Got points on your licence and wondering if there’s any way to shift them early?
You’re not alone. Points stick around for three years (and even longer on your DVLA record). But if you think something’s gone wrong with your case, or you didn’t even know it had gone to court, there might be a way out.
Let’s break it down.
First Things First: Can You Just ‘Remove’ Points?
Not really. There’s no simple form to fill out or shortcut to wipe points off your licence. But there are legal routes that can lead to points being taken off - especially if:
- You weren’t aware of the offence
- You were convicted without knowing
- The sentence was unfair or too harsh
- You’re facing a ban for reaching 12 points
Most of these involve going back to court and challenging the original conviction.
Option 1: Reopen the Case
If you didn’t get the paperwork, missed the hearing, or were convicted in your absence, you might be able to get the case reopened.
This is usually done in one of two ways:
- Section 142 application – ask the court to undo the conviction due to a mistake (like being unaware of the hearing).
- Statutory declaration – a formal statement saying you never knew about the case. If the court accepts it, the conviction and points are cancelled.
But here’s the catch: statutory declarations must be made within 21 days of finding out you’d been convicted. Miss the deadline, and the court might not accept it.
Option 2: Appeal the Conviction or Sentence
If you knew about the case but feel the result was wrong - maybe you pled not guilty and lost, or you think the sentence was excessive, you can appeal.
There are two appeal options:
- Challenge the conviction (if you say you didn’t commit the offence)
- Challenge the sentence (if you admit the offence but think the penalty was too harsh)
If your appeal is successful, the court can reduce or even remove the points. But be careful - if the appeal fails, the court could increase your sentence or order you to pay more costs. Always speak to a solicitor before taking this route.
You’ve got 21 days from the sentence to file an appeal.
Option 3: Totting-Up Ban
If you hit 12 points in 3 years, the court will usually ban you from driving for 6 months. After that ban, your points are wiped clean.
It’s not the ideal way to clear your licence, but it does technically remove the points. (Of course, you'd need to survive 6 months without a car, so not exactly Plan A.)
Other Ways to Reduce the Impact
Let’s say your case is reopened or appealed. At that point, you might be able to reduce the sentence, even if the points aren’t scrapped completely.
Some of the ways this can happen include:
- Mitigation – explaining your personal circumstances
- Plea bargaining – pleading guilty to a lesser offence
- Basis of plea – accepting guilt, but disputing certain facts
This kind of strategy can lead to fewer points, a smaller fine, or sometimes no endorsement at all.
Why Bother Removing Points Early?
Plenty of reasons:
- You’re close to a ban and can’t risk more points
- Your insurance has gone through the roof
- You need a clean licence for work (e.g. HGV or taxi drivers)
- You just want peace of mind
FAQs
How long do points stay on a licence? They count towards totting up for 3 years, but remain on your DVLA record for 4.
Do I have to tell my insurer? Yes. If you don’t, your policy could be void.
Can I check how many points I’ve got? Yes. Head to the DVLA website and use their online licence checker.
Will I need to re-sit my test if I get points? Only if you’re a new driver and get 6+ points within 2 years. Otherwise, no.
Final Word
If you’ve picked up points and something doesn’t feel right, or you weren’t given a fair shot in court, don’t just sit and wait 3 years.
Talk to a solicitor. See if your case can be reopened or appealed. If there's a legal route to get those points off your record, we’ll help you find it.
📞 Free advice? Call us on 0151 422 8020. Let’s see if we can put it right.
