What are driving endorsements?
Endorsements are penalty points that you as a driver receive in relation to a motoring offence. These endorsements (or penalty points) are added to your driving licence and are effective for a period of time, which depends on the motoring offence, and they're removed after that period of time is up.
You can accrue a maximum of 12 points at which point a ban from driving is given.
This article will explore the different types of penalties and how to avoid them.
Contents
- Types of driving endorsements
- How long do endorsements stay on a driving licence?
- Details of endorsements driving licence
- What if I receive a driving ban?
Types of driving endorsements
The nature of the endorsement placed on your licence can vary. The most common types of endorsements are:
Accidents
- Failing to stop at the scene of an accident: 5 to 10 points
- Failing to report an accident: 5 to 10 points
Alcohol Related
- Driving with excess alcohol: 3 to 11 points and ban
- Refusing a breath test: 3 to 11 points
Incorrect Documentation
- Driving without insurance: 6 to 8 points
- Driving without a valid driving licence: 3 to 6 points
Speeding
- Exceeding the speed limit on a road: 3 to 6 points
- Exceeding the speed limit on a motorway: 3 to 6 points
How long do endorsements stay on a driving licence?
Endorsements can stay on a driving licence for a while. The length of time endorsements take to clear depends on the criteria below:
Totting Up
The so-called ‘totting up’ procedure is used to count how many penalty points you have on your licence. Once you have reached 12 points on your licence within a three-year period, you're usually disqualified.
New Drivers
If you accrue six penalty points within the first two years as a new driver; your licence will be taken off you, and you'll have to resit all parts of the driving test.
Details of endorsements driving licence
There are endorsements for driving without road tax and driving without a valid MOT, both of which carry fines, and the police can administer these fines on the spot as fixed penalties.
If you're able to continue driving with endorsements on your licence you may be required to inform your current employer, especially if your company supplies you with a company vehicle, and you're covered by a company insurance policy. A failure to declare such endorsements on your licence can result in dismissal.
Having endorsements on your licence may also increase the premiums paid on your own personal insurance policy, and a failure to declare these endorsements can result in your insurance company negating your policy or prosecuting you.
What if I receive a driving ban?
The length of the ban is decided in court following the criteria of the severity of the incident. If you've received three disqualifications in three years, you'll be banned from driving for two years.
If you've received a driving ban of over 56 days, you'll be required to apply for a new licence.
Learn more about driving in the UK with Evans Halshaw
If you're in any doubt as to your circumstances regarding endorsements, you should contact the DVLA who'll be able to provide you with further information.
If you'd like to learn more about driving in the UK, head over to Evans Halshaw blog where you'll be able to find guides and useful information to your daily driving questions.
