Driving Disqualification & Totting Up Calculator UK 2025 — Points, Bans & Hardship
Reaching 12 penalty points within 3 years means the court must disqualify you for at least 6 months — unless you can prove exceptional hardship. New drivers who reach 6 points within 2 years of passing lose their licence entirely. This calculator checks your risk of disqualification and explains the exceptional hardship defence.
12 points in 3 years = mandatory 6-month disqualification (Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 s.35). New drivers: 6 points in 2 years = licence revoked (must retake test). Exceptional hardship: must be argued before the court — not automatic. Drink driving (DR10) carries a mandatory minimum 12-month ban plus possible imprisonment for high readings.
Common Motoring Offences — Points and Penalties
| Code | Offence | Points | Mandatory ban? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP30 | Exceeding speed limit on public road | 3–6 | No (discretionary) |
| IN10 | Using vehicle uninsured against third-party risks | 6–8 | No (discretionary) |
| CU80 | Using hand-held mobile phone while driving | 6 | No |
| DR10 | Driving with excess alcohol (drink driving) | 3–11 | Yes — minimum 12 months |
| DR20 | Driving or attempting to drive while unfit (drugs) | 3–11 | Yes — minimum 12 months |
| DD40 | Dangerous driving | 3–11 | Yes — minimum 12 months |
| CD10 | Careless or inconsiderate driving | 3–9 | No (discretionary) |
| MS10 | Leaving vehicle in a dangerous position / leaving scene | 5–10 | No |
Speed Camera Offences — Fixed Penalty vs Court
Most speeding offences detected by camera are handled by a fixed penalty notice: 3 points and a £100 fine. However, serious speeding (typically over 50% above the limit, or caught at very high speeds) will be referred to court where 4–6 points or a disqualification may be imposed. Speed awareness courses can be offered as an alternative to fixed penalty for first-time low-level speeders — completing a course means no points on your licence.
Exceptional Hardship — Preparing Your Case
If you are facing a totting disqualification and wish to argue exceptional hardship, preparation is essential:
- Gather written evidence: employer letter confirming you will lose your job if banned; evidence of dependants’ needs (medical letters, childcare arrangements); financial statements showing hardship
- Identify who else will be affected (spouse, children, elderly parents who need driving)
- The burden is on you to prove exceptional hardship on the balance of probabilities
- You cannot use the same hardship arguments twice within 3 years
- Instruct a specialist motoring solicitor — success rates are much higher with professional representation
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for low-level speeding offences. The National Speed Awareness Course (NSAC) is typically offered where you were caught up to 10% plus 9mph above the limit (e.g. up to 42mph in a 30 zone). Completing the course means no points and no fine, but you pay the course fee (typically £80–100). You can only attend a speed awareness course once every 3 years for the same offence type. If you are close to 12 points, this option is extremely valuable.
Not automatically. Courts require you to show that losing your licence will cause exceptional hardship beyond the normal inconvenience of a ban. Losing a job that requires driving can qualify, but courts look at whether alternative transport is available, what financial impact loss of income has on your dependants (not just yourself), and whether the hardship is truly exceptional. A good solicitor can frame these arguments effectively, including evidence from your employer and financial statements.