Damn you, Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995!

[neil_cardiff]

Hey Guys,

Just received the lovely news through the post that my license has been forwarded to the DVLA as my license has gained six points within my probationary period from passing my test over 18 months ago.

The previous 3 points expired in June 2004, however the offending 3 points was from an offence in Feb 2004, and due to the crafty wording of the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995, any previous points have to be taken into account until expired.

Hence, my license once the DVLA have processed it will be revoked.

Now my question is: How does this affect my insurance?

I've been told that I will have to cancel my policy until I have a provisional or full license, but I am unsure as to how it will affect my premium. Surely I won't lose my no claims, and I wasn't banned, but I presume I go back to being a new driver again - or do I?

Any insurance peeps here know where I stand?

Frickin Severn Bridge Scamera Bastards!!!!

[stooz]

I think you are being BANNED. 6 newbie points is the same as 12 normal points.
its a licence looser, possibly only a week, maybe a lot longer. Your insurance will go up the wall.

sorry.

[neil_cardiff]

A ban is a disqualification, which is different to a revocation.

A revocation means that the license is withheld by the secretary of state, and not returned. A disqualification ensues a period of time wherupon a driver cannot drive, and in most cases will have to retake a test.

The revocation merely requires a reapplication for a provisonal license, and passing of appropriate theory and practical test. It does not hold any period of disqualification - but obviously the time period to apply and receive the provisonal and pass the tests could be seen as a disqualification (however it isn't).

My orginal question still offered to an insurance peep is what is the legal standing here?

Ta!

[JonRB]

Traditionally you gain a year of NCB for each complete claim-free year. Some insurers have a bonus acceleration policy where the period of insurance is 10 months, not 12, and you accrue NCB quicker, but that isn't really germaine.

If you are forced to cancel your policy mid-term then you won't get a year's NCB for that term. Any NCB you had before that (if any) shouldn't be affected.

However, I should point out that this is a layman's opinion and I am not speaking from a point of authority.

[neil_cardiff]

JonRB said:

Traditionally you gain a year of NCB for each complete claim-free year. Some insurers have a bonus acceleration policy where the period of insurance is 10 months, not 12, and you accrue NCB quicker, but that isn't really germaine. If you are forced to cancel your policy mid-term then you won't get a year's NCB for that term. Any NCB you had before that (if any) shouldn't be affected. However, I should point out that this is a layman's opinion and I am not speaking from a point of authority.

However odd it may seem, I actually passed a Pass Plus scheme, which with my insurers Churchill, one years no claims immediatly. After a year of trouble free driving I gained a second year, and in the eyes of Churchill I have 2 years - I'm happy to stay with them - but when I spoke to them they couldn't answer my questions until I receive the letter from the DVLA

[mandat]

JonRB said:

If you are forced to cancel your policy mid-term then you won't get a year's NCB for that term.

Would you be forced to cancel the policy mid term?

I know that when completing on-line insurance quote applications there is wording to the effect that the propser must have a valid licence for the type of vehicle to be insured.

However, what if you have comprehensive cover and you wanted to keep the car insured (against theft, fire, etc) while you are obtaining a new licence?

[Tonyrec]

Sadly youre Licence is being 'Revoked' by DVLA but you are NOT a banned driver from a Court that will lead to you being arrested if found driving.

Youre Licence will revert to being a Provisional again and you will have to take the theory test and practical exam again.

If you are stopped driving alone,unsupervised and No L plates etc then you will get a ticket for Driving Not in Accordance With a Licence.

However,you will need to speak with your Insurance Company.

Im sorry about the news and its a sad way to lose your Licence. But chin up and take the new bits straight away.

[JonRB]

neil_cardiff said:

However odd it may seem, I actually passed a Pass Plus scheme, which with my insurers Churchill, one years no claims immediatly. After a year of trouble free driving I gained a second year, and in the eyes of Churchill I have 2 years

Yes, sorry, I should have mentioned that in my original post. I meant that you accrue NCB one complete year at a time in addition to any introductory discount your insurer may give you. The extra "year" they gave you for Pass Plus is, in effect, an introductory discout.

I would imagine that if you started your term with 2 years NCB then you will still have that. However, you wont have 3 years because you won't have completed this year, if you see what I mean.

I would be very suprised indeed if you lost the 2 years you started with though. It's not like you're making a claim or anything.

[mcflurry]

IMO they probably will adjust the premium back to that of a learner driver, and then deduct the 2 years no claims. i.e. it will go up at this point.
Come renewal you will have 3 years discount (IIRC 40/45%), but will either be classed as a learner or new driver, plus the endorsement so your renewal will be a bit higher than normal.

[cdp]

Will the insurers let you lay-up the car until you get your provisional license? That way the car is still insured (but not drivable and can not be parked on the road) and normally at quite a low rate. Alternatively can you keep the policy open for a named driver (parents possibly) as you probably don't want to sell the car while trying to regain your license.

[bluesandtwos]

AFAIK there is no legal requirement for you to terminate your insurance. However you must inform your insurance company of the situation. You will still want it insured for theft and fire as a minimum, and when you get your provisional you will need it insured anyway.

[JonRB]

bluesandtwos said:

AFAIK there is no legal requirement for you to terminate your insurance. However you must inform your insurance company of the situation. You will still want it insured for theft and fire as a minimum, and when you get your provisional you will need it insured anyway.

Indeed. However, if his insurers refuse to provide cover under th enew circumstances (ie. they have a policy of not covering learner drivers) then the policy will have to be cancelled.

Best bet is to phone the insurers and enquire.

[Pulsatingstar]

If it were me, Id book my test right away - its not like your going to need any lessons and not tell the insurance company.

I obviously wouldnt drive, id just put it in the garage or something untill I passed the test and got the full licence back and then carry on as normal.

Not worth risking the cancelation of a policy half way through by messing around with it when you wont be driving untill passing a test again anyway.

Lee

[cdp]

No, always tell them. The insurance companies have a nasty habit of trying to avoid payouts and this would hand the excuse to them on a plate.

Reckon they may go for the layed up option as it is almost no risk to them - assuming you can keep it off the road.