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Penalty points on your driving licence
On 29 april 2026 Penalty points on your driving licence: when do you get them and what are the consequences?
Probationary licence, penalty point system, suspension or invalidation of your driving licence: for many drivers, these are confusing concepts. It is often assumed that every traffic violation automatically leads to a penalty point. In reality, it is more nuanced than that.
In this blog, we explain what the probationary licence and the penalty point system are, when you can receive a penalty point on your driving licence and what the possible consequences are. Two systems: the probationary licence and the penalty point system
In the Netherlands, two different systems work with penalty points: the probationary licence and the penalty point system.
The probationary licence applies only to novice drivers. Novice drivers are relatively often involved in traffic accidents and commit traffic violations more frequently. To improve road safety, the probationary licence was introduced. Under this scheme, stricter rules apply and you can receive a penalty point more quickly.
How long you are considered a novice driver depends on the age at which you obtained your first driving licence. In most cases, this is five years. If you obtained your driving licence at the age of 16 or 17, a period of seven years applies.
In addition to the probationary licence, there is the penalty point system. This system applies to all drivers and is specifically aimed at combating drink and drug driving. As a novice driver, you automatically fall under both schemes. When do you receive a penalty point on your driving licence?
Probationary licence
As a novice driver, you can receive a penalty point on your driving licence if you are convicted of a serious traffic violation. This includes situations in which you:
a) cause danger or hindrance...