You should check you driving licence points to see how many you have and let your insurnace company know about any driving offences
Here’s what you need to know about the penalty points system, including how it works and how long the points stay on your record.
EASY AS HACK
You can check any penalty points on your licence online using this government tool. You will need:
- Your driving licence number
- National insurance number
- Postcode on your driving licence
At a glance
Driving penalty points stay on your driving licence for 3 to 11 years depending on the offence, but are removed once they expire.
WHAT are penalty points?
You get penalty points on your DVLA driver record if a court recommends it after convicting you of a motoring offence.[1]
The court adds a recommendation, including a special code, to your record along with a number of penalty points based on the offence. It can also issue a fine.
Read about driving conviction codes for each offence type.
WHAT do you get driving licence points for?
Many people associate penalty points with speeding, but you can get driving licence points for various reasons, including:
- Reckless and dangerous driving
- Drink/drug driving
- Speeding
- Running a red light
- Driving while using a mobile phone
- Driving a vehicle that is not roadworthy
- Driving a vehicle without the correct tax and insurance
- Driving while disqualified
- Failing to stop after an accident
The minimum number of points the courts issue for an offence is three and the maximum is 11, depending on its severity.
Here’s an example of the range of penalty points added to a licence:
- Failing to stop after an accident – 5 to 10 points
- Driving a vehicle with defective brakes – 3 points
- Speeding on a motorway – 3 to 6 points
- Driving or attempting to drive above the drug-level limit – 3 to 11 points
- Causing death by dangerous driving – 3 to 11 points
- Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks – 6 to 8 points
how many points can you get on your licence?
The number of penalty points you have on your licence depends on how long you have been driving.
- How many points can new drivers have?
If you are a new driver, your licence will be revoked if you get more than six points in the first two years. You will then have to apply for a new provisional licence and pass both the theory and practical driving tests again.
- How many points can experienced drivers have?
Experienced drivers can’t accumulate more than 12 points within three years. If you do that, the court will typically impose a driving ban. In this ‘totting up’ system, the court keeps track of the number of offences over 3 years and restarts the count for each offence until the total reaches 12.[1]
can you get points on your provisional licence?
Yes, you can get penalty points on your provisional licence. The DVLA will carry over any unexpired points from your provisional licence to your full licence once you pass your driving test.
how can i check how many points are on my licence?
There are two ways to do a driving penalty points check:
- Use the government’s free checker tools on UK
- Call the DVLA’s contact centre (0300 790 6802)
You will need:
- Your driving licence number
- National insurance number
- Postcode on your driving licence
can someone else check whether i have points on my licence?
Yes, someone else, such as a car rental firm, can check a licence for your penalty points and endorsements. However, they will need the last eight characters of your driving licence number and ask you for a ‘licence check’ code.
You can generate a code online at GOV.UK or by creating a driver and vehicle account. You must have a vehicle log book (V5C) with your name on it and your driving licence to create the account. Alternatively, you can call the DVLA on 0300 083 0013.
how long does it take for penalty points to show on your licence?
Penalty points typically show on your online driver record within a few weeks, but the time can vary. You won’t find your points on your driver’s photocard.
- They will be added within 28 days from the day you receive your formal notice detailing how many penalty points you’ll receive and the endorsement code.
- However, the points become effective from the day you commit the offence.
For minor offences, such as speeding, where you receive a fixed penalty, it may take a few days for the driving penalty points to appear on your online driving record. That’s after you have accepted the fixed penalty notice and paid the fine, which you have 28 days to pay.[2]
how long do points stay on your licence?
The time that driving penalty points stay on your licence depends on the offence and its severity.
Penalty points can remain on your driving record for 4 – 11 years:
- 4 years: most offences (speeding, minor careless driving)
- 11 years: More serious offences (drink driving, dangerous driving, causing a fatal accident)
can you remove points from your licence?
No, you cannot remove points from your licence. You have to wait for them to expire.
how can i avoid points on my licence?
Driving carefully and following the road rules are the first steps to avoiding a motoring offence and points on your licence.
Sometimes, if the police or a camera catches you speeding, the police may offer you the chance to attend a national speed awareness course (NSAC).[3]
At one of these courses, you won’t get points on your licence or pay a fine.[3]However, you will have to pay for the national speed awareness course, which typically costs £80 - £100 depending on the provider.[4]
You'll receive a refresher on the dangers of speeding and reckless driving, ensuring you return to the road safely and with better awareness.
FAQs
how long does a driving disqualification stay on your licence?
How long a driving disqualification stays on your licence depends on the severity of the offence(s). The disqualification can last from 6, 12, 24, or 36 months or be a lifetime ban.
do points affect my car insurance premium?
Yes, penalty points will likely affect the cost of your car insurance, as insurers perceive you as a higher-risk driver who may be more likely to make an insurance claim in the future. Speak to Ageas about car insurance
do you need to tell your car insurance company about points?
Yes, you are required to tell your insurer about any points you have on your licence when you renew your car insurance. You must tell your insurer about a driving ban as soon as you receive it.
what is the difference between expired and removed points?
The difference between expired and removed points is that points will expire after 3 years, but will remain on your record for 4 years.
what is the difference between penalty points and endorsements?
Penalty points and endorsements are just different terms for the same thing.
can you still drive with 12 penalty points?
No, you cannot still drive once you have reached 12 penalty points; the court will disqualify you from driving.
do you have to declare expired penalty points?
No, you don’t need to declare expired penalty points to your car insurer.
do you have to declare expired penalty points?
Your licence card doesn’t show any points. Instead, the DVLA stores them in an online record that you can view through the shared driving licence service.
Points used to be listed on the paper part of a driving licence, but this is no longer the case.
Sources
[1] Penalty points (endorsements)
