Almost 54,000 learner drivers have penalty points

Almost 54,000 UK motorists have penalty points on their provisional licence, according to new research from Confused.com.

The findings obtained from the DVLA reveal that 53,988 learner drivers have racked up penalty points for motoring offences while still learning to drive.

Further research from the price comparison site reveals that more than one-third of UK drivers (36%) have received penalty points at some point for a motoring offence. Of those, more than one-fifth (22%) accumulated the points before they had officially passed their driving test.

Of those learner drivers to receive penalty points, the majority were caught speeding (60%), followed by jumping a red light (43%). Nearly one-third (33%) were caught driving without insurance, while one in six (15%) were charged with driving carelessly.

Confused.com head of car insurance Gemma Stanbury said: “We’re aware that people might make mistakes along the way as they learn to drive, however, practising road safety is an important part of the process, and picking up bad habits such as speeding or jumping lights before officially passing your driving test is never a good way to start.

“It’s concerning that a considerable number of motorists (29%) were unaware that they could get penalty points on their licence before officially passing their test. Not only could these points contribute to their licence being revoked if they accumulate six points in any way within the first two years of driving, but they could also lead to increased insurance premiums when they are able to get back behind the wheel.”