If you’ve ever received a speeding ticket or another driving offence, you may wonder how long those points will stay on your driving licence. Knowing this is important for insurance purposes and when applying for car leasing deals, as your driving record can influence eligibility.
This guide explains how long penalty points stay on your licence, what they mean, and how they can affect your ability to lease a car in the UK.
What Are Driving Licence Points?
Driving licence points, officially called endorsements, are penalties added to your record for certain driving offences such as speeding, using a mobile phone while driving or driving without insurance. Each offence has a unique code and a specific number of points.
These points remain on your driving record for a set number of years depending on the seriousness of the offence.
Also Check: DVLA Change of Address
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How Long Do Points Stay on a Driving Licence in the UK?
The duration depends on the type of offence you committed.
|
Type of Offence |
Example Code |
How Long Points Stay |
|---|---|---|
|
Minor speeding offence |
SP30 |
4 years |
|
Dangerous or drink driving |
DR10, DD40 |
11 years |
|
Using a mobile while driving |
CU80 |
4 years |
|
Driving without insurance |
IN10 |
4 years |
|
Failing to stop after an accident |
AC10 |
5 years |
Most driving offences stay on your record for 4 years, but serious offences such as drink driving remain for 11 years.
When Do Licence Points Expire?
Although points can appear on your licence for 4 or 11 years, they are not always active the entire time.
-
4-year offences: Active for the first 3 years
-
11-year offences: Active for the first 10 years
Active points can influence your car insurance premiums and any applications where your driving history is checked — including leasing a car.
Do Points Affect Car Leasing Eligibility?
Yes, they can. Many car leasing providers review your driving record before approving an application.
Minor offences, such as a few speeding points, usually aren’t a problem. However, serious offences such as drink driving or driving without insurance may reduce your chances of approval.
Leasing companies prefer low-risk drivers because the vehicles are new and covered by strict insurance conditions.
If you have points, you can still apply for the best car leasing deals through companies like All Car Leasing, which review each case fairly rather than rejecting applications automatically.
Can You Remove Points from Your Licence Early?
No, points cannot be removed before their expiry date. Once the term ends, they are automatically removed by the DVLA.
You can check your current points by visiting the DVLA View Driving Licence service online, which shows both active and expired endorsements.
Also Read: DVLA Number Plate Changes 2026
How Do Points Affect Car Insurance?
Penalty points usually increase your car insurance costs. Insurers view them as risk indicators, and even a minor speeding offence can raise your premium.
When your points expire, inform your insurer so they can update your record - this can lower your renewal price.
How to Avoid Getting Points on Your Licence
Good driving habits are the best way to keep your record clean:
-
Follow posted speed limits, especially near schools and in 20 mph zones
-
Avoid using mobile devices while driving
-
Keep your car insured, taxed and MOT-compliant
-
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
-
Stay aware of new driving laws and smart motorway rules
Following these practices not only protects your record but also improves your chances of getting no deposit car leasing or other flexible deals.
Key Takeaway
Points usually stay on your licence for 4 to 11 years depending on the offence. They can influence your insurance and may affect your ability to get a car lease.
If your current vehicle is unreliable or costly to maintain, leasing could be a simpler way to drive a new car without large upfront payments.
Explore All Car Leasing’s car leasing options to find a plan that fits your budget and driving history.
FAQs About Driving Licence Points
In the UK, if you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within three years, you can be disqualified from driving. For new drivers, the limit is stricter - 6 points within the first two years of passing your test can result in your licence being revoked.
Points do not reset automatically after three years, but they stop being active after that time for most 4-year offences. However, they still appear on your record until the full period (4 or 11 years) ends.
Yes, you can check your driving record using the DVLA View Driving Licence service. It shows your active points, expired points, and offence codes.
Minor offences rarely stop you from leasing, but serious ones can make it more difficult. Providers like All Car Leasing look at your overall driving history rather than rejecting applicants based only on points, so you still have options.
Once points expire, they no longer appear as active on your driving record. Most insurers focus on active endorsements, but it’s always best to declare your current record truthfully when applying.