Q. I have just agreed in Court to attend a DRIVE course. Do I have to contact you, or do you
contact me?
A. We will write to you - usually within 2-3 weeks of your Court appearance.
Q. I committed my offence outside the West Midlands, but I would prefer to attend a course in this
area. Is that possible?
A. Yes. You can ask the Court to refer you directly to us.
Q. The Magistrates didn't mention these courses at the time I was sentenced, but I would like to
have been offered the chance to attend one. Can I?
A. You can only get a reduction in your driving ban if the course was offered as part of your sentence in Court. Otherwise, you can attend but would not be entitled
to have your ban reduced.
Q. How can I pay for my course?
A. You can send a cheque or pay cash direct to our bank account (we provide a personalised paying in slip). You can spread the fee by instalments so long as the
booking is made early enough to permit this. No matter what payment method you choose, the fee must always be paid in full before your course starts.
Q. Is there an exam at the end of the course?
A. No, but there are conditions of attendance; for example, you must attend all the sessions on time.
Q. My drink-drive offence was a one-off occurrence in circumstances that will never happen again.
Do I have to come on the course?
A. You don't have to attend the course if you don't want to, but it will give you the information and 'tools' to help you ensure that it does never happen again.
Q. I don't have a drink problem. Why am I being sent on this course?
A. The course is not aimed at people with a drink problem. It is designed to help everyone - even occasional drinkers - to plan how to separate drinking from driving.
Q. Will I have to have to undergo a medical to get my licence back?
A. In some cases, whether or not you attend a DRIVE course DVLA may require you to have a medical, if you:
Are more than 2 times over the limit
Have been disqualified twice within 10 years
Failed to provide a sample for analysis
Q. Will I have to retake my driving test?
A. Only if it was ordered by the Court as part of your sentence; or if you have accrued more than 6 points within 2 years of passing your test.
Q. Will attending the course help with insurance?
A. There are insurance companies who recognise the course and can offer preferential rates. Contact numbers are given at the course.