In the UK, when you commit a motoring offence, the DVLA may endorse your driving licence with penalty points - sometimes known as “endorsements”. These points serve as a record of your driving infractions and are used to monitor risky behaviour on the road.
The number of points depends on the severity of the offence. Some minor offences may carry 3 points, while more serious offences like dangerous driving can result in up to 11 points. These points are recorded digitally on your driver record and are visible to the police, insurance companies, and some employers.
How to Check How Many Points You Have
Checking how many points are on your driving licence is simple and free. You can do it online using the GOV.UK driving licence service.
To access your driving record, you’ll need:
- Your driving licence number
- Your National Insurance number
- The postcode on your licence
Once logged in, you’ll be able to view:
- The total number of points
- The endorsement codes
- Offence details and dates
- When points will be removed
This service is updated in real-time, making it the most accurate way to monitor your record.
How Long Do Penalty Points Stay on Your Licence?
Penalty points typically stay on your driving licence for four to eleven years, depending on the offence. However, only valid points (usually from the last three years) count towards disqualification under the “totting-up” system.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 4 years from the offence date for most minor offences (e.g. speeding, using a phone)
- 11 years from the offence date for more serious convictions (e.g. drink driving, causing death by careless driving)
Even if points no longer count towards a ban, they may still be visible to insurers and employers for the full period.
How Many Points Can You Have Before Losing Your Licence?
The threshold for licence disqualification depends on your driving experience and offence history:
- New drivers (within two years of passing): 6 points or more results in automatic licence revocation.
- Experienced drivers: 12 or more points within a 3-year period may result in disqualification, typically starting at 6 months.
Courts may extend this disqualification period for repeat offences or particularly dangerous behaviour.
Common Offences and Associated Penalty Points
Here are some of the most frequent driving offences and their point penalties:
For a full list, visit the DVLA penalty codes and points guide.
Do Points Affect Your Car Insurance?
Yes, absolutely. Most insurers will increase your premium if you have points on your licence, as you’re considered a higher-risk driver. The impact depends on:
- The number of points
- The type of offence
- How recently the offence occurred
Even one speeding offence can raise your premium by 10–20%, while multiple or serious points could double your costs. Be sure to declare all valid points when applying for insurance, failing to do so could void your policy.
Can You Remove Points from Your Licence Early?
Generally, you cannot remove points early unless they were issued in error. You must wait until they expire, before they are removed from your record.
Some drivers may be offered a speed awareness course instead of penalty points, but this is only available for certain offences and is at the discretion of the police.
How to Avoid Getting Penalty Points
Avoiding points comes down to careful, lawful driving and staying up to date with road regulations. Here are some tips:
- Stick to speed limits - especially in variable or average speed zones.
- Don’t use your phone while driving - even at traffic lights.
- Keep your documents in order - insurance, MOT, tax.
- Use a dashcam - to prove your case in case of an accident.
Consider apps like Waze or Google Maps, which offer speed limit alerts, road hazard warnings, and live traffic updates to help you stay within the law. Drive Safe!
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