New data obtained by Confused.com car insurance experts reveals that 47,598 GB driving licence holders were disqualified after accumulating 12 or more penalty points between May 2025 and May 2026. Motorists aged 25–34 and 35–44 accounted for 52% of all disqualifications across Great Britain.
Following the findings, Confused.com surveyed 2,000 UK motorists about their knowledge of and opinions on current disqualification rules. Nearly half (46%) did not know how many penalty points a driver can accumulate before facing a ban, which occurs after receiving 12 or more points within a three year period. More than a quarter (26%) believed the threshold was lower than 12 points.
Reaching the 12 point limit within three years can happen faster than drivers realise. Speeding on a public road or motorway carries 3–6 points, while driving without insurance can result in 6–8 points. A driver convicted of both could be just one further offence away from the maximum threshold.
Separate rules apply to newly qualified drivers, whose licences are revoked if they accumulate 6 or more penalty points within their first two years. Almost two-thirds of motorists (63%) were unaware of this threshold. New drivers can still receive a TT99 endorsement for accumulating 12 or more points due to an administrative overlap if they commit multiple offences simultaneously or while initial points are being processed.
Age breakdown of licence disqualifications
| Age Group | GB Licence Holders Disqualified (12+ Penalty Points) |
| Under 17 | 7 |
| 17 – 24 | 5,745 |
| 25 – 34 | 12,537 |
| 35 – 44 | 12,415 |
| 45 – 54 | 8,144 |
| 55 – 64 | 5,766 |
| 65 – 69 | 1,474 |
| 70+ | 1,510 |
| Total | 47,598 |
Public support for stricter penalties
More than two-thirds (67%) of motorists believe all disqualified drivers should be required to retake their driving test before returning to the roads. Currently, retesting is only required for drivers ordered to do so by a court or newly qualified drivers whose licences are revoked within their first two years.
Motorists convicted of serious driving offences can also face an immediate ban regardless of their penalty point balance. Following a government consultation earlier this year on disqualification periods, 81% of respondents supported extending the ban for at least one serious offence.
For causing death by careless driving under the influence, which carries a minimum disqualification of five years, 73% of respondents said this was not long enough. Driving under the influence of drink or drugs currently carries a minimum one year ban, which 63% felt was too short. A further 57% thought the minimum one year disqualification for driving above the prescribed alcohol limit should be extended.
Financial impacts of penalty points
Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert at Confused.com, comments on the insurance implications of penalty points: “When it comes to prioritising safety behind the wheel, understanding and following all motoring and road rules is essential, as they’re in place to reduce risk and prevent harm. It’s important for all drivers to maintain and refresh their knowledge, even those who have been driving for a while. Motorists can review the Highway Code and familiarise themselves with all endorsable offences.”
“Facing disqualification can mean a driver is without their licence for a number of months, or even years. The ban length is decided by the court, based on the offence itself and the offender’s history. Those disqualified for accumulating 12 or more points within 3 years typically face a 6 month ban, while serious offences carry longer disqualifications. Those disqualified for over 56 days must reapply for a new licence and potentially even retest if ordered by court.”
“Totting up penalty points doesn’t only put your freedom to drive at risk, it can also impact the cost of car insurance. Typically, drivers with penalty points or convictions on their record can face increased premiums, as insurers perceive them as being at higher risk of being involved in incidents and, subsequently, making a claim. For example, between January and June 2026, the car insurance premiums quoted to drivers with 6 penalty points on their licence were 58% higher than those quoted to drivers with a clean record.”
“You legally need to let your insurer know about any penalty points you receive. Some insurers will request to be informed immediately, while others may only require you to declare them at renewal, so check your individual policy terms. Failing to do so can invalidate your policy, and an insurer may be able to find out independently, as they can access the DVLA’s central driver database through the MyLicence scheme.”
Almost 50,000 GB drivers faced disqualification after reaching 12 penalty points, prompting public support for mandatory retesting and tougher motoring sanctions.