Learner drivers could be a risk of a fine worth up to £1,000 as well as up to six points for making a very easy mistake.

The Raod Traffic Act, a piece of legislation that dictates a variety of road laws, dictates that drivers must have a valid licence which allows them to operate a vehicle in accordance with that licence. Because of this, those who own a provisional licence are under strict rules on how they can drive a vehicle.

For example, if a learner driver is the one behind the wheel, they must be supervisedby a family member or friend who is over the age of 21 and is already qualified to drive the type of vehicle the learner is driving and have their full driving licence for at least three years. Keep in mind that the full licence must also have been received from one of the following regions or countries:

  • The UK
  • The Eu
  • Switzerland
  • Norway
  • Iceland
  • Liechtenstein

It's important to remember that all of these conditions must be met for someone to be allowed to supervise a learner's driving, for example your friend could be over 21 and have a full licence for over three years but if they're licence only allows them to drive an automatic car, they cannot supervise a learner if they're in a manual-driven car.

If a learner is found to be in breach of this law, they will be found to be driving otherwise in accordance with licence, which can carry some heavy penalties.

For example, official guidance states that fines can reach up to £1,000 and the provisional licence holder could receive up to six points. Receiving points could have major effects on the learner's driving in the future when they eventually get their full licence.

What happens if a learner gets too many points?

Just like a full licence, a provisional one can also accrue points. Any points gained on a provisional licence will be carried over to the full licence once the learner passes their test.

It's important to note that new drivers are subject to a two-year probationary period with their full licence. If they accumulate six or more points during this time, they'll lose their licence and have to retake their driving test.

Furthermore, a learner can gather up to 11 points on their licence and still take their test. However, any additional points that push them over the limit will result in licence loss.

Points accumulated during the provisional phase could adversely affect when they start looking for insurance, as many insurers might charge significantly more for a new driver with points or even outright refuse to insure them.