Image: NE Driving Solutions
So, you’ve finally bagged that elusive driving license—congrats! The open road awaits, offering a world of freedom. But wait—before you get too carried away with dreams of road trips and car karaoke sessions, let’s talk about the less glamorous side of driving: points on your licence. Specifically, what happens if you rack up 6 points within your first two years on the road.
What Exactly Are Points on Your Licence?
First things first—what are these “points” everyone keeps talking about? Points, or endorsements as they’re officially called, are penalties you receive for breaking the rules of the road. Think of them as the driving equivalent of getting your wrist slapped, except that each slap brings you closer to some serious consequences.
The New Drivers Act: Your Probationary Period
The New Drivers Act 1995 isn’t just some ancient legislation gathering dust; it’s very much alive and ready to pounce on new drivers. Under this act, if you accumulate 6 or more points within your first two years of holding a full driving licence, your licence is automatically revoked.
In plain English? You’re back to square one, and you’ll need to reapply for a provisional licence, retake your theory test, and, yes, sit through that nerve-wracking practical driving test again. If this sounds like a bad dream, it’s because it is—but it’s very much real.
What Could Land Me Those Dreaded Points?
Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much to collect points. Speeding? That’s 3 to 6 points. Caught on your phone while driving? Bam—another 6 points.
The sad reality is that even two minor slip-ups, like a little speeding here and a little tailgating there, could be enough to trigger the licence revocation alarm.
Scenario 1:
You passed your test on May 1, 2022.
You’re cruising along, feeling confident, when you get caught speeding on April 25, 2024.
A few days later, a letter drops through your door—congratulations, you’ve just earned 3 points.
But wait, what’s this? You already had 3 points from a speeding offence last year. Uh-oh. Even though it’s just days before your two-year mark, the points count from the date of the offence, meaning your licence is now revoked.
Scenario 2
You’ve been driving since early 2023 and everything’s going smoothly.
You open that text message that’s been pinging for the last 20 minutes whilst driving down the motorway.
Unlucky for you, the undercover police car behind you has seen exactly what you’ve done.
Bam! 6 points. Bye bye car, bye bye licence, Hello Theory Test!
So, What Happens After Your Licence is Revoked?
Once your licence is revoked, it’s not the end of the world, but it’s definitely a detour you didn’t want to take. You’ll need to reapply for a provisional licence, retake your theory and practical tests, and brush up on all the rules of the road.
Oh, and did I mention the costs? You’ll need to fork out for new tests and lessons, and your insurance premiums are likely to skyrocket once you’re back on the road.
How long will the Points stay on my Licence?
Yep, those points aren’t going anywhere in a hurry. They’ll stay on your record for 4 to 11 years, depending on the offence. While your new licence won’t get revoked again for hitting 6 points, you’re still walking a tightrope. Accumulate 12 points within 3 years, and you’re looking at a driving ban—possibly long enough to get really good at public transport.
How Can I Avoid Points on My Licence?
The best way to avoid points is simple: stick to the rules. Keep your speed in check, resist the urge to check your phone while driving, and make sure all your paperwork is up to date. If you’re ever offered a course, like a speed awareness course, jump on it—it’s a great way to dodge those points and still learn something useful.
But What If I Really Need My Licence?
If you’re in the unfortunate position of having your licence revoked and you desperately need it for work or other crucial activities, you might be tempted to fight the revocation in court. Be warned, though—this is no easy feat. The rules are strict, and new drivers don’t get much wiggle room for “exceptional hardship” claims. Your best bet is to take the hit, retake your tests, and get back on the road as soon as possible.
In Conclusion: Drive Smart, Stay Safe
So there you have it. Accumulating 6 points within your first two years of driving is like playing with fire. It’s all fun and games until you get burned—and in this case, the burn comes with the cost of your driving freedom, time, and a chunk of your hard-earned cash.
The moral of the story? Drive smart, follow the rules, and you won’t have to worry about losing your licence before you’ve even had a chance to fully enjoy it. Happy driving!
