A fresh report reveals that the DVLA has stripped driving privileges from 140,792 motorists, according to data dissected by Dayinsure’s motoring experts. Bans stem from various infractions, most commonly racking up 12 or more penalty points—triggering an automatic disqualification—or committing serious offenses that demand immediate license revocation.
Courts determine ban durations, which range from six months to two years based on offense severity, speed of point accumulation, and past disqualifications. Nicholas Shaw, Operations Director at Dayinsure, remarked to Lancs Live, “It’s naive to assume everyone drives responsibly. Make sure you’re insured for the worst-case scenario—an accident could happen anytime.”
Bradford tops the list for bans per capita, with one in 191 drivers sidelined, outpacing Liverpool (one in 204) and Teesside (one in 231). While megacities like London (7,995 bans) and Birmingham (over 4,000) boast high raw numbers, their vast populations temper their per-head rankings. Blackburn, Leeds, Oldham, Sunderland, and Halifax round out the top 10 hotspots for banned drivers.
Shockingly, over 50 UK drivers hold valid licenses despite amassing 30+ points, fueling demands for compulsory retraining. Three men—including a 26-year-old with a staggering 176 points—lead the pack, while a 50-year-old woman holds the female record at 96, per PA news agency’s crunch of DVLA stats. In total, 53 people exceed 30 points, and 10,056 retain licenses past the 12-point mark.
Points pile up from convictions like careless driving (3-9 points), drink-driving (3-11 points), or speeding (3-6 points). Typically, hitting 12 points within three years triggers a six-month ban unless courts grant leniency for “exceptional hardship”—think job loss or family caregiving woes. IAM RoadSmart’s Nicholas Lyes called the figures “alarming,” urging a rethink of hardship definitions and mandatory training for those spared disqualification.
Most drivers nearing the limit tread carefully, but a defiant few flout the rules. Points linger on records for up to 11 years, letting some rack up violations post-ban. DVLA data from September 14 doesn’t specify how many dodged bans at 12 points. RAC Foundation’s Steve Gooding stressed, “We need clarity on who’s escaping bans and why. Transparency could balance mobility with safety and boost trust in the system. ‘Exceptional hardship’ should mean just that—exceptional.”
The DVLA, a mere recorder of court outcomes, lacks sentencing power but double-checks with courts when bans don’t follow 12-point thresholds, ensuring intent aligns with action.
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