Back to Driver Improvement Course Main A - Z Entry

Driver Improvement Course Main
Back to Main A - Z Entry

Driver Improvement Course

Background

The Driver Improvement Course was developed from one of the recommendations made in the 1988 Road Traffic Law Review Report: ‘The North Report’.

It stated:-

“A pilot study of training in basic driving skills should be undertaken to determine whether such retraining produces a lasting improvement in the driving skills of offenders.”

In recent years, many local authorities have adopted the scheme, and Lancashire has run it successfully since 1996.

Why is the course offered?

The Driver Improvement Course, which runs over a period of one and a half days, is a direct alternative to prosecution for careless driving or driving without reasonable consideration for other road users.

Examples of minor offences are:-

  • Failing to take care when manoeuvring
  • Overtaking without due care
  • Travelling too close or lack of forward observation

The aim of the course

The course is designed to:-

  • Reduce the possible recurrence of accidents among drivers not showing due care and attention
  • Reduce the occurrence of accidents and injury to drivers identified as being at risk

Objectives

At the end of the course clients should:-

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the major causes of road accidents.
  • Show an awareness of the role of stress and fatigue in poor driver performance
  • Show an enhanced appreciation of the role of hazard recognition in accident avoidance
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how driver attitude and behaviour affect safe driving performance

Implementation

Research shows that traffic violators show poor basic driving skills and inappropriate attitudes and behaviours.

The course therefore comprises both theory and practical on-road tuition and once completed, no further action is taken against the offender.

Only one course can be attended in a three year period.

Course contents

Day One – morning: Theory / Hazard Awareness / Anatomy of a crash

Day One – afternoon: On road practical

Day Two – morning: On road practical and debriefing.

Course venue and times

The courses are held at least once a month at Lancashire County Council Approved Training Centres.

For more information, please contact the Road Safety Group:-

Tel: 01772 533594

e-mail: Drivertraining@lancashire.gov.uk

The office is open Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5.00pm.