New drivers and penalty points: what are the rules?

Passing your driving test is a huge milestone, but it’s only the beginning of your journey on the road. As a new driver in the UK, you’re subject to stricter rules, and one of the most important things to understand is how penalty points work.

Whether it’s a momentary lapse in judgement or a genuine mistake, getting points on your licence can have serious consequences. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from how the rules differ for new drivers to what happens if you reach the limit.

What’s covered

• What counts as a new driver?
• What are driving licence penalty points?
• How many points can a new driver get?
• What happens if you reach 6 points?
• Can you get points on your provisional licence?
• Can you take your test with points on your provisional licence?
• Can you appeal a licence revocation?
• 6 of the most common driving offences
• How long do penalty points stay on your licence?
• Final thoughts

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What counts as a new driver?

In the UK, you’re considered a new driver for the first two years after passing your first practical driving test. This rule applies regardless of your age or how long you held a provisional licence. If you pass a test in a different category later — for example, switching from automatic to manual — the probation period doesn’t reset.

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What are driving licence penalty points?

Penalty points (also called endorsements) are added to your licence for offences like speeding, dangerous driving, driving uninsured, or using a mobile phone at the wheel. They stay on your licence for either 4 or 11 years, depending on the severity of the offence.

How many points can a new driver get?

New drivers can only accumulate up to 6 penalty points within their first two years. If you reach or exceed this limit, your full driving licence will be automatically revoked by the DVLA.

Did you know? This is half the threshold for experienced drivers, who can receive up to 12 points before facing disqualification.

What happens if you reach 6 points?

If you hit 6 points within your probationary period, your licence will be revoked. This means:

• You’ll lose your full licence

• You’ll need to reapply for a provisional licence

• You must retake both the theory and practical tests to regain your full licence

This process can be time-consuming and costly. Worse still, you’ll be back to square one, driving under learner conditions until you pass again. Ouch!

Also read: How to book your practical driving test in 2025

Can you get penalty points on your provisional licence?

Yes, you can get points before you even pass your test. If you commit an offence while learning, those points will be added to your provisional licence and carried over to your full licence once you pass.

Can you take your test with points on your provisional licence?

Any penalty points you receive while holding a provisional licence won’t prevent you from taking the test itself. However, they will stay valid until they expire and will be carried over to your full licence once you pass your test. 

If you then pick up additional points after passing and your total reaches 6 or more within two years, your licence will be revoked and you’ll have to start the process again.

If you have 6 or more points (11 being the maximum) on your provisional licence, you're still allowed to take the test. However, if you gain even one more point after passing, and it pushes you to 6 or above, your licence will be cancelled.

Can you appeal a licence revocation?

You can’t appeal the revocation itself, as it’s a legal requirement under the New Drivers Act. However, you can appeal the conviction or penalty points that led to the revocation.

If you believe the offence was wrongly issued, you’ll need to challenge it in court. If successful, the points may be removed and your licence reinstated.

What happens after your licence is revoked?

Once your licence is revoked, you’ll need to start all over again, as mentioned earlier. This means applying for a new provisional licence, and booking and passing both your theory and practical tests.

Until you pass both tests again, you’ll be restricted to driving with L plates and must be supervised by a qualified driver.

6 of the most common driving offences

Here are some of the most common offences that result in penalty points:

• Speeding – 3 to 6 points

• Using a mobile phone while driving – 6 points (and automatic revocation for new drivers)

• Driving without insurance – 6 to 8 points

• Running a red light – 3 points

• Careless driving – 3 to 9 points

• Driving under the influence – 3 to 11 points (plus possible disqualification)

Even minor offences can quickly add up, especially if you’re not aware of the rules.

How long do penalty points stay on your licence?

Most penalty points stay on your licence for four years, but they’re only active for three years when it comes to totting up and insurance purposes.

Some serious offences, like drink driving, can stay on your record for up to 11 years.

Remember: Even after points expire, they may still be visible to insurers, so it’s worth double checking your driving record before applying for cover.

How do penalty points affect car insurance?

Points on your licence can have a pretty big impact on your car insurance. Insurers view drivers with points as higher risk, which often leads to increased premiums. Even a single speeding offence could bump up your premium, and the more serious the offence, the steeper the rise is likely to be. Some insurers may even outright refuse to cover you if you’ve accumulated a significant number of points or have been disqualified from driving.

It’s also worth noting that points can affect your eligibility for certain types of cover or discounts. For example, you might lose access to no-claims bonuses or be excluded from policies aimed at low-risk drivers. Plus, if you’re a new driver, the impact can be even more pronounced, as insurers already consider you less experienced behind the wheel.

Remember: When applying for insurance, you’re legally required to disclose any driving convictions or points received in the last five years. Failing to do so could invalidate your policy entirely.

Final thoughts

As a new driver you have responsibility behind the wheel, as much as the next driver. The rules might feel strict, but they’re there to protect you and others. Drive smart, stay alert, and treat every journey as a chance to build good habits. Your future self (and your insurance premium) will thank you.