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In 2024, millions of drivers in Britain were penalized, revealing the worst offenders across the country. According to the latest DVLA data, the most common driving offences and their locations have been identified.

Here are the top driving offences:

  1. Breaking the speed limit on public roads:
  2. Speed limit violations on motorways:
  3. Driving without insurance
  4. Mobile phone use and similar violations
  5. Using a vehicle with defective tyres
  6. Refusing to identify the driver during a separate offence

The data also highlighted the regions with the highest number of penalty points. The South East led the way with over 200,000 drivers sanctioned, excluding Greater London, which came second with over 180,000 penalties. The North West, despite a smaller population, recorded over 155,000 offenders, placing it third.

What about the North East?

Interestingly, the Northeast recorded 39,392 drivers with penalty points. While this number is relatively lower compared to other regions, it still highlights the need for continuous awareness and adherence to road laws. The Northeast’s standing in the national context shows a better compliance rate, but there’s always room for improvement.

An interesting trend emerged showing a north-south divide, with three of the top five regions in the south and five of the top nine in the north.

This analysis underscores the importance of adhering to road laws to enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents.

West Midlands
– 126,264 Drivers with Penalty Points
North East
– 39,392 Drivers with Penalty Points
North West
– 155,236 Drivers with Penalty Points
South East
– 205,678 Drivers with Penalty Points
Region Drivers with Penalty Points
South East 205,678
Greater London 180,205
North West 155,236
South West 149,568
Yorkshire and the Humber 143,888
East England 134,311
West Midlands 126,264
East Midlands 122,338
Northeast
39,392

As the data shows, while the Northeast fares better than many other regions, it’s essential for drivers to remain vigilant and follow the rules of the road to ensure safety for all.

100% recommend Shift to anyone looking to learn. Simon is an excellent instructor, so calm and confident, took his time to understand me and how I learn best so that I could become a confident driver. Passed today with only 1 minor fault!
Great instructors, Hassan got me passed really fast and even managed to move my test to a sooner date! Super patient and great at explaining. Would highly recommend.
Highly recommend Shift Driving School. They were an absolute pleasure to deal with from start to finish. Special shout out to my instructor Hassan, who taught me from scratch in just under 6 months. I had no previous driving experience at all and he talked through the steps and skills needed clearly, always supportively pushing me to be my best. Delighted to have passed at first attempt! Couldn’t have done it without the team at Swift and Hassan. Thank you!
I had a great experience learning to drive with Shift and my instructor, Ciaran. As an anxious driver, I really appreciated his patience, encouragement, and support, which helped me build up my confidence behind the wheel. The booking app was also very convenient and easy to use, and Ciaran was always flexible and accommodating with my availability. Thanks to his help, I passed my driving test on the first try. Big thank you to Shift and especially to Ciaran for all the support!
I 10000000% recommend this driving school my instructor has been appsalutly amazing he had so much patience and really helped me through all my lessons then he recommend me a nervous course which really helped me as I really struggled with my nerve on my test but I finally done it and passed my test and I wouldn't have been able to do it if it wasn't for lewis so thank u sooooo much :)
My experience using Shift Driving School in Gateshead has been outstanding from start to finish.

My instructor, Simon Houghton, was incredibly patient, personable, and knowledgeable. He explained everything clearly, tailored lessons to my pace, and kept me calm with encouraging, constructive feedback.

His local knowledge and practical tips made a huge difference, and my confidence grew every week.

Thanks to Simon’s guidance, I’ve just passed my driving test and feel ready to drive independently.

I’d highly recommend Shift driving School—especially Simon—to anyone in Gateshead looking for a supportive, professional instructor and great results.
What a great company to not only learn to drive with, but to actually work with too. We would highly recommend Shift without a doubt.
Super organised with their own app which helps you fit your lessons in whenever you like. Lewis is so patient and supportive and very calming when you’re just beginning. He has really developed my confidence and I couldn’t recommend Shift and Lewis enough!
Lewis is a great instructor very patient, clear, and encouraging he made learning to drive feel easy and enjoyable highly recommend.
I passed my test today and would like to thank my instructor, Mr. Hassan. He has been incredibly kind, patient, and clear in his explanations, which made the whole learning experience truly positive. Throughout my journey, I had only one instructor and never felt the need to change, thanks to the excellent guidance I received. I’m also grateful to the Shift team for making everything smooth and convenient through the mobile application.