PASSED YOUR TEST?
Congratulations if you've just passed your driving test.
You are now in possession of a full driving licence - but remember you are 'on probation' for the first two years. As a young driver you are more at risk of being involved in collision in those first two years - and many collisions occur as a result of excess speed.
Returning to L plates
Holding a driving licence is a privilege, not a right. Driving safely within the law is the key to a long and points free driving licence. However, it is easy to accumulate points if you drive in a dangerous manner or commit road traffic offences. The chart below shows some typical offences and the penalties that you can expect to receive if prosecuted.
| Offence |
Penalty Points |
Fine |
| Dangerous driving |
3-11 |
Unlimited |
| Careless or inconsiderate driving |
3-9 |
£2,500 |
| Failing to stop after a collision or failing to report a collision |
5-10 |
£5,000 |
| Driving when disqualified |
6 |
£5,000 |
| Driving without insurance |
6-8 |
£5,000 |
| Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence |
3-6 |
£1,000 |
| Excess speed |
3-6 or 3
(fixed penalty) |
£1,000 |
| Traffic light offences |
3 |
£1,000 |
If you clock up six or more points on your licence during the first two years, you will lose your licence and go back to being a learner. This means that you will have to reapply for a provisional licence and take both the theory and the practical test again.
As a learner again:
* You cannot drive on a motorway
* You must display L plates again
* You cannot drive a car unless you are with a driver aged 21 or over who has held a full licence for at least three years.
Insurance
Having your licence cancelled affects your insurance policy and you should tell your insurance company immediately. If you fail to do so this could invalidate your insurance.
Taking a retest
The retest is just the same as a normal driving test. You must pay to take both parts of the test again. If you pass your test your licence will be returned to you.
Further penalty points
If you pass a retest and run up more penalty points, you do not have to go through the same process again. However, the points will stay on your licence for four years from the date of the offence. If you do commit further road traffic offences and accumulate twelve points within three years you could lose your licence for at least six months.
Remember it doesn’t have to be this way. If you drive with care and apply all those safe driving techniques that you will have learnt while a learner then you will avoid any penalty points on your licence.
The choice is yours....
Your licence is precious - why risk losing it?
Click here for information on Pass Plus driver training. |
