Penalty Points

If you have been driving for less than two years, you need to remember that if you receive 6 or more penalty points you will lose your licence. Not only that but you will need to re-apply for your provisional licence and pass both the theory and practical driving tests again!

This probation period, called the New Drivers Act, was introduced to help cut the number of new drivers and their passengers being killed and seriously injured on the roads. It may seem unfair, but one in five new drivers will have an accident in their first year and newly qualified drivers are more at risk in their first two years driving than at any other time.

Here are the main driving offences that will give you penalty points and what the possible fines might be :

  • -Speeding: 3-6 points and £1,000 fine (£2,500 for motorway offences)
  • -Running red lights: 3 points and £1,000 fine
  • -Careless and inconsiderate driving: 3-9 points and £5,000 fine
  • -Driving without insurance: 6-8 points and £5,000 fine
  • -Failing to stop after an accident: 5-10 points and £5,000 fine

If you commit a driving offence, don’t forget that your car insurance will be much higher too, and it may invalidate your insurance if you don’t inform your insurer.

It’s important to remember that these rules are there to save lives – if you drive sensibly, there’s no reason why you should get any points on your licence at all.

For more information about what penalties and losing licence visit the directgov website.

Back to L Plates Again

If you run up 6 or more points, the DVLA will be told and they will write to you to say that your licence is no longer valid. You will then have to re-apply and pay for a new provisional licence. As a learner again:
-you cannot drive on the motorway
-you must display your L plates
-you cannot drive unless accompanied by a driver over aged 21 or over who has held a full licence for at least three years.

Don’t want to lose your licence? Don’t get 6 points!