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Keeping your licence

You've worked hard to get your new driving licence

The last thing you want to do now is lose it - but sadly it's only too easy.

As a new driver, your licence is probationary for two years. Collect just 6 penalty points (including any points carried over from your provisional licence) and you lose your licence. THIS MEANS YOU'LL HAVE TO RETAKE ALL PARTS OF YOUR DRIVING TEST AGAIN.

Not only do you risk losing your licence but you also face a hefty fine, as well as increased insurance premiums. Check out just how easy it is to collect 6 penalty points:

Offence  Penalty
Using a mobile phone while driving 6 points
Exceeding the speed limit 3-6 points 
Dangerous driving  3-11 points 
Using a vehicle with defective tyre(s) 3 points (per tyre)
Driving without due care and attention 3-9 points
Failing to stop after an accident 5-10 points

 

Drink and Drug Driving

DAG SPLIFF BBRev

The penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs are the exact same.

If caught you can face

  • 6 months in prison
  • Loss of licence for at least 12 months
  • An unlimited fine

If someone is killed in an accident while you are impaired you could face up to 14 years in prison.

Any substances, drink or drugs mixed together can have potentially lethal effects to you, your passengers and other road users.

Keys in beerBut would the police know if I've been drinking or taking drugs?

The police are very good at spotting a drunk or drugged driver. If they suspect you're driving under the influence, they're allowed by law to pull you over on the spot. They'll give you a breathalyser test to measure your alcohol level, and a 'FIT' test (Field Impairment Test) will tell them if you've been using drugs. Drug testing devices are now being used in the UK. Don't risk it!

It isn't just your licence that's at risk. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts your life at risk, as well as the lives of your passengers and other road users.

 


 Distractions femaleKeep your eyes on the road

Any distraction that takes your eyes off the road - even for a second - is an accident waiting to happen. Using your mobile, adjusting your music, eating, drinking, lighting a cigarette, even putting on your sunglasses, are all common causes of accidents.

And it's not just talking on your mobile that's dangerous - texting, tweeting, checking social media, even if you're on hands-free, all slow down your ability to react in an emergency.

 

 

Fact

The more you practice, the lower your risk of a crash!

Learner drivers in New Zealand who practised for 120 hours reduced their chances of crashing by 40% compared to those who'd only done 50 hours of training.

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Supported By

Arnold Clark

Working in collaboration with

Endorsed 2 - Roadsafe
Road Safety GB
London Road Safety Council