How to remove expired penalty points from your licence… holiday hire car essential information

Licence Health Check

Most expired endorsements will automatically be removed from your driving record when they’re no longer valid. The length of time they remain on your record depends on how serious the offence was.

Incorrect information on your driving record can lead to holiday hire cars being more expensive – or refused altogether. Follow our guide to ensure your licence isn’t showing damaging information that should have been removed…

Read about recent changes to your driving licence and how you hire a car while abroad.

Give your licence a full health check

A poorly maintained licence can result in higher than necessary insurance premiums, cancelled policies, problems with the police, or even losing your job.

The abolition of the paper counterpart (the paper part of your photocard licence that contained endorsements and driving permissions) makes it harder to ensure your permit to drive is fit for purpose and correct.

Use this driving licence health check to make sure yours is fit for purpose.

Visual check-up: DVLA View Licence service

The DVLA’s View Driving Licence website allows you to enter a few details and find out exactly what’s on your licence. This includes information such as endorsements and categories of vehicle you’re qualified to drive.

What will it tell me: Log in and the service will tell you when your licence expires, how many penalty points you have and which vehicle’s you’re licensed to drive. The service will also tell you what personal details you have registered with the DVLA. Make sure you change them if they’re wrong or risk a big fine. We tell you how here.

What information do I need to log in: Getting into the service is easy with the following personal details:
1) Your driving licence number
2) Your National Insurance number
3) The postcode on your driving licence

How much does it cost and when can I use it: The View My Licence website is free to use and available 24 hours a day.

Use the View Driving Licence service here

Here’s a video explaining the new system.


RELATED NEWS

What are the categories on my driving licence?Find out what they mean here


Endorsement treatment

Staying on the right side of the law is the only way to avoid edorsements. Picture <a href=

You’ve checked your licence and perhaps you’ve come across some endorsements? This is an area you’ll need to know about when it comes to getting a driving job, insurance quotes and hiring cars. Here we’ll look at what they mean and how long they’ll remain on your licence.

About endorsements: Individual endorsements have a unique code and come with penalty points on a scale from 1 to 11. The more serious the offence, them more points it attracts. Some offences will be so serious they’ll attract an instant disqualification.

Endorsements and penalty points by offence:

Here’s a full list of offences with the endorsement and penalty points they attract.


Endorsement codes and penalty points: Full DVLA list here

Accident offences

These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code Offence Penalty points
AC10 Failing to stop after an accident 5 to 10
AC20 Failing to give particulars or report an accident within 24 hours 5 to 10
AC30 Undefined accident offences 4 to 9

Disqualified driver

Codes must BA10 and BA30 stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code Offence Penalty points
BA10 Driving while disqualified by order of court 6
BA30 Attempting to drive while disqualified by order of court 6

Codes BA40 and BA60 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the conviction.

Code Offence Penalty points
BA40 Causing death by driving while disqualified 3 to 11
BA60 Causing serious injury by driving while disqualified 3 to 11

Careless driving

Codes CD10 to CD30 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code Offence Penalty points
CD10 Driving without due care and attention 3 to 9
CD20 Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users 3 to 9
CD30 Driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users 3 to 9

Codes CD40 to CD70 must stay on a driving record for 11 years from the date of the conviction.

Code Offence Penalty points
CD40 Causing death through careless driving when unfit through drink 3 to 11
CD50 Causing death by careless driving when unfit through drugs 3 to 11
CD60 Causing death by careless driving with alcohol level above the limit 3 to 11
CD70 Causing death by careless driving then failing to supply a specimen for alcohol analysis 3 to 11

Codes CD80 and CD90 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the conviction.

Code Offence Penalty points
CD80 Causing death by careless, or inconsiderate, driving 3 to 11
CD90 Causing death by driving: unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured drivers 3 to 11

Construction and use offences

These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code Offence Penalty points
CU10 Using a vehicle with defective brakes 3
CU20 Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of use of unsuitable vehicle or using a vehicle with parts or accessories (excluding brakes, steering or tyres) in a dangerous condition 3
CU30 Using a vehicle with defective tyre(s) 3
CU40 Using a vehicle with defective steering 3
CU50 Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of load or passengers 3
CU80 Breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, mobile telephone etc 3

Reckless/dangerous driving

These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the conviction.

Code Offence Penalty points
DD10 Causing serious injury by dangerous driving 3 to 11
DD40 Dangerous driving 3 to 11
DD60 Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving a vehicle 3 to 11
DD80 Causing death by dangerous driving 3 to 11
DD90 Furious driving 3 to 9

Drink

Codes DR10 to DR61 must stay on a driving record for 11 years from the date of the conviction.

Code Offence Penalty points
DR10 Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above limit 3 to 11
DR20 Driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink 3 to 11
DR30 Driving or attempting to drive then failing to supply a specimen for analysis 3 to 11
DR31 Driving or attempting to drive then refusing to give permission for analysis of a blood sample that was taken without consent due to incapacity 3 to 11
DR61 Refusing to give permission for analysis of a blood sample that was taken without consent due to incapacity in circumstances other than driving or attempting to drive 10

Codes DR40 to DR70 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code Offence Penalty points
DR40 In charge of a vehicle while alcohol level above limit 10
DR50 In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink 10
DR60 Failure to provide a specimen for analysis in circumstances other than driving or attempting to drive 10
DR70 Failing to provide specimen for breath test 4

Drugs

These codes must stay on a driving record for 11 years from the date of the conviction.

Code Offence Penalty points
DG10 Driving or attempting to drive with drug level above the specified limit 3 to 11
DG60 Causing death by careless driving with drug level above the limit 3 to 11
DR80 Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs 3 to 11

These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence or 4 years from date of conviction where a disqualification is imposed.

Code Offence Penalty points
DG40 In charge of a vehicle while drug level above specified limit 10
DR90 In charge of a vehicle when unfit through drugs 10

Insurance offences

Code IN10 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code Offence Penalty points
IN10 Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks 6 to 8

Licence offences

These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code Offence Penalty points
LC20 Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence 3 to 6
LC30 Driving after making a false declaration about fitness when applying for a licence 3 to 6
LC40 Driving a vehicle having failed to notify a disability 3 to 6
LC50 Driving after a licence has been revoked or refused on medical grounds 3 to 6

Miscellaneous offences

These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code Offence Penalty points
MS10 Leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position 3
MS20 Unlawful pillion riding 3
MS30 Play street offences 2
MS50 Motor racing on the highway 3 to 11
MS60 Offences not covered by other codes (including offences relating to breach of requirements as to control of vehicle) 3
MS70 Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight 3
MS80 Refusing to submit to an eyesight test 3
MS90 Failure to give information as to identity of driver etc 6

Motorway offences

Code MW10 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code Offence Penalty points
MW10 Contravention of special roads regulations (excluding speed limits) 3

Pedestrian crossings

These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code Offence Penalty points
PC10 Undefined contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations 3
PC20 Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with moving vehicle 3
PC30 Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with stationary vehicle 3

Speed limits

These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code Offence Penalty points
SP10 Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits 3 to 6
SP20 Exceeding speed limit for type of vehicle (excluding goods or passenger vehicles) 3 to 6
SP30 Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road 3 to 6
SP40 Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit 3 to 6
SP50 Exceeding speed limit on a motorway 3 to 6

Traffic direction and signs

These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code Offence Penalty points
TS10 Failing to comply with traffic light signals 3
TS20 Failing to comply with double white lines 3
TS30 Failing to comply with ‘stop’ sign 3
TS40 Failing to comply with direction of a constable/warden 3
TS50 Failing to comply with traffic sign (excluding ‘stop’ signs, traffic lights or double white lines) 3
TS60 Failing to comply with a school crossing patrol sign 3
TS70 Undefined failure to comply with a traffic direction sign 3

Special code

Code TT99 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of conviction.

It shows disqualification under ‘totting-up’ – if the total of penalty points reaches 12 or more within 3 years, the driver can be disqualified.

Theft or unauthorised taking

Code UT50 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code Offence Penalty points
UT50 Aggravated taking of a vehicle 3 to 11

‘Mutual recognition’ codes

You’ll get an ‘MR’ code on your driving record if you’re disqualified while driving in Northern Ireland, Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland. Your disqualification period will also be valid in GB and will stay on your record for 4 years from the date of conviction.

Code Offence
MR09 Reckless or dangerous driving (whether or not resulting in death, injury or serious risk)
MR19 Wilful failure to carry out the obligation placed on driver after being involved in a road accident (hit or run)
MR29 Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substance affecting or diminishing the mental and physical abilities of a driver
MR39 Driving a vehicle faster than the permitted speed
MR49 Driving a vehicle whilst disqualified
MR59 Other conduct constituting an offence for which a driving disqualification has been imposed by the State of Offence

Aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring offences

For these offences, the codes are similar, but with the number 0 on the code changed to 2.

For example, code LC20 (driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence) becomes code LC22 on your driving record if you have helped someone to do this.

Causing or permitting offences

For these offences, the codes are similar, but with the number 0 on the code changed to 4.

For example, LC20 (driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence) becomes LC24 on your licence if you’ve caused or permitted someone to do this.

Inciting offences

For these offences, the codes are similar, but with the number 0 on the code changed to 6.

For example, DD40 (dangerous driving) becomes DD46 on your driving record if you’ve incited someone to do this.


Endorsements and new drivers: Anyone receiving six or more penalty points within two years of passing their driving test will have the licence revoked.

Any unexpired points on your provisional licence will be carried over to your full version if you pass your test.

If your licence is revoked within two years of passing your test, you’ll have to retake it – both the theory and practical elements.

Getting the all-clear – removing endorsements from your licence

Get the all-clear and return to happy care-free motoring with a clean licence

Get the all-clear and return to happy care-free motoring with a clean licence

Removing endorsements from your paper licence: If you’ve got an old-style green, pink, or pink and green paper licence, having endorsements removed will mean swapping it for a new photocard version.

To do this you’ll need a completed a D1 licence application form and the following:

  • Original documentation confirming your identity
  • A passport type photograph and your paper driving licence
  • A cheque or postal order for £20 payable to DVLA (do not send cash)

Then, send it all to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BU

Order your D1 form online here

Removing expired endorsements from your photocard licence
With the paper counterpart being withdrawn in June 2015, drivers’ records became entirely digital with checks through the online database. The good news is those with expired penalty points will no longer need to take any action, or make payment to have them removed.

The DVLA has confirmed that any spent endorsements will automatically be wiped from drivers’ records without intervention or cost to the licence-holder, but mistakes can happen so make sure you regularly use the View Driving Licence service to ensure it’s correct.

FAQS

How many penalty points can a new driver have before losing their license in the UK?

A new driver in the UK can have up to 6 penalty points before losing their license.

How long do penalty points stay on your UK driving license?

Penalty points stay on your UK driving license for a period of 4 or 11 years, depending on the severity of the offence.

Can you remove penalty points from your UK driving license?

Penalty points cannot be removed from a UK driving license once they have been added, but they will be removed automatically after the specified time period.

How many penalty points do you get for speeding in the UK?

The number of penalty points for speeding in the UK will depend on how far above the speed limit the driver was going, but it can range from 3 to 6 points.

What is the penalty for driving without insurance in the UK?

The penalty for driving without insurance in the UK is 6 to 8 penalty points, and a fine of up to £5,000.

What is the penalty for using a mobile phone while driving in the UK?

The penalty for using a mobile phone while driving in the UK is 6 penalty points and a fine of £200.

What is the penalty for failing to stop at a red light in the UK?

The penalty for failing to stop at a red light in the UK is 3 penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000.

Can penalty points be reduced if I take a UK driving course?

In some cases, penalty points can be reduced if the driver takes a UK driving improvement course, but this is at the discretion of the court.

Can I appeal a UK penalty point conviction?

Yes, it is possible to appeal a UK penalty point conviction, but it must be done within a certain time period and with valid grounds for appeal.

What happens if I accumulate 12 or more penalty points on my UK driving license?

If a driver accumulates 12 or more penalty points within a period of 3 years on their UK driving license, they will be disqualified from driving for a minimum of 6 months.

Post navigation

11 comments for “How to remove expired penalty points from your licence… holiday hire car essential information

  1. tato says:

    hi i wanted to know can i remove points from my driving licence, if i can how?

  2. ivan leslie sutton says:

    how do I remove the 107 on my licence

  3. What a donut says:

    I only have a provisional licence but passed my theory and got caught driving a couple of times (i have learned that lesson now ) resulting in disqualification but once my disqualification ends is my theory still valid as it would still be within 2 years of passing just not sure if the disqualification would cancel it out or not ? Any helpful links would be appreciated many thanks in advance

    • Jack says:

      Endorsements and new drivers: Anyone receiving six or more penalty points within two years of passing their driving test will have the licence revoked.

      Any unexpired points on your provisional licence will be carried over to your full version if you pass your test.

      If your licence is revoked within two years of passing your test, you’ll have to retake it – both the theory and practical elements.

  4. Adam Patel says:

    I wanted to know if you have 6 penalty points and 3 expire in 2017 but the removal date is 2018 if you were to get six more after they expire in 2017 would this mean you would technically have 12 or 9 because the three points from 2014-2017 have been expired but NOT removed. Would this mean you have 9 or 12 points. Please explain as with 12 you would be disqualified

  5. Sultana says:

    hi i wanted to know can i remove points from my driving licence, if i can how?

    • janeannelazare@yahoo.co.uk says:

      H0w can I get my points off my drivers license as time spent.
      Please let me know how to do this.
      Thank you

      • noel chapman says:

        You need to do nothing .Since 2015 dvla will automatically remove your points with no cost to yourself,due to the paper driving license being abolished

      • Harry Wilson says:

        I have a paper driving license with my PC20 code date and penalty points for my offence whitch have expired do I send it into theDVLA or can I shred it .

        • Shaun says:

          Harry Wilson,

          If you haven’t already dones so, Simply apply for a new photo licence, once you get it the expired points will automatically be removed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *