New Drivers’ Probationary Periods

When a driver passes their driving test in the UK and obtains their first full Driving Licence, they are subject to a mandatory probationary period for 2 years.

What does this mean?

The effect of the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995 is that if a driver commits an offence within 2 years of passing their driving test, which results in a total of six or more points being imposed on the Licence, DVLA will automatically revoke the Licence and issue a provisional driving licence.

The time of the offence is more important that when the points are added, delaying the sentence does not help a driver escape the revocation.

It is also important to understand that the total number of points is relevant rather than the number of points imposed for the trigger offence. If a driver has 3 points on their Provisional Licence, these points carry over onto the Full Licence. Therefore if a Driver commits an offence in the Probationary Period which carries three points, they would still be subject to the New Driver revocation if they already had three points endorsed prior to passing their test.

Is there any way to avoid this?

If you accept a Fixed Penalty which triggers a revocation, there is no way to appeal or reverse that action. However, the Court does have wider powers. We have successfully represented many drivers in this position before the Magistrates’ Court and on Appeal to the Crown Court, to help our clients to avoid the loss of licence, loss of jobs and other hardships.

For advice and a free initial consultation, contact our office today.