Basic guide to driving offences:

Types of Ban

Instant driving bans - Double or over 100mph gets you a instant driving ban. You also get a mandatory driving ban should you be caught Dangerous Driving (or its variants).

Totting up - If you gain 12 penalty points you will be automatically banned for a minimum of 6 months, you will have to go to court for this offence. The exception to this rule is the 'New drivers act' mentioned below.

New Drivers Act - When you pass your test you only have 6 points to use in the first 2 years of driving, if you have to retake your test at any time you'll become a 'New Driver'.

Speeding Offences

Speed Awareness Course - Normally more expensive option but allows you to keep a clean licence, these vary from police force to police force, Some only allow if you have a clean record, some are limited to amount of spaces ect.

Fixed Penalty Notices - Most speeding offences are dealt with by fixed penalty, £60 fine and 3 Penalty Points.

Speeding Summons / Court Summons / Citation (Scotland) - In cases where a Court process has been issued, the offence carries between 3 and 6 penalty points or a discretionary ban. The fine, whilst means tested, can range from £100 to £1,000 for offences on non–motorways and up to £2,500 for motorway offences.

Offences with discretionary Bans

• Careless or inconsiderate driving
• Failing to stop or report after an accident
• Driving when disqualified
• Driving after refusal or revocation of licence on medical grounds
• Driving without insurance
• Driving otherwise than in accordance with a driving licence
• Speeding offences
• Traffic light offences
• Failing to identify a driver

Don't forget about Totting up. These types of bans can be appealed under 'exceptional hardship' but you may not win the case.

Offences carrying a Mandatory Ban

• Dangerous driving (I got charged with this and got 200 hours community service, 15 month ban and a very expensive insurance bill)
• Causing death by dangerous driving
• Drink driving or driving whilst unfit through drink/drugs
• Failing to provide a specimen

To be continued ................

Think thus could do with pinning.

That's a pretty decent explanation.

Thanks Guys and thank you to whoever pinned :)