DriveTech CDS

You will find the answers to many of your questions here. Click here to go back to the full FAQ list.

General questions:

I’ve just received a Fixed Penalty Notice and want to attend a Workshop. What do I do next?
Once you have surrendered your licence, either at the roadside or at a nominated police station within 7 days of the offence, you will automatically receive an offer of a Workshop from the Thames Valley Police. Please note: if you would like to take up the offer of a Call Divert Workshop rather than accept the fine and penalty points, then DO NOT PAY the £60 penalty.
How do I book and pay for my Workshop place?
After you have returned the acceptance form attached to the Thames Valley Police offer letter, you will be sent a letter by DriveTech CDS explaining how you can book and pay for your Workshop place. For more details, please click here to read the Call Divert Scheme’s terms and conditions.
How long is the Workshop and how much does it cost?
The Call Divert Workshop lasts 2½ hours and costs £77 including VAT: this is instead of a £60 fixed penalty fine and the three penalty points on your licence.
Where are the Workshops held?
The Workshops are held at 3 training centres in the Thames Valley: Crowthorne in Berkshire; Upper Heyford near Bicester in Oxfordshire; and Kiln Farm near Milton Keynes.
What will the Workshop cover?
The Workshops are educational and will provide you with research data alongside interactive discussion and practical activities that will enable you to make more informed driving decisions. In particular, the Workshop will not only focus on the risks of holding a mobile phone while driving but also the potential consequences of using any kind of mobile phone when behind the wheel.
Can I change the date of my Workshop once I’ve booked it?
You can reschedule your Workshop but you will need to pay the full Workshop payment again and you will need to complete the Workshop within your Completion Period, subject to availability. For more details, please click here to read the Call Divert Scheme’s terms and conditions.
What happens to my driving licence?
You must be prepared to allow Thames Valley Police to keep your driving licence for a minimum of 4-6 weeks otherwise you cannot go on the Workshop. If you decide to take up the offer of a Workshop, Thames Valley Police will keep your driving licence until they have confirmation that you have successfully completed your Workshop. The fixed penalty notice contains a receipt for your licence which, in itself, is proof that you do have a licence. If you require the original during this time, you should not take up the offer of a Workshop.
If I need my licence back, what should I do?
If you need your licence back, please write to CDS Licence Return, Fixed Penalty Support Unit, Thames Valley Police, PO Box 156, Warwick Road, Banbury, Oxon OX16 2UX stating your name, address and that you require your licence to be returned to you. You must also complete and enclose either part 2 or 3 of the original fixed penalty notice. For more details, please click here to read the Call Divert Scheme’s terms and conditions.

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