Penalty point rule that forces drivers to pay hundreds to retake test

Some motorists may not realise just how quickly penalty points can add up – and that reaching the limit can result in losing their licence. In certain cases, drivers may even have to pass both the theory and practical tests again before they’re allowed back on the road – and the cost of a test, lessons and hiring a driving instructor’s car for test day can accumulate to hundreds.

Once enough points are built up within the relevant period, a driver can be disqualified, and it won’t always end with simply serving a ban. Depending on the circumstances, they can be told to reapply for their licence and meet extra requirements before they’re permitted to drive again.

According to gov.uk: “Your licence will be cancelled (revoked) if you get 6 or more points within 2 years of passing your test.”

Gov.uk adds: “You’ll have to apply and pay for a new provisional licence and pass both theory and practical parts of the driving or riding test again to get a full licence.”

It’s not just Scotland, England or Wales that these rules apply to. It also applies to all new drivers who passed their first driving test in:

• Channel Islands
• the European Community (EC) and European Economic Area (EEA)
• Gibraltar
• Northern Ireland
• Isle of Man
• Great Britain

The EC/EEA countries are:

Any penalty points you pick up while driving on a provisional licence can still count after you pass – and may be transferred onto your full licence once it’s issued.

The Gov.uk site says: “Any penalty points on your provisional licence that have not expired will be carried over to your full licence when you pass your test. However, your licence will be cancelled if you get any further penalty points that take you up to a total of 6 or more within 2 years of passing your driving test.”

Do I need to give my licence to the DVLA?

DVLA will write to you asking you to send your licence to them if:

• You’ve let DVLA know that you’ve changed your address
• The licence you gave the court is invalid
• You’re a new driver, who has been given 6 or more penalty points within 2 years of passing your test, and DVLA has revoked your licence
• You have been disqualified from driving by the court and you did not hand your licence in to the court

The agency cautions: “You must send your driving licence to DVLA when asked. If you do not, you could be fined up to £1000.”