If you’ve recently received a Fixed Penalty Notice, been caught speeding, or committed another motoring offence, one of the first things you’ll want to know is: how long do points stay on your licence?
The answer matters more than most drivers realise — because penalty points don’t just affect your driving record. They can increase your insurance costs, risk your licence being revoked, and even impact future job applications.
In this complete UK guide, we break down how long points stay on your licence, how they affect you, what new drivers need to know, and how to remove or check penalty points.
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Quick Answer: How Long Do Points Stay on Your Licence?
In the UK, penalty points (also known as endorsements) stay on your licence for 4 to 11 years, depending on the severity of the offence.
- Most common offences (e.g., speeding): 4 years
- More serious offences (e.g., dangerous driving, drink-driving): 11 years
But there is more to it. Points stay “valid” for different periods for totting-up (bans) vs. how long they remain visible on your record.
Let’s break it down.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Licence? (Full Breakdown by Offence Code)
Below is a clear table showing how long points stay on your driving licence depending on the offence:
4-Year Penalty Points
(Stay on your record for 4 years from the date of offence)
- Speeding (SP codes)
- Driving without insurance (IN10)
- Failure to stop after an accident (AC10)
- Careless driving (CD10–CD30)
- Construction and use offences (CU codes)
- Traffic signal offences (TS10, TS20, TS30)
Important:
For totting-up (leading to a ban), these points are counted as active for the first 3 years.
11-Year Penalty Points
(Stay on your record for 11 years from the date of conviction)
- Drink-driving (DR10, DR20, DR30)
- Drug-driving (DG10–DG60)
- Causing death by careless driving while under the influence (CD40–CD90)
These are the most serious endorsements and will almost always impact future insurance or job checks.
When Do Points Become “Spent”?
Most penalty points become spent after 3 years, meaning they no longer count toward a driving ban for totting up.
However:
- They still remain on your licence
- Employers such as delivery companies, taxi firms, and fleet operators can still see them
- Insurance companies may still use them when calculating your premium
How Do Points Affect Insurance?
Points staying on your licence for up to 11 years can dramatically increase your insurance costs.
Typical increases:
- 3 points: ~5–20% increase
- 6 points: 20–60% increase
- 9+ points: Significant risk of refusal or very high premiums
Insurers look at your full visible history, not just “active” points.
TIP:
If you’re buying a used car after receiving points, run a history check and compare insurance quotes across models — some vehicles are far cheaper to insure for drivers with endorsements.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Licence for New Drivers?
If you passed your test within the last 2 years, you fall under the New Driver Act.
This means:
- If you get 6 or more penalty points within two years of passing, your licence will be revoked.
- You must reapply for a provisional licence and retake both tests.
Key point:
Even though points last 3–11 years, for new drivers they can cause immediate revocation.
Can You Remove Points From Your Licence Early?
No — penalty points cannot be removed early.
They will:
- Stay visible for 4–11 years,
- Count toward bans for 3 years,
- Continue affecting insurance until they disappear.
The only scenario where points are removed early is if they were issued incorrectly and overturned in court.
How to Check How Long Points Are Left on Your Licence
You can check your full driving record online via the DVLA using your:
- Driving licence number
- National Insurance number
- Postcode
This service shows:
- All current penalty points
- When they expire
- Whether they are still “active”
- Disqualifications or bans
- Any pending endorsements
Use case: If you’re close to 12 points, you’ll know exactly where you stand.
What Happens if You Get Too Many Points?
If you accumulate 12 or more active points within 3 years, you may face a driving ban of 6 months or longer.
Exceptions:
- New drivers: licence revoked at 6 points
- Exceptional hardship appeals may reduce the ban, but these are hard to win
Frequently Asked Questions
Do speeding points really stay on your licence for 4 years?
Yes. SP30 and other speeding codes remain for 4 years, though insurers will factor them into quotes for the full duration.
Do expired points disappear automatically?
Yes. DVLA removes them automatically on the expiry date.
Do points affect my ability to hire a car?
Some rental companies refuse customers with more than 6 points.
Do employers see points during background checks?
Roles involving driving (delivery, van, HGV, taxis) will usually check your full driving record.
Conclusion: How Long Do Points Stay on Your Licence?
Penalty points stay on your licence for 4, 10 or 11 years depending on the offence — and can affect everything from insurance premiums to whether you keep your licence, particularly if you’re a new driver.
Understanding how long points stay on your licence not only helps you stay legally compliant, but also helps you budget for insurance and avoid further penalties.
If you’ve recently passed your test or are choosing your first car, combining this knowledge with a full vehicle history check can help protect both your driving record and your wallet.
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