Question 1

How long do DVLA penalty endorsements stay on a driving record?

Accepted Answer

Most endorsements stay on the driving record for 4 years, while specified drink- and drug-driving offences such as DR10 stay for 11 years. The start date depends on the offence: many 4-year endorsements run from the offence date, while DR10 and other specified 11-year endorsements run from the conviction date.

Question 2

Does DVLA set a fixed insurance surcharge for penalty points?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no universal DVLA or UK statutory percentage such as 10%, 35% or 120%. Insurers set their own underwriting and pricing rules and may consider the offence, points, age, claims history, vehicle, location and many other risk factors. This calculator therefore requires an insurer-specific or illustrative percentage instead of inventing a statutory surcharge.

Question 3

How many points can lead to a totting-up disqualification?

Accepted Answer

If you reach 12 or more penalty points within 3 years, the court can disqualify you under the totting-up procedure. A totting-up disqualification is normally at least 6 months, but the court can consider exceptional hardship where the statutory conditions are met. The TT99 code is used on the driving record when a totting-up disqualification is imposed.

Question 4

What happens if a new driver gets 6 penalty points?

Accepted Answer

A new driver's licence is revoked if they reach 6 or more penalty points within 2 years of passing their first driving test. They must then apply for a new provisional licence and pass both the theory and practical tests again before obtaining a full licence.

Question 5

What are the current points and endorsement periods for SP30, CU80, IN10 and DR10?

Accepted Answer

SP30 carries 3 to 6 points and normally stays on the record for 4 years from the offence date. CU80 carries 3 to 6 points and normally stays for 4 years from the offence date. IN10 carries 6 to 8 points and stays for 4 years from the offence date. DR10 carries 3 to 11 points and stays for 11 years from the conviction date. A separate court disqualification may also apply depending on the offence and circumstances.

Question 6

Do I always have to tell an insurer about old penalty points?

Accepted Answer

Do not assume that every insurer uses the same disclosure period. Answer the exact question asked by the insurer or quotation system accurately. Motoring endorsements can become spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act rules, but insurers may ask about convictions or endorsements within a specified period, and the wording of the question matters. Never omit information that the insurer specifically asks you to provide.

Offence Code	Offence Description	Penalty Points	Record Retention
SP30	Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road	3 to 6 points	4 years from offence date
CU80	Breach of vehicle-control requirements, such as using a mobile phone	3 to 6 points	4 years from offence date
IN10	Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks	6 to 8 points	4 years from offence date
DR10	Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above the legal limit	3 to 11 points	11 years from conviction date

DVLA Penalty Points & Insurance Calculator

Penalty Points & Insurance Impact Estimator

Estimated Premium Impact:

Complete Guide to DVLA Penalty Codes & Insurance Impact

Common DVLA Conviction Codes & Record Periods

When Can Points Cause a Driving Ban?

Insurance: Do Not Treat Points as a Fixed Percentage

Frequently Asked Questions (6 FAQs)

Explore Related UK Driving & Vehicle Guides

Official DVLA Sources:

Quick Navigation

International Money Transfer & FX Rates

Newcomer & Expat Emergency Health Cover