Shock DVLA Data: Teens Racking Up Points and Getting Banned Under Totting-Up Rules
New DVLA figures reveal a startling number of drivers hitting the dreaded 12-point limit and getting slapped with suspensions. The most jaw-dropping? Boys as young as 13, from South East England and the West Midlands, racking up points and getting banned – despite being well under the legal driving age.
The youngest official ban under the totting-up rules was an 18-year-old, but data shows six 15-year-olds and 14 16-year-olds also earned suspensions last year. No females below legal driving age were banned.
Duncan McClure Fisher, CEO of MotorEasy, said: “It’s frowned upon for adults to collect so many points for offences such as speeding, so for youngsters four years below the legal driving age to have amassed them is mind-boggling.”
Loopholes Let Thousands Keep Driving Despite Points
Many bans begin from the conviction date and can expire before these young offenders hit 17. Still, their endorsements stay on any licence issued and remain in the DVLA database.
Magistrates can also refuse to enforce a suspension if they believe it would cause “exceptional hardship.” Between 2017 and 2021, judges allowed around 35,000 drivers to keep their licences despite hitting the points threshold, Cycling UK research shows.
Road safety campaigners are now calling on the government to shut this loophole and crack down on dangerous driving.
Totting-Up Offenders: By the Numbers
- 2018: 34,485
- 2019: 38,000
- 2020: 36,483
- 2021: 38,187
