The points-based licence
Understanding how the 12-point balance works: deductions, recovery, courses and invalidation.
Updated 13 June 2026
A system with three purposes
The points-based licence fulfils three roles. Firstly a deterrent role: each offence costs points, which encourages compliance with the Highway Code or risk losing the right to drive. Secondly an educational role: the driver is responsible for managing their balance and can attend courses to recover points. Finally a punitive role towards those who deliberately endanger their own life and the lives of others.
The driving licence is not acquired permanently. It is a right conditional on obeying the rules.
The points balance
The maximum balance is 12 points for an experienced driver. A new driver in their probationary period starts with 6 points and gradually gains points (2 per year over 3 years, or 3 per year over 2 years with AAC) provided no offence resulting in a deduction is committed.
Do not confuse point recovery after an offence (a mechanism open to all drivers) with the gradual increase in balance during the probationary period (a mechanism specific to new drivers). These are two independent systems.
Point deductions
Each offence results in a deduction of 1 to 6 points. Minor offences necessarily incur a fine and possibly a point deduction. Serious offences automatically result in a 6-point deduction, plus potential prison sentences.
Important rule: in the case of multiple offences committed simultaneously, the maximum deduction is 8 points. You can never lose more than 8 points at once.
The point deduction takes effect on the day the fixed fine is paid, or when the fine is increased due to exceeding the payment deadline.
Automatic recovery
If you have lost only one point, you recover it after 6 months without a new offence. If you have lost more than one point, your balance automatically returns to 12 points after 2 years without an offence. This period extends to 3 years for drivers in their probationary period and for those who have committed a serious offence or a 4th or 5th class contravention.
For automatic recovery, you must have at least 1 point remaining on your licence. If your balance falls to zero, it is invalidation.
The awareness course
The voluntary road safety awareness course allows recovery of up to 4 points. It is paid for by the driver and limited to one per year. The balance cannot exceed 12 points through the course. To attend, the points balance must not be zero.
During the probationary period, the course becomes compulsory upon losing 3 or more points. The driver has 4 months to attend after notification. This first compulsory course also allows reimbursement of the fixed fine.
Courses ordered by a judge (supplementary penalty) or proposed by the prosecutor (alternative to prosecution) do not allow point recovery. Only the voluntary awareness course permits this.
Invalidation and cancellation: two different things
Invalidation is an administrative decision resulting from the total loss of points (zero balance). The driver receives a registered letter (48SI) ordering them to surrender their licence to the prefecture within 10 days. They must wait at least 6 months, pass a medical examination and a psychotechnical test before being able to retake the licence.
Cancellation is a judicial decision handed down by a court, usually after a serious offence or repeat offending. In the case of a repeat offence, the driver must wait 3 years before being able to apply for a new licence.
Any cancellation or invalidation affects all licence categories held: car, motorcycle, heavy goods vehicle, etc.
Retaking the licence after invalidation or cancellation
If the duration of the invalidation or cancellation is less than 1 year and the licence was obtained more than 3 years ago, only the theory test (the code) needs to be retaken. The registration request must be submitted within 9 months. If this deadline is not met, or if the duration exceeds 1 year, or if the licence was less than 3 years old, both the theory and practical tests must be retaken. In all cases, the new licence starts a probationary period with 6 points.
Recap
- The maximum balance is 12 points. New drivers start with 6 points.
- An offence can result in a deduction of 1 to 6 points. In the case of simultaneous offences, 8 points maximum.
- A lost point is recovered after 6 months without an offence. To recover the full balance, 2 to 3 years are needed.
- The voluntary course allows recovery of 4 points, once per year maximum.
- During the probationary period, the course is compulsory from 3 points lost, with reimbursement of the fine for the first one.
- Invalidation (administrative) = zero balance. Cancellation (judicial) = court decision.
- After invalidation or cancellation, a medical and psychotechnical examination is compulsory.
- If the duration is less than 1 year and the licence is more than 3 years old, only the theory test needs to be retaken.
Test yourself
How many points can be lost at most in one go (multiple simultaneous offences)?
- ○6 points
- ○12 points
- ✓8 points
- ○4 points
Correct answer : 8 points
After losing a single point, how long does it take to recover it without a new offence?
- ✓6 months
- ○1 year
- ○2 years
- ○3 months
Correct answer : 6 months
Sources: Sécurité routière (securite-routiere.gouv.fr) and service-public.fr.