New Drivers On Probabation

Several countries have schemes in place that effectively put new drivers on probation for a period of time after their practical test is passed, usually months or years. In the UK, the New Drivers Act (a.k.a. Road Traffic Act "95) applies to all motorists that have been given their first full licence since the 1st of June "97. The main reason this act was created was to put new drivers on probation for the 2 year period after they pass their full test. Following is a list of common questions that are often asked about the concept of putting new drivers on probation in the U.K.

How many points are allowed on my licence before revocation if I"m still within the two year probabationary period?

If you reach 6 penalty points within this period, you"ll get your full licence revoked. If you"re one of the new drivers on probation, you should strive to keep your licence as clean as possible but sometimes getting a fixed penalty is unavoidable. A fixed penalty is a process that is automatically applied when any traffic offence is committed. For serious offences, you"ll be awarded 6 points or more and get your full licence taken away from you.

If you gathered points while using a provisional licence, these will be carried over. If you then violate any traffic rules while on your full licence, it will get revoked. This applies even when the violation in question counts for less than 6 points on your record.

You can get 60 day suspensions for committing specific traffic offences e.g. speeding, going through red lights. If you commit an offence while under the influence of substances such as recreational drugs or alcohol then you"ll get your licence suspended straightaway if you"re new drivers on probation. Suspensions can delay the amount of time it takes you to finish the probationary period.

I passed my test after the 1st of June "97, does the Road Traffic Act for New Drivers apply to me?

No, the act only applies to those who passed a full test after this date. Even if you complete a test for a different vehicle e.g. apply for a licence to drive a lorry, or get a bike licence, you won"t be treated the same way as new drivers on probation.

I passed my test after the 1st of June "97, but I"ve had to resit my driving test since. Does the Act apply now?

No, even if you have been made to retake your full licence, you won"t have the same requirements as the new drivers on probation forced upon you.

My driving licence was revoked during my probationary period, does this mean my new licence will be clean?

No, as new drivers on probation, you will be forced to keep the same points on your licence until the mandatory 3 years is up.
You will have to re-apply for a new licence and take the tests again.

What other restrictions do new drivers on probation have?

In other countries, new drivers on probation are subject to other regulations e.g. in France, new drivers must stick to a speed limit that is restricted for a two year probationary period. In Western Australia, new drivers on probation need to complete 25 supervised driving hours in the first 6 months after completing their practical assessment before being given a full licence.

What other restrictions should be imposed during a new driver"s probationary period?

Recent research has shown that some people in the U.K. believe that new drivers on probation should not be allowed to drive at night since this is when most of the accidents involving new drivers happen. Organisations in the U.K tend to be of the opinion that such a thing cannot be effectively enforced.