and practical training.

Read the Devon and Cornwall Police PDF here.