Convictions for many driving offences add demerit points to your record. Points stay on your record for two years from the date of the offence. New drivers (G1 and G2) face a stricter system than fully licensed drivers because they are still building experience.
For G1 and G2 (novice) drivers:
- 2 points, you receive a warning letter.
- 6 points, a second warning letter encouraging you to improve.
- 9 or more points, your licence is suspended for 60 days; after the suspension your total is reduced to 4 points.
For fully licensed drivers, the thresholds are higher: a warning letter at 6 points, a second at 9, and a 30-day suspension at 15.
Roughly how points are assigned:
- 7 points, failing to remain at the scene of a collision; failing to stop for police.
- 6 points, careless driving; racing; major speeding offences; failing to stop for a school bus.
- 4 points, speeding 30–49 km/h over the limit; following too closely; failing to stop at a pedestrian crossover.
- 3 points, speeding 16–29 km/h over; using a hand-held device; failing to yield; disobeying a traffic light or sign; an unsafe lane change.
- 2 points, improper turns; failing to signal; seatbelt offences; failing to pass a cyclist at the required distance.
Novice escalating sanctions: a G1 or G2 driver who breaks a novice condition (such as the zero-alcohol rule) or builds up demerit points can lose the licence under an escalating series of suspensions, and repeated offences can end the licensing process entirely.
Common mistake: assuming demerit points are the only consequence. Serious offences also bring fines, immediate roadside suspensions, and for novice drivers can cancel the licence and force you to start over.
⚠️ Trap: The novice threshold is 9 points (60-day suspension), not the 15 points that applies to fully licensed drivers. New drivers are held to the tighter standard.
Recall: How many demerit points trigger a suspension for a G1 driver? How long do demerit points stay on your record?