How to Check Your Driving Licence Points

A clear route to your driving record

Staying on top of your driving licence points is not just admin - it is financial common sense. Points can push up your insurance, limit work opportunities, and even lead to a driving ban if they stack up unnoticed. The good news is that checking your record is quick, free, and available 24 hours a day through the official GOV.UK service. With your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode to hand, you can view your current penalty points, any disqualifications, categories you are entitled to drive, and key expiry dates in minutes.

Understanding how points work helps you plan with confidence. Most offences add a set number of points that remain active for four years. Active points count towards disqualification thresholds, including the well-known 12-point trigger for a minimum six-month ban within a three-year window. More serious offences can stay visible on your record for up to 11 years even after they stop being active. New drivers face tighter rules: reach six points within two years of passing and your licence is revoked, requiring you to reapply and potentially retake tests.

Why check regularly? Because life moves quickly. A single speeding ticket may add three points. Use a handheld phone at the wheel and you could collect six points in one go. Add a red light offence and the totals escalate faster than many expect. A quick online check reveals exactly where you stand so you can adjust habits, plan journeys more carefully, and keep premiums realistic.

One login. Full visibility. Better decisions.

If you cannot get online, DVLA helplines can confirm your points verbally during standard opening hours. You can also generate a secure check code for rental companies, employers, or insurers, allowing them to verify your licence status without sharing your full details. Taken together, these tools help you avoid surprises and keep your motoring life running smoothly.

Who benefits most from a quick check

If you drive for work, commute regularly, or are newly qualified, an occasional licence check is a simple safeguard. It is equally valuable if you are about to hire a car, renew insurance, change jobs, or have recently received a Fixed Penalty Notice. Parents of young drivers can encourage regular checks to build safer habits from day one. Even if you hold points that are no longer active, knowing when they fall off your record can help you time insurance quotes and reduce costs. For anyone who values clarity, the official online service is the most accurate picture of your status today - no guesswork, no fees.

Your main options at a glance

1. Use the free GOV.UK View Driving Licence service to see points, categories, and expiries.

2. Generate a temporary check code to share your record with a rental firm or employer.

3. Call DVLA for verbal confirmation if you cannot access the online service.

4. Set calendar reminders to recheck before insurance renewal or car hire.

5. Review driving habits if close to thresholds - consider driver awareness courses if eligible.

Costs, impact, and risk factors

Are you eligible to use the service?

If you hold a full or provisional UK driving licence issued by the DVLA, you can access your record online at any time. You will need your 16-character licence number, your National Insurance number, and the postcode on your licence. The service covers England, Scotland, and Wales, and shows your current penalty points, disqualifications, entitlements for different vehicle categories, and the dates each element expires. If any of your personal details have changed, update them first to avoid login issues and ensure the record reflects your current status. Those with endorsements will see both active points and any that have expired but remain visible, particularly where serious offences are recorded for longer.

If online access is difficult or you do not have your National Insurance number to hand, DVLA helplines can provide verbal confirmation after security checks. For employers, rental companies, or insurers that need to verify your licence, you can generate a secure check code and share it safely. While Kandoo is a finance broker rather than a legal adviser, many customers find that understanding their points helps when budgeting for motoring costs, comparing insurance, or planning finance for a vehicle purchase.

From login to insight - simple steps

1. Go to gov.uk and search View driving licence.

2. Enter licence number, National Insurance, and postcode.

3. Review points, disqualifications, and expiry dates.

4. Check vehicle categories and entitlement details.

5. Note which points are active and visibility periods.

6. Generate a check code if you must share details.

7. Save or print a snapshot for your records.

Upsides and trade-offs

Keep yourself road-ready

Before you make any decisions, take a moment to review your driving habits alongside your record. Speeding typically adds three to six points, while handheld mobile phone use adds six points in one incident - a sharp penalty that can combine quickly with other endorsements. New drivers are particularly exposed, as just six points within two years of passing can see a licence revoked. Regular checks help you spot approaching thresholds and take corrective action, from planning journeys to leave more time, to using hands-free systems where legal. Insurers need accurate disclosures, so keep screenshots or saved PDFs as evidence when you renew. If the online service is unavailable or you encounter login issues, call DVLA during opening hours to confirm your status. A few minutes today can save months off the road later.

Small habits - like monthly checks - help avoid big consequences.

Next steps: set a calendar reminder for a quarterly check, review your latest endorsements, and update your insurer if anything has changed.

Alternatives and helpful add-ons

1. DVLA phone support - 0300 790 6802 or 0300 083 0013 during published hours.

2. Driver awareness courses - where eligible, may avoid points for certain offences.

3. Telematics insurance - can reward safer driving and offset higher premiums.

4. Password manager - securely store your licence and National Insurance details.

5. Vehicle documents check - confirm your V5C details to generate share codes.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is checking my licence points online really free? A: Yes. The official GOV.UK service is free, available 24/7, and gives the most accurate, up-to-date information on your points and vehicle entitlements.

Q: How long do points affect my driving status? A: In most cases, points remain active for four years, counting towards disqualification thresholds. They may stay visible for longer - up to 11 years for serious offences.

Q: When could I face a driving ban? A: Reaching 12 or more points within three years typically triggers at least a six-month ban. New drivers face licence revocation at six points within two years of passing.

Q: What if I cannot access the online service? A: Call DVLA on 0300 790 6802 or 0300 083 0013. After security checks, an adviser can confirm your record verbally during opening hours.

Q: Do insurers need to know about my points? A: Yes. You must disclose any relevant points when asked. Non-disclosure can invalidate your policy. Your online record helps you provide accurate details.

Q: How do I share my record with a rental company? A: Generate a temporary check code on GOV.UK using details from your licence. Provide the code and the last eight characters of your licence so they can verify your status.

Q: Does the service show which vehicles I can drive? A: Yes. You will see categories like cars or tractors, plus start and expiry dates, so you can confirm entitlements before you travel or work.

How Kandoo can help

Kandoo is a UK-based retail finance broker that helps motorists budget confidently. If your points have influenced insurance or vehicle plans, we can introduce you to a panel of lenders so you can explore affordable finance options without pressure. Check your licence today, then speak to us to align your finance with your motoring goals.

Important information

This guide provides general information for UK drivers only and is not legal advice. Rules and services can change, so always confirm details on GOV.UK or with DVLA. Insurers set their own underwriting criteria.