How Many Points on Provisional License Before Ban? (A UK And Global Guide For 2025)
Quick Answer: The 6-Point Rule Explained
In the UK, you can receive up to 6 penalty points on your provisional licence before your licence is at risk.
If you gain 6 or more points within two years of passing your test, your licence can be revoked under the New Drivers Act (1995) meaning you’ll have to reapply for a provisional and retake both your theory and practical tests.
And yes any points you earn while holding a provisional licence will carry over when you pass your test.
Official Source: GOV.UK Penalty points (endorsements)
What Is a Provisional Licence?
Before we talk about points and bans, let’s clear up what a provisional licence actually is and what makes it different from a full UK driving licence.
A provisional driving licence allows you to learn to drive a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle under specific restrictions. It’s your first legal step toward becoming a qualified driver.
Main restrictions include:
You must display red “L” plates (or “D” plates in Wales).
You can’t drive alone, you need a qualified driver (aged 21+, with at least 3 years’ experience) supervising you at all times.
Motorway driving is only allowed with an approved instructor in a dual-controlled car.
You must comply with learner insurance rules.
Holding a provisional means you’re still under assessment so any traffic offence you commit during this stage carries heavy consequences.
How the Penalty Point System Works (UK Overview)
To understand how points affect a provisional licence, we first need to look at how the UK’s penalty point system works, and how those points stay on your driving record.
What Are Penalty Points?
Penalty points, or endorsements, are marks added to your driving record when you commit certain motoring offences.
Each offence carries a specific number of points, depending on its seriousness.
| Offence | Code | Points Range | Duration on Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding (SP30) | SP30 | 3–6 | 4 years |
| Using a mobile phone while driving | CU80 | 6 | 4 years |
| Driving without insurance | IN10 | 6–8 | 4 years |
| Careless driving | CD10 | 3–9 | 4 years |
| Drink-driving | DR10 | 10–11 | 11 years |
| Failing to stop/report an accident | AC10 | 5–10 | 5 years |
Even one minor slip-up like being caught on your phone behind the wheel could instantly max out your 6-point limit on a provisional licence.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Record
The length depends on the type of offence:
4 years: Most driving offences (e.g., speeding, phone use).
11 years: Serious offences (e.g., drink/drug driving, dangerous driving).
All points remain visible to the DVLA and insurance companies, even if expired for totting-up purposes.
Checking Your Points Online
It’s surprisingly easy to forget how many points you’ve accumulated, especially if they were from older offences. Luckily, the DVLA’s online portal lets you see your current record in minutes.
How to check:
Visit the GOV.UK driver licence service
Enter your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode
Review your endorsements, expiry dates, and total points
How Many Points Before a Provisional Licence Is Banned (UK Rules)
This is where most new drivers start to panic and understandably so.
Here’s the reality:
Getting 6 or more penalty points on your provisional doesn’t mean an instant ban, but it puts you on the edge of losing your licence once you pass your test.
Let’s unpack the details.
The 6-Point Rule Explained
Under the New Drivers Act 1995, your driving licence can be revoked if you receive 6 or more penalty points within two years of passing your test.
That means:
If you get 6 points while still on a provisional, those points carry over to your new full licence.
If you then commit any further offence after passing, you’ll lose your full licence instantly.
You’ll need to:
Reapply for a provisional licence
Re-sit your theory and practical tests
Repay the fees
So, even minor learner offences like forgetting L-plates or driving unsupervised can seriously affect your future as a driver.
What Happens When You Reach 6 Points Before Passing?
Technically, your provisional licence remains valid, but the danger lies in what happens next.
Once you pass your test, those 6 points instantly transfer to your new full licence leaving no room for error.
Example Case Study:
Tom, 19, got caught speeding twice while on his provisional, earning 3 points each time.
When he passed his test six months later, his full licence started with 6 points already on it.
Three weeks later, another speeding ticket came through, his licence was revoked the same day.
Revocation vs. Suspension: What’s the Difference?
This confuses many new drivers, so let’s clarify:
| Term | Meaning | Can You Drive? |
|---|---|---|
| Revoked licence | Licence cancelled by DVLA (you must reapply and retake tests) | No |
| Suspended licence | Temporarily withdrawn (court-imposed) | No, until suspension ends |
| Disqualification | Banned from driving completely | No |
Revocation is the most common penalty for new drivers under the 6-point rule. It’s not permanent, but it’s expensive and time-consuming to fix.
Penalties by Offence Type (Provisional Drivers)
| Offence | Points | Fine (£) | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving unsupervised | 6 | £1,000 | Insurance invalidated |
| No L plates | 3–6 | £100–£200 | Police stop & fine |
| Using mobile phone | 6 | £200 | Licence revoked if full licence |
| Speeding (minor) | 3 | £100 | Insurance increase |
| No insurance | 6–8 | £300–£600 | Vehicle seized |
| Drink/drug driving | 10–11 | Court-decided | 1–3 year ban |
Remember: Points aren’t just “marks” they directly affect your insurance, employment prospects, and licence validity.
Why the System Is So Strict for New Drivers
It’s simple: statistics show new drivers are at higher risk of accidents in their first two years on the road.
The 6-point rule isn’t meant to punish, but to encourage safer habits early.
According to DVLA data, nearly 10,000 new licences are revoked annually due to point accumulation, many within the first six months.
The message is clear: learn safely now, or risk starting all over again later.
How to Avoid Reaching the 6-Point Limit
A single moment of inattention can wipe out your clean record and force you back to square one.
Fortunately, a few smart habits can keep you point-free while you learn.
Common Mistakes by Provisional Drivers
Many provisional drivers lose points for avoidable errors rather than serious crashes:
| Mistake | Why It Happens | Typical Points / Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Forgetting “L” plates | Borrowed car, rushed journey | 3–6 pts / £100–£200 |
| Driving unsupervised | Misunderstood rules | 6 pts / £1,000 fine |
| Using a mobile phone | “Just checking maps” | 6 pts / £200 fine |
| No insurance | Didn’t declare learner status | 6–8 pts / £300–£600 |
| Speeding on quiet roads | Lack of observation | 3–6 pts / £100 fine |
Tip: Treat every drive as if you were on your test. Stay within limits, plan routes, and pull over safely if you need to check your phone or sat-nav.
Tips to Stay Point-Free
Take extra lessons even after you pass your theory, more supervised practice means fewer real-world surprises.
Avoid peer pressure. Don’t drive with distracting friends in the passenger seat.
Use learner-specific insurance that allows supervised practice legally.
Know local speed limits. Many 30 mph zones are now 20 mph.
Book a mock test to get professional feedback before your real one.
Speed-Awareness or Driver-Improvement Courses
For certain minor speeding offences, police may offer a Speed Awareness Course instead of points.
You’ll pay around £90–£120, but avoid endorsements and learn safer habits.
Eligibility varies by region, you can’t take one if you’ve already attended within three years.
Find a local approved driving instructor, start with our directory of DVSA-registered trainers.
What to Do If You’ve Already Got Points
Don’t panic, getting a few points doesn’t automatically mean a ban. What matters is what you do next.
Step-by-Step After Receiving Points
Confirm the offence details. Read your Fixed Penalty Notice or court letter carefully.
Check your record on the DVLA portal.
Inform your insurer. Non-disclosure can void your policy.
Plan defensive-driving training or refresher lessons to rebuild confidence.
Stay offence-free, any new ticket could trigger revocation once you pass.
Can You Appeal or Reduce Points?
You can appeal if:
There’s an error in evidence (e.g., wrong number plate, unclear camera photo).
You weren’t the driver.
Exceptional circumstances apply (medical emergency, mechanical fault).
Appeals must be filed promptly, usually within 28 days of notice.
Legal representation can strengthen your case.
If Your Licence Is Revoked: Reapplying and Retesting
If the DVLA revokes your licence under the New Drivers Act, you must:
Apply for a new provisional licence (£34 online).
Re-book and pass both your theory and practical tests.
Re-insure yourself as a learner again.
There’s no minimum waiting period but you can’t drive until your new provisional arrives and supervision is in place.
Insurance and Financial Implications
Even if you keep your licence, penalty points hit your wallet hard.
| Points on Licence | Average Premium Increase | Typical Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 3 points | +15 % | Slight risk loading |
| 6 points | +30–50 % | Fewer insurers accept learners |
| 9+ points | +75–100 % | May require specialist cover |
Why insurers penalise points:
They see them as a sign of higher accident probability, especially among provisional and new drivers.
Compare learner-driver insurance quotes, save up to 25 % on policies that accept points.
International Comparison: Provisional & Learner Point Limits Worldwide
Rules differ sharply depending on where you learn. Here’s how the UK stacks up.
| Country / Region | Learner or Novice Limit | Action After Limit |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 6 points (max) | Licence revoked; reapply + retest |
| Ireland (RSA) | 7 points | 6-month ban |
| Australia (NSW) | 4 demerit points | 3-month suspension |
| Victoria (AUS) | 5 points | 3-month suspension |
| Ontario (CAN) | 4–8 points | Warning → interview → suspension |
| California (US) | 4 points in 12 months | Suspension |
| New York (US) | 11 points in 18 months | Suspension |
Insight:
Most developed countries impose stricter thresholds for learners, proving the UK’s 6-point rule is in line with global best practice.
Myths and FAQs About Provisional Licence Points
Do 6 points on my provisional licence mean I’m banned?
Do points carry over when I pass my test?
Can I still take my driving test with points?
Do provisional points expire?
Legal, Safety & Support Resources
If you’re unsure or facing a possible revocation, use reputable sources:
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for specific cases.
Summary Of What You Need to Remember
6 points is the absolute limit for provisional or new drivers.
Points earned before your test carry over to your full licence.
If your full licence hits 6 points within 2 years, it’s revoked and you’ll need to start again.
Check your record regularly and drive defensively.
