RIDE SCHEME COURSE - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOUT THE SCHEME

• What is the National RIDE Scheme?
RIDE is an extension of the National Driver Improvement Scheme and stands for Rider Intervention and Developing Experience. It is aimed at motorcyclists and has been designed by leading motorcycle trainers & researchers. It is an interactive discussion between a trainer and group of riders. No riding is required.

• Who are DriveTech DriverAware?
DriveTech DriverAware is a trading division of DriveTech (UK) Limited, a leading provider of driver training and fleet risk management services. DriveTech is a member of the Association of National Driver Improvement Scheme Providers (ANDISP). Please visit www.drivetech.co.uk.

• What does the course involve?
The RIDE Scheme takes six hours to complete including a one hour lunch break (lunch is not provided). The Workshop is not a re-test. It provides information that will minimise the risk of any future collision or incident.

• Where can I take the course?
DriveTech provide training in various parts of the UK and within the police force area where your alleged offence took place. Please visit our website www.drivetech.co.uk/driveraware for a listing of our venues. If you have any further queries on how to attend in another part of the country then please contact our Customer Care Team on 0845 345 9623 or visit https://dors.police.uk.

• Can I fail?
There is no pass or fail, however you must participate fully in order to complete successfully.

• What happens to the personal information I provide?
Your personal details are protected by the Data Protection Act 1998. If you elect to participate, you agree to your details being checked by us against a national register to establish if you have completed a similar course within the last 3 years of this offence.
If you complete the course, your details relating to this course will remain on file with the national register for road safety research purposes for a further 7 years from the date of the offence, after which any personal reference to you will be erased. Your details will not be released to any other parties except any other Police Force if they are considering making an offer of a course in the future. YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS WILL NOT AT ANY TIME BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.

• How do I decline the offer of the RIDE Scheme?
You have the right to have your case heard at Court if you choose not to accept this offer. If you wish to take up this option you will be summoned to Court at a later date. You will not be offered a RIDE Scheme Course if found guilty by the Courts and you may have Court costs added to your fine.
If you do not respond to this offer or fail to complete a course, the option for your attendance at court may be invoked automatically.
To decline this offer or if you have any questions regarding your case please contact the referring police authority directly. DriveTech DriverAware holds no details regarding the circumstances surrounding your alleged offence.

MAKING A BOOKING

• How do I book a Course?
The easiest way to book is to call our Customer Care Team on 0845 345 9623. You cannot pay on the day.

• Once booked, can I change the date of my Course?
Yes, but you may incur rescheduling fees – see the clause on ‘Rescheduling’ in our Terms and Conditions.

• I have special needs, can these be accommodated?
Yes, please contact our Customer Care Team on 0845 345 9623 to discuss your needs on an individual basis.

• English is not my first language?
If you do not understand English well enough, you can bring a friend or family member to translate for you. Please contact our Customer Care Team on 0845 345 9623 to discuss your needs.

ATTENDING A COURSE

• Where can I find travel directions to the training venue?
Directions to the venue are included in your Joining Instructions which will be sent to you after you have booked and paid for your Course. You can also download directions via our website at www.drivetech.co.uk/driveraware.

• What do I need to take with me on the day?
We recommend you take your full joining instructions as well as photographic identification, such as a full driving licence or passport or a suitable alternative – see clause covering ‘Personal Identification’ in our Terms and Conditions. Training materials and refreshments will be provided. You cannot pay on the day.

• How do I register on the day?
We recommend that you arrive around 15 minutes before the start of the Course and take your full joining instructions as well as photographic identification, such as a full driving licence or passport or a suitable alternative so that you can register and show proof of identity, ideally photographic ID. If you do not have any photo ID, please bring two other forms of identification such as an original utilities bill, bank or credit card statement – see the clause on ‘Personal identification’ in our Terms and Conditions.

• Can I park at the training venue?
Parking availability and access often depends on the specific training venue. Full details will be provided within the Joining Instructions after a booking has been made. Parking is available for blue badge holders.

• Other commitments have arisen on the day of my Course, what should I do?
If you have booked a place and you do not attend for any reason (except ‘exceptional circumstances’), we recommend that you book another Course immediately, subject to availability and payment of the full Course fee again. If you don’t rebook, you will be ineligible to attend the Scheme and the police will consider prosecuting you for the offence. See our clause on ‘Non-attendance’ in our Terms and Conditions.

• What should I do if either myself, or a dependant, is unwell on the day of the Course?
We understand that illness, some medical conditions or bereavement are unavoidable. That’s why we acknowledge these are examples of ‘exceptional circumstances’. You can rebook but you must provide appropriate documentary evidence and pay any rescheduling fees. See our clause on ‘Non-attendance’ in our Terms and Conditions.

• What happens if I arrive late?
You must arrive in good time or you may be refused entry in which case you must rebook immediately, subject to availability and rescheduling fees. See our clause on ‘Non-completion’ in our Terms and Conditions.

AFTER A COURSE

• Do I need to inform the Police that I have completed the Course?
No, DriveTech DriverAware will advise the Police that you have successfully completed a Course.

• If I offend again, can I attend a Course again?
You cannot be offered another Course within 3 years of the first offence date.