KEEPING YOUR LICENCE

You’ve worked hard to get your new driving licence. The last thing you want to do now is lose it – but sadly it’s only too easy.

As a new driver, your licence is probationary for two years. Collect just six penalty points (including any points carried over from your provisional licence) and you lose your licence. THIS MEANS YOU’LL HAVE TO RETAKE ALL PARTS OF YOUR DRIVING TEST AGAIN. Not only do you risk losing your licence but you also face a hefty fine, as well as increased insurance premiums. Check out just how easy it is to collect six penalty points:

COMMON OFFENCES AND THEIR ASSOCIATED PENALTY POINTS

Offence Penalty
Using a mobile phone while driving 3 points
Exceeding the speed limit 3-6 points
Dangerous driving 3-11 points
Using a vehicle with defective tyre/s 3 points
Driving without due care and attention 3-9 points
Failing to stop after an accident 5-10 points
DRINK AND DRUG DRIVING

FACT

Alcohol and drugs affect judgement and make drivers more likely to take risks. Younger drivers are particularly vulnerable – especially when under peer pressure or attempting to impress their friends.

But would the police know if I’ve been drinking or taking drugs?

The police are very good at spotting a drunk or drugged driver. If they suspect you’re driving under the influence, they’re allowed by law to pull you over on the spot. They’ll give you a breathalyser test to measure your alcohol level, and a ‘FIT’ test (Field Impairment Test) will tell them if you’ve been using drugs. Drug testing devices are now being used in the UK. Don’t risk it!

It isn’t just your licence that’s at risk. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts your life at risk, as well as the lives of your passengers and other road users.

Video on legal highs

Video on legal highs

Further information on legal highs

Keep your eyes on the road

Any distraction that takes your eyes off the road – even for a second – is an accident waiting to happen. Using your mobile, adjusting your music, eating, drinking, lighting a cigarette, even putting on your sunglasses, are all common causes of accidents.

And it’s not just talking on your mobile that’s dangerous – texting, tweeting, checking social media, even if you’re on hands-free, all slow down your ability to react in an emergency.