I was a new driver and got 6 points. What happens to my licence?

What the Law Says

The Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 sets out the rules for new drivers and penalty points. Section 35 specifically deals with the consequences of accumulating points during the probationary period.

Under UK law, if you passed your first driving test on or after 1 June 2004, you are considered a 'new driver' for the first two years. During this time, special rules apply.

If you get 6 or more penalty points on your licence within those 2 years, your licence is automatically revoked — not suspended, but cancelled — by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

You do not need to be disqualified by a court for this to happen; it is an automatic administrative process triggered once the DVLA records the sixth point.

Statutory Text

Where a person who has passed a driving test for the first time is convicted of an offence committed within the period of two years beginning with the date on which he passed that test and as a result of that conviction is disqualified from driving or is endorsed with penalty points, then, if at the end of that period he has accumulated six or more penalty points, his licence shall be revoked.

— Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988, s. 35 — New drivers: revocation of licence

What to Do

Sources