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Promoting Safety

New Drivers

 
If you've just passed your first driving test - CONGRATULATIONS!

The Fire and Rescue Service attend numerous Road Traffic Collisions with the Police each year

But remember, if you clock up six or more penalty points in the next two years, you'll lose your licence and have to take the test again.

Statistics show you're most at risk of having an accident in the two years or so after you pass your test - one in five newly qualified drivers have a crash within a year. We'll take your licence away if you increase that risk by committing offences like speeding.


Penalty points

The main penalty point offences are:

Bullet icon Speeding 3-6 points
Bullet icon Going through a red light 3 points
Bullet icon Careless driving 3-9 points
Bullet icon Driving without insurance 6-8 points
Bullet icon Failing to stop after an accident 5-10 points

If you run six or more penalty points, you'll get a letter telling you your licence is no longer valid. You should inform your insurance company immediately.

You will have to apply for a new provisional licence to continue driving as a learner.


Driving as a learner

Remember, as a learner:

Bullet icon You can't drive on the motorway;
Bullet icon You must display L plates;
Bullet icon You can't drive a car unless you're accompanied by someone over 21 who has had a full driving licence for at least three years;
Bullet icon You're limited to less powerful motorbikes



Firefighters assist at another RTC on Shropshire's roads
The retest

The retest is just the same as a normal driving test. You must pay for and take both the theory and practical sections.

If you pass the retest and then run up more penalty points, you won't have to go through the same process again. But any points will stay on your licence, so you risk losing it anyway.


REMEMBER: Between the age of 16 and 25 you are more likely to be involved in a road accident than any other age group so take care and never speed, don't drink and/or take drugs and drive, don't use your mobile phone while driving and always wear a seat belt (clunk click every trip)


Further information
Bullet icon Driving Theory Test
Directgov website
www.direct.gov.uk
Bullet icon Driving Standards Agency
www.dsa.gov.uk
Bullet icon Practice Theory Tests
Practice for the Official Theory Test
with the Driving Standards Agency
www.theory-tests.co.uk
 


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© 2005 Shropshire and Wrekin Fire Authority
This page updated 06-Nov-2007