Recently I got caught out by a speed camera – doing 38mph in a 30 zone. My bad, if I had not been speeding I would not have been caught. Anyway, I was offered the choice of going on a "Speed Awareness Course" or accepting a £60 fine and 3 points on my licence.

Of course, I want to avoid the points, so opted for the course. The cost of the course amounted to £60.20. The extra 0.20 because I paid via Debit Card. My offence date was early February, and the course date was late May – so quite a while between them (I don't know why this was).

Anyway, onto the course. I really didn't know what to expect, so rocked up at about 8.45 – II had to show my Driving Licence as proof that I am who I am (apparently it was quite common that people get their friends/family to go for them!). Free Coffee, Tea and Biscuits too!

So, there was 18 of us, sat in a semi-circle. 3 people did not turn up – I suppose they will be getting their fine and points in due course. As it turns out, ALL of us had been caught for speeding in a 30 zone at between 34mph and 39mph, and that is the only factor that links all of us. Of the 18, 8 were women and 10 men – most were between 30 and 50, with a few older and 1 or 2 younger.

The course consisted of videos, chat and group interaction – some of the stuff I already knew and some of it was quite eye-opening. All in all, 4 hours that I thought was going to be a complete waste of time, was actually OK.

If you get the offer of such a course, just do it – it's not a great deal of time out of your life and you'll avoid the points on your licence. Nothing to fear.