How to Check Penalty Points on Your Driving Licence
Car Owl
Published in English •
Summary
- Check free online: Use GOV.UK "View your driving licence information" service.
- Points duration: Most points stay active for 4 years, on your licence for 4-11 years.
- 12 points = ban: Accumulating 12+ points usually means a 6-month disqualification.
- New drivers: Only 6 points allowed in first 2 years before licence revocation.
Not sure how many points you have? You can check your driving record online in minutes for free.
This guide shows you how to check and explains how the points system works.
How to Check Your Penalty Points
The easiest way to check is through GOV.UK:
- Go to gov.uk/view-driving-licence
- Enter your driving licence number (16 characters from your photocard)
- Enter your National Insurance number
- Enter your postcode
- View your record
The service shows:
- Current penalty points
- Disqualifications
- What vehicles you can drive
- When your licence expires
It's free and available 24/7.
Understanding Penalty Points
How Points Work
- Points are added to your licence for driving offences
- Different offences carry different point values (1-11 points)
- Points are "active" for a set period
- After the active period, they remain visible but don't count towards your total
Common Offences and Points
| Offence | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding | 3-6 |
| Using mobile phone | 6 |
| Running a red light | 3 |
| Driving without insurance | 6-8 |
| Careless driving | 3-9 |
| Drink driving | 3-11 (plus ban) |
| Dangerous driving | 3-11 (plus ban) |
For the full list, see our penalty points guide.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Licence?
Points remain on your licence for:
| Offence Type | Active Period | On Licence For |
|---|---|---|
| Most offences (speeding, red lights) | 3 years | 4 years |
| More serious offences (dangerous driving) | 3 years | 4 years |
| Drink/drug driving offences | 10 years | 11 years |
The "active period" is when points count towards the 12-point threshold. After that, they stay visible but don't count for totting up purposes.
When Does the Clock Start?
The period starts from the date of the offence, not when you were convicted or when points were added.
The 12-Point "Totting Up" Rule
If you accumulate 12 or more active points, you face:
- Automatic disqualification from driving
- Minimum 6-month ban (first offence)
- 12 months for second disqualification within 3 years
- 24 months for third disqualification within 3 years
You'll be summoned to court where the magistrate decides the ban length.
Exceptional Hardship
In some cases, you can argue "exceptional hardship" to avoid a ban. This requires legal representation and proof that a ban would cause hardship beyond the normal inconvenience of not driving (e.g., losing your job, caring for dependents).
New Drivers: The 6-Point Rule
If you passed your test within the last 2 years:
- Threshold is 6 points, not 12
- Reaching 6 points = automatic licence revocation
- You must reapply for provisional and pass both tests again
For more details, see our new driver probation guide.
How Points Affect Insurance
Penalty points increase your insurance premium:
- Insurers ask about convictions in the last 5 years
- 3 points typically increases premiums by 5-10%
- 6+ points can add 20-50%
- Drink/drug driving convictions can double premiums or more
You must declare points when asked - failing to do so can void your policy.
Can Points Be Removed Early?
No. Points cannot be removed early. They stay for the legally defined period.
However, once the active period ends (3 years for most offences), they no longer count towards the 12-point threshold.
Getting a Check Code for Employers
If an employer needs to see your driving record:
- Go to gov.uk/view-driving-licence
- View your record
- Generate a "check code"
- Give the code to your employer (valid for 21 days)
This is common for jobs involving driving - delivery, sales, HGV, etc.
Common Questions
Can I check someone else's points?
No. You can only check your own record. Employers need a check code from the driver.
Do points show on a DBS check?
No. Standard DBS checks don't show driving licence endorsements. Enhanced checks may include unspent driving convictions in some circumstances.
What if my record shows incorrect points?
Contact DVLA. Mistakes can happen, though they're rare. You'll need to provide evidence.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how many points you have helps you drive more carefully and avoid a ban. Check your record regularly - especially before renewing insurance, as you'll need to declare active endorsements.
And if you're close to 12 points, it might be time to take extra care on the road.
Read our other articles:
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