What happens if I get penalty points as a newly qualified driver?

The Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995 established a two-year probationary period for newly qualified drivers. If you are a new driver and accumulate six or more penalty points within two years of passing your driving test, your licence will be revoked, and you will be required to pass another driving test. Any points acquired before you obtained your licence will be included in the calculation. This includes any points acquired as part of a fixed penalty and it is the date of the offence which matters, not the date of the conviction or sentence.

Can I appeal?

A driver’s full entitlements must be restored pending the result of any appeal against a conviction or endorsement which was the basis (or part of the basis) of the revocation.

What if I continue to drive after my licence has been revoked?

Although the revocation is not a disqualification as such, if you continued to drive you may be committing an offence of driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

When should I seek advice from a solicitor?

You should seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity if you face the prospect of any penalty points. Working out what to do can be complicated and if your licence is important to you, you will likely benefit from receiving our advice.