Driving Licence Points Check – Free Online UK Guide

Knowing how to check your driving licence points online is essential for every UK motorist. With over two million drivers carrying penalty points at any given time, a quick, free check via the official GOV.UK service can prevent unexpected disqualifications and help you stay in control of your driving record.

The process is straightforward and secure, requiring only your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode. This guide walks you through each available method, explains how to use a DVLA check code, and clarifies how long points remain on your licence.

How Do I Check My Driving Licence Points Online?

The most reliable way to check your penalty points is through the official GOV.UK view driving licence service. This free online tool works for licences issued in England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Ireland uses a separate system via nidirect.gov.uk.

Four Ways to Check Your Driving Licence Points

Online (GOV.UK)

Time: 5 minutes
Cost: Free
Access: Licence number, NI number, postcode

DVLA Check Code

Time: 5 minutes
Cost: Free
Access: Share with employer/rental company

Phone (DVLA)

Time: 10-15 minutes
Cost: Local rate
Access: 0300 790 6802

Post (DVLA)

Time: Up to 2 weeks
Cost: Free
Access: Write to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1AJ

Key Insights About Driving Licence Points

Over 2 million UK drivers have penalty points on their licence at any time
The fastest and most common way to check points is via the GOV.UK online service
A DVLA check code is required for employers or car rental companies to view your record
Penalty points remain on your licence for between 4 and 11 years depending on the offence
You can drive while points are on your licence unless a disqualification is active

Driving Licence Points: Key Facts at a Glance

Fact	Value
Maximum points before disqualification	12 points (within 3 years)
Point duration (standard offences)	4 years from offence date
Point duration (serious offences)	11 years (e.g. drink driving)
Check cost (online)	Free via GOV.UK
Check code validity	21 days from creation

What Is a DVLA Driving Licence Check Code and How Do I Create One?

A DVLA check code is a unique, temporary code that allows someone else — such as a prospective employer, a car rental company, or an insurance provider — to view your driving record. You generate the code online through the GOV.UK service, and it remains valid for 21 days.

How to Generate a Check Code

Visit the view or share your driving licence information page on GOV.UK. After signing in with your licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode, select the option to create a check code. The system will generate an alphanumeric code you can share directly.

Practical Use

Employers often require a check code during the hiring process for driving-related roles. Car rental companies may also request one to verify your licence status before approving a hire. Sharing this code is safer than providing a physical copy of your licence.

Can I Check Someone Else’s Driving Licence Points?

Yes, but only if that person provides you with their DVLA check code. You can then enter the code on the GOV.UK service to view their driving record. The code is valid for 21 days and can be used only once. Without a check code, you cannot access another person’s driving information.

How Long Do Penalty Points Stay on My Driving Licence?

Penalty points remain on your driving licence for either 4 years or 11 years, depending on the severity of the offence. The duration is calculated from the date of the offence, not the date of conviction.

Duration of Points by Offence Type

For most standard offences, such as speeding (SP30, 3 points), points are removed from your licence after 4 years. For serious offences like drink driving or causing death by dangerous driving, points remain for 11 years. According to GOV.UK penalty points and endorsements guidance, the exact removal date is displayed when you view your driving record online.

What Happens After Points Are Removed

Once the retention period expires, the points are automatically removed from your licence record. They may still remain on DVLA internal files but are no longer visible on your driving record. Checking your record after the removal date will show a clean slate for that offence.

Important Timing

Points are added to your licence after a court conviction or a Fixed Penalty Notice. There can be a delay of several weeks between the offence and the points appearing online. Always check your record periodically rather than assuming points have been applied.

What Happens to Your Driving Licence Points Over Time

Day of offence: Point added to licence record (may take weeks to update)
After 4 years (most offences): Points removed from licence (but remain on file)
After 11 years (serious offences): Points removed from licence
Points reach 12: Possible disqualification (totting-up)

Points can be checked at any time via the GOV.UK online service.

What Is Certain About My Driving Licence Points and What Requires Confirmation?

Established Information	Information That Remains Unclear
Penalty points are recorded on the DVLA database	Time for points to appear online after conviction (can vary by court processing)
Online check via GOV.UK provides the official current record	Whether your driving licence number changes after renewal (usually no, but check)
A DVLA check code is required to share your record with third parties	Accuracy of third-party check websites (always use GOV.UK for official record)
Points have specific expiry dates based on the offence type	Whether points affect insurance premiums (depends on insurer policy)

Why Do Penalty Points Exist in the UK?

Penalty points are part of the UK’s graduated driver disqualification system. They are designed to penalise repeat offenders and encourage safer driving. Checking your points regularly is important to avoid unknowingly accumulating enough points for a disqualification.

Drivers need a simple, free, authoritative way to check their points count, understand how long points last, and share their record with employers or car rental companies when required.

What Do Official Sources Say About Checking Driving Licence Points?

“Use this service to: view your driving record, for example vehicles you can drive; check your penalty points or disqualifications; create a licence ‘check code’.”

— GOV.UK

“View your driving licence record to see what penalty points you have and when they’ll be removed. You can also contact DVLA.”

— DVLA

“Use the Government’s checker tool or call the DVLA’s contact centre on 0300 790 6802.”

— RAC

What Should I Do After Checking My Driving Licence Points?

Bookmark the GOV.UK service for future checks. If you need to share your record, create a DVLA check code. Set a reminder to check your points if you are close to 12 points. Contact DVLA immediately if your record shows incorrect points. For more information on driving licence procedures, see our guide on UK Driving Licence Penalty Points Check: Online DVLA Endorsements Guide (2025-2026).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many penalty points can you get before being banned?

In the UK, you can accumulate up to 12 points within three years before facing a disqualification under the ‘totting-up’ rules. New drivers may face a ban with just 6 points within two years of passing their test.

Can I drive while my points are on my licence?

Yes, you can drive normally as long as the points have not triggered a disqualification and your licence is valid. Points alone do not prevent you from driving.

Do penalty points affect car insurance?

Yes, penalty points typically increase your car insurance premium because insurers view you as a higher risk. The increase depends on the number and type of points.

What is a DVLA driver check code?

A DVLA driver check code is a unique code you generate online that allows someone else (like an employer or car rental company) to view your driving record. It is valid for 21 days.

How do I contact DVLA about my points?

You can contact the DVLA by phone on 0300 790 6802 or by writing to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AJ. For fastest service, use the online check tool.

How often should I check my driving licence points?

It is recommended to check your points at least once a year, or more frequently if you have recently received a fixed penalty notice or have been convicted of a driving offence.

What documents do I need to check my driving licence online?

You need your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode. You may also need to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login or Verify account.

Can I check my driving licence points without a code?

Yes, you can check your own points directly on GOV.UK without a check code. A code is only needed when you want to share your record with someone else.

How do I check my driving convictions?

Your driving convictions, including penalty points, are all visible on your driving record through the GOV.UK online service. This is the same service used to view your licence information.

What if my driving record shows incorrect points?

Contact DVLA immediately if your record shows points you believe are incorrect. The DVLA can investigate and correct any errors on your driving record.