Driving licence shock: Over 1,000 drivers with 12 or more points are still on the roads

Data from the DVLA has revealed that 1,278 drivers with 12 or more penalty points are still behind the wheel of their vehicles. The data, which was acquired by the Liberal Democrats through a Freedom of Information Act request to the DVLA also found one driver had a shocking 68 points on their licence. 

“The UK Government should examine whether the right systems are in place to put the brakes on problem drivers. 

“With fewer drivers on the road than ever before, now is the time to consider what can be done.”

But the fresh data is considerably lower than previous results which have indicated that over 9,000 drivers with more than 12 penalty points were still on the road. 

Data from the DVLA released in April found that 9,349 drivers still held a licence and could drive a vehicle despite exceeding the 12 point limit. 

According to GOV.UK drivers can be banned from driving if they pick up 12 or more penalty points on their licence. 

The court will decide how long a driving disqualification will last based on the seriousness of the offences. 

But bans usually last for six months for drivers who pick up 12 or more penalty points within three years.

Bans can last 12 months if road users are disqualified for a second time within three years while some drivers could be banned for up to two years if they are disqualified for a third time. 

Drivers who are disqualified for 56 days or more will need to apply for a new licence before they are allowed to drive again. 

This may also include retaking your driving test or taking an extended exam before receiving a full licence.

Back in April, it was revealed that many drivers were using the “exceptional hardship” application to avoid losing their licence. 

Law firm Cartwright King reveals a driver must show that any hardship suffered would be “exceptional”, such as the ban having an impact on dependent family members. 

This can include a loss of career and income, potential homelessness or someone who suffers from health issues and could lose mobility if they cannot drive. 

However, the AA has previously warned some drivers may have taken advantage of the loophole to avoid punishments.

Jack Cousens said: “There are concerns from the Sentencing Council that the ‘exceptional hardship application’ used by drivers to keep their licence is used too frequently.”

source: express.co.uk