Motorists issued urgent driving licence warning which could see them banned from roads
Drivers are being warned of having penalty points on their licence
PA
Experts are calling on British motorists to ensure they know whether they are at risk of losing their licence after committing traffic offences.
When committing a driving offence, motorists can be slapped with penalty points on their licence, which are also referred to by the courts as "endorsements".
The endorsements must stay on someone's driving record for between four and 11 years, depending on the offence, with Britons having to deal with the points for a longer period of time if it's a more serious offence.
Motorists can be disqualified from driving if they build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of three years.
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Some penalty points could remain on the licence for 11 years
GETTYRules are slightly different for drivers who have recently passed their test. They could have their licence revoked if they get six or more points within two years of passing their test.
If their licence is cancelled, they will need to apply and pay for a new provisional licence and pass both theory and practical parts of their driving test again.
Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, has urged drivers to make themselves aware of the different rules so they do not get caught out on the road.
He said: "Typically, when a licence point is 'valid' this refers to the period during which the points attached to your driving licence can actively impact whether you’re allowed to drive or not.
"Drivers who accumulate more than 12 points on their licence in a three-year period may be banned from driving.
"This ban could last between six months and two years, depending on how many points you’ve accumulated, and whether or not you’ve been disqualified previously."
The expert noted that drivers who are concerned about the endorsements on their licence can check their motoring information through GOV.UK, including when they expire.
Very serious offences, like causing a death while under the influence, will remain on their record for 11 years and will remain "valid" for 10 years.
People may still be able to view the endorsements on their record even if they are no longer valid, including insurers and employers, if they have a four-year endorsement.
Conway added: "Essentially, points no longer being 'valid' means they are no longer considered for penalty purposes.
"However, insurers may factor in a driver’s history, including endorsements, when calculating insurance premiums or assessing risk.
“In most instances, a 4-year endorsement will be removed from your driving record on the anniversary of the offence.
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Drivers could lose their licence if they have passed their test in the last two years
PA"However, in some instances such as reckless driving or driving under the influence, the endorsement may be removed on the anniversary of the conviction."