Traffic Offences and Penalties - Driver theory Test

The minimum penalty for speeding in the UK

A £100 fine and three penalty points: The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence. However, a speed awareness course might be offered for minor first offences.

Circumstances under which you might be offered a speed awareness course

If its your first speeding offence and your speed isnt excessively over the limit: A speed awareness course may be offered for a first speeding offence, provided the speed is not deemed excessively over the limit. This is often an alternative to points and a fine.

A potential consequence if you exceed the speed limit by more than 21mph

A driving ban: Exceeding the speed limit by more than 21mph can result in a driving ban. This indicates a more severe breach of speeding regulations.

The drivers are typically prosecuted for speeding when...

When exceeding the speed limit by 10% plus 2mph: Guidelines suggest that prosecution typically occurs when drivers exceed the speed limit by 10% plus 2mph. However, police are not strictly bound by this guideline.

The penalty for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving in the UK

A £200 fine and six penalty points: Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving carries a penalty of a £200 fine and six penalty points. This applies even when sitting in traffic.

The specific consequence for a new driver (passed within the last two years) caught using a hand-held mobile phone while driving

A driving ban: If a new driver, who passed their test within the last two years, is caught using a hand-held mobile phone, it will result in a driving ban.

An example of careless driving that can lead to a fine

Showing poor lane discipline on the motorway: Careless driving, also known as driving without due care and attention, includes offences like showing poor lane discipline on the motorway or driving too close to another vehicle.

The on-the-spot penalty police can issue for careless driving

A £100 fine and three penalty points: Police can issue an on-the-spot penalty of a £100 fine and three penalty points for careless driving. More serious cases may go to court.

A potential consequence if found responsible for causing death by careless driving

A driving ban, an unlimited fine, or a prison sentence of up to five years: Causing death by careless driving can lead to severe penalties, including a driving ban, an unlimited fine, or a prison sentence of up to five years.

The maximum prison sentence for dangerous driving

Up to 14 years: If found guilty of dangerous driving, individuals could face severe penalties, including an unlimited fine, a driving ban, and up to 14 years in prison.

If you fail a preliminary roadside breath test or fail to comply with it

You will be arrested under suspicion of drink driving: If you fail a preliminary roadside breath test, or refuse to comply, you will be arrested under suspicion of drink driving and taken to a police station for a more accurate test.

A possible penalty if found over the limit for drink driving

A driving ban, an unlimited fine, and up to six months imprisonment: Being found over the drink driving limit can result in serious penalties, including a possible driving ban, an unlimited fine, and up to six months imprisonment.

A possible consequence if you cause another persons death in a crash while over the drink driving limit

Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, and a driving ban of at least two years: Causing a death while over the drink driving limit carries extremely severe penalties, including up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, and a minimum two-year driving ban.

Penalties for drug driving

A driving ban of at least one year, an unlimited fine, and six months in prison: Penalties for drug driving are severe and include a driving ban of at least one year, an unlimited fine, and six months in prison, along with a criminal record.

Something that is NOT a consequence of drug driving

Only a verbal warning from the police: Drug driving carries significant legal consequences beyond a verbal warning, including a criminal record, and can impact car insurance and future employment prospects.

The roadside penalty for driving without insurance on a public road

A £300 fine and six penalty points: If caught driving without insurance on a public road, the roadside penalty is a £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence.

The fine a driver can be issued if a child isnt in the correct car seat

£500: A driver can be issued with a £500 fine if a child is not in the correct car seat, highlighting the importance of adhering to child car seat laws.

The maximum fine for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence

£1,000: The punishment for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence includes a fine of up to £1,000, along with up to six points and a possible disqualification.

A certain consequence if you are caught driving after being disqualified

Your disqualification will be extended as a minimum: If caught driving after a ban, the court will, as a minimum, extend your disqualification, and may also impose a fine or prison sentence.

The usual on-the-spot fine for driving without a current MOT

£100: Generally, the punishment for driving without a current MOT is a £100 on-the-spot fine, usually with no penalty points.

The maximum fine if a case for driving without an MOT goes to court

£1,000: If a case for driving without a current MOT goes to court, it could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

What can happen if your vehicle is found to be unroadworthy by the police (e.g., defective brakes) even with a valid MOT

You can be hit with a fine and points for each fault discovered: If a vehicle is found unroadworthy by the police, even with a valid MOT, you can receive a fine and penalty points for each fault discovered, such as illegal tyres or defective brakes.