National Driver Improvement Scheme

What is the National Driver Improvement Scheme?

The National Driver Improvement Scheme is run throughout England and Wales, by both local authorities and private companies as service providers to their prospective Police Authorities (some companies may act as Service Provider for more than one Police Authority)

If a person is involved in a minor road incident in their vehicle it is called driving without due care and attention. If the police attend the incident the driver/s involved may receive a summons to appear in court. In some cases drivers are given the choice to either go to court and probably receive a fine and points on their licence, or attend a driver improvement course.

What happens when you attend a Driver Improvement course - NDIS?

When a client is considered suitable for referral to the National Driver Improvement Scheme the police send them information about the scheme and offer them the choice to attend. If the client accepts the offer, the police forward the appropriate paperwork to their Service Provider who will then liaise with the client. Course dates are given well in advance so that clients can organise time off work etc. In the Durham and Darlington area, the National Driver Improvement Courses are run from Durham City Football Club's, Ferens Park Stadium.

How can it benefit me?

Enrolling on a driver improvement course is an opportunity to avoid court proceedings and better still, it is an opportunity to become an improved and safer driver. Research shows that re-trained drivers are 50% less likely to be involved in a road accident and far less likely to commit an offence again. Many drivers who attend the courses go on to complete advanced driving courses.

Who provides the courses?

The Durham and Darlington Driver Improvement Scheme is a partnership between Durham Constabulary, Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council. Durham County Council’s Road Safety Team has been nominated as the 'Service Provider'. We have employed a team of highly trained specialist Approved Driving Instructors who will deliver the courses on behalf of the partners.

If I complete the course, will I still have to appear in court?

No. Provided that you successfully complete the course, there is no further involvement with the Police or the Courts. The file is closed.

What will happen if I do not complete the course?

If you do not attend the course or fail to complete it, the 'Service Provider' is compelled to refer you back to the Police and you will appear in court.

What if I offend again after completing the course?

After successful completion of a driver improvement course you cannot attend another course within three years. If you offend again within the three years, you may be liable to prosecution.

For more information regarding the Durham and Darlington Driver Improvement Scheme, please contact:

Alan Kennedy
Road Safety Section Manger
Tel: 0191 383 3767
or email Road Safety.