The new driver rules catch out more people than you’d think. Passing your test is a great feeling, but for the first 2 years, the rules on penalty points are much stricter than for other drivers.
The rule
If you get 6 or more penalty points within 2 years of passing your test, your licence is cancelled (revoked).
Any points you got on your provisional licence that haven’t expired also carry over to your full licence and count towards the 6.
What happens if you lose your licence
- You have to apply and pay for a new provisional licence.
- You have to pass both the theory test and the practical test again.
- You go back to driving with L plates and a supervising driver until you pass.
How quickly it can happen
- Using a hand-held phone: 6 points and a £200 fine. For a new driver, that one offence is enough to lose your licence.
- Speeding: at least 3 points and a £100 fine. Two speeding offences in 2 years is enough.
How to stay safe
- Put your phone on silent and out of reach before you set off.
- Keep to the speed limit, and slow down for bends and bad weather.
- Don’t let passengers distract you or pressure you into taking risks.
- Avoid driving between midnight and 6am unless you really need to. It’s a high-risk time for new drivers.
- Never drive after drinking or taking drugs, and check the label on any medicines.
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