How long do points stay on my driving licence?

When getting insurance, any previous convictions could greatly change your insurance premium.

Most insurance companies insist on knowing any previous convictions in the last 5 years. In most cases, after 4 years the points can be taken off your driving licence. With more serious offences (causing death while being drunk, etc) the points stay on your licence for 11 years.

Looking at the general offences, the rule is that the points remain valid for 3 years, then can be removed after 1 more year

Under the 'totting up' rule if you acquire 12 or more valid points, you will lose your licence. The mandatory length of the driving ban will be 6 months, but in some cases may be less or more, depending on the circumstances, and the court's decision.

Rob Laird - ADI
RPL Driving School

New Car, 7 Days To Get Tax...??

If you buy a car untaxed, have you got 7 days in which to tax it??

This has been a rumour that I've heard several times, unfortunately sometimes from car dealers and salesmen.

If you buy a car, it must be taxed. There is no 7 day period for you to arrange it.

Rob Laird - ADI
RPL Driving School

How quickly can I get car insurance?

The moment you've paid over the phone, you're covered. Granted you might not be able to tax your car until the paperwork turns up (taxing online is a possibility in some cases), but you can drive the car as soon as you put the phone down.

Great once you've passed your driving test, or you've just bought a new car.

Rob Laird - ADI
RPL Driving School