Guides › Public Services › Penalty Points: 12 Points, New Drivers and How Long They Last
Penalty Points: 12 Points, New Drivers and How Long They Last
If you collect 12 or more penalty points within 3 years you can be disqualified from driving. If you get 6 or more points within 2 years of passing your test, your licence is cancelled and you must pass both tests again. Endorsements stay on your record for 4 or 11 years depending on the offence. You can check your points online.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Penalty Points
Totting Up
You can be disqualified from driving if you build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of 3 years. source
New Drivers
Your licence will be cancelled (revoked) if you get 6 or more points within 2 years of passing your test. You must apply for a new provisional licence and pass both the theory and practical tests again. source
How Long They Stay
Endorsements stay on your driving record for 4 or 11 years depending on the offence. You can see your points and when they will be removed with the View your driving licence service. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 3 yearsPoints counted for a ban12 or more
- 2 yearsNew driver periodFrom passing your test
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check your points online.
Step 2 of 5
Note when each will expire.
Step 3 of 5
Ask about a speed awareness course if offered.
Step 4 of 5
Tell your insurer about points if asked.
Step 5 of 5
Get legal advice if facing a ban.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
DVLA
Use the GOV.UK online services first; they are free and usually quickest.
A Solicitor
Advice if you face a ban or want to argue exceptional hardship.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Endorsement rules differ in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland licences and vehicles are dealt with by the DVA, which has its own rules and services.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 16 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/penalty-points-endorsements/overview Checked 16 October 2026
- gov.uk/penalty-points-endorsements/new-drivers Checked 16 October 2026