NEW DRIVERS

Penalty Points

When you are a learner or a new driver, it’s twice as quick to have your licence taken away. Experienced drivers are disqualified once they have accumulated 12 points against their licence; new drivers and provisional licence holders within the first 2 years will lose their licence at 6 points.

Why?

We want to cut the number of people killed and injured on the roads. Newly qualified drivers, especially young ones, are more at risk in the two years or so after passing the test than at any other time in their motoring career. 1 in 5 will have an accident in the first year alone. Your licence will be taken away if you increase that risk by committing offences such as speeding.

If you do get six or more penalty points, you’ll get a letter telling you your licence is no longer valid. You should inform your insurance company immediately if this happens.The main penalty point offences are:

• Speeding: 3-6 points

• Going through a red light: 3 points

• Using a mobile phone whilst driving: 3 points

• Careless driving: 3-9 points

• Driving without insurance: 6-8 points

• Failing to stop after an accident: 5-10 points

You will have to apply for a new provisional licence to continue driving as a learner.