- Endorsements stay on the record for 4 or 11 years, depending on the offence.
- The 11-year group covers drink driving codes DR10 to DR31 and DR61, and drug codes DG10, DG60 and DR80.
- Most other codes, including speeding, insurance and mobile phone offences, are in the 4-year group.
- 12 or more points within 3 years can mean a driving ban.
Which offences fall where
| Example code | Offence | Points | On record |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP30 | Exceeding the statutory speed limit on a public road | 3 to 6 | 4 years |
| CU80 | Breach of control requirements, such as using a mobile phone | 3 to 6 | 4 years |
| IN10 | Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks | 6 to 8 | 4 years |
| DR10 | Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol above the limit | 3 to 11 | 11 years |
Those are examples from GOV.UK's endorsement codes page, not the full list. The 4-year group also includes careless driving, accident offences, motorway, traffic sign and pedestrian crossing offences and several others. GOV.UK says the clock runs from the date of the offence or, for specific categories, the date of conviction, so the code and the dates on your own record are what to read.
Two clocks, not one
People mix up two periods. The record period of 4 or 11 years is how long the endorsement is shown. The three-year window is a separate test: 12 or more points within 3 years can lead to a ban. A point can therefore stop counting towards totting up while it is still visible on the licence. The ban ladder is on totting up to 12 points.
New drivers
GOV.UK says there are different rules for new drivers and gives them their own section. We did not read it, so we do not state the threshold here. If you passed your test recently and have points, read that section before assuming 12 is your limit.
Why this is where scams start
An offer to take points off in a week claims a power over the record that nobody has. The end date is set by the offence, and the only other change comes from a court. Which? found sellers advertising licences with no tests and a 'back-door' route; DVLA said they were scams. The points version is the penalty points removal scam.
- Look up the code on your own record and note which group it is in.
- Work out the end date from the offence date, not from today.
- Never send your licence number and National Insurance number to a stranger.
- If a ban is what you face, the lawful routes are on reducing a ban lawfully.
Looking at your own
GOV.UK says you can view your driving licence record to see what points you have and when they will be removed. The method is on checking penalty points online. The related ban scam is the driving ban removal scam.
Frequently asked questions
How long do penalty points last?
4 or 11 years on the driving record, depending on the offence, according to GOV.UK. Serious drink and drug driving codes carry the longer period; most others carry 4 years.
Do points expire after three years?
No. The three-year window decides whether 12 or more points can lead to a ban. The endorsement itself stays on the record for 4 or 11 years.
Is speeding a 4-year or 11-year endorsement?
GOV.UK lists SP30, exceeding the speed limit on a public road, in the 4-year group, with 3 to 6 points. Drink driving code DR10 is in the 11-year group, with 3 to 11 points.
Can I pay to clear points early?
No. The end date comes from the offence type, and a seller has no way to alter the record. Paying risks losing the fee and giving a stranger your licence details.
Where can I see when mine will be removed?
GOV.UK says you can view your driving licence record to see your penalty points and when they will be removed. You need your licence number, National Insurance number and licence postcode.