How to Check Demerit Points for an Australian Driver’s License
Check your Demerit Points

Understanding Demerit Points in Australia

Demerit points are recorded against your driver’s license when you commit certain traffic offenses. The points remain on your record for a specified period, typically three years, before they expire. Accumulating excessive demerit points within this period can lead to consequences such as warnings, fines, or license suspension.

Common Offenses Leading to Demerit Points

• Speeding: Higher fines and more points apply in school zones and high-speed areas.

• Running red lights: Failing to stop at a red signal can result in multiple demerit points.

• Using a mobile phone while driving: Includes texting, making calls without hands-free, or using social media.

• Failing to wear a seatbelt: Applies to both drivers and passengers.

• Drink or drug driving: Zero tolerance for learners and probationary drivers.

• Driving without a valid license: Includes suspended, canceled, or expired licenses.

Maximum Demerit Points Allowed

The number of demerit points you can accumulate before facing penalties varies by license type:

  • Full license holders: 12 points in 3 years

  • Provisional (P1/P2) and learner drivers: Lower thresholds, often 4-7 points

  • Professional drivers: May have a higher limit in some states

Read more: Where to Check A Car History in Australia - 10 Free Sites to Find the PPSR

How to Check Your Demerit Points

1. Online Check (Recommended)

Most Australian states and territories offer online portals where you can check your demerit points. You will typically need:

• Your driver’s license number

• Personal details such as name and date of birth

• A secure login (e.g., MyGov account in some cases)

State-Specific Online Check Links

• New South Wales (NSW): Service NSW (www.service.nsw.gov.au)

• Victoria (VIC): VicRoads (www.vicroads.vic.gov.au)

• Queensland (QLD): Department of Transport and Main Roads (www.qld.gov.au)

• South Australia (SA): MySA GOV (www.sa.gov.au)

• Western Australia (WA): Department of Transport (www.transport.wa.gov.au)

• Tasmania (TAS): Department of State Growth (www.transport.tas.gov.au)

• Northern Territory (NT): MVR Online Services (www.nt.gov.au)

• Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Access Canberra (www.act.gov.au)

2. Phone Inquiry

If you prefer not to use an online portal, you can call your state’s road authority and request your demerit point record. Be prepared to provide:

Your driver’s license number

Date of birth

Other identification details if requested

3. In-Person Request

You can visit a transport service center in your state and request a printed demerit point statement. Steps include:

• Locate your nearest transport office using the official government website.

• Bring your driver’s license and identification.

• Request a copy of your demerit point record.

• Pay any applicable fees if required for a printed statement.

4. Written Request

Some states allow you to request a demerit point statement via mail by filling out a form and submitting it to the relevant authority. This method may take longer but is useful for those who need an official document for legal or insurance purposes.

Read more: How to Check Penalty Points on Your UK Driving Licence in 2025

How to Reduce Demerit Points

1. Wait for Automatic Expiry

Demerit points expire after three years in most states, provided no further offenses are committed.

2. Opt for a Good Behavior Period

If you are nearing your demerit point limit, some states offer a good behavior period instead of suspension. However, if you commit another offense during this period, the penalties are more severe.

3. Complete a Defensive Driving Course

Some states allow drivers to take an approved course to reduce demerit points or avoid additional penalties.

4. Apply for an Exceptional Hardship License

If your license is at risk of suspension, you may be able to apply for an exceptional hardship license, which allows you to drive under strict conditions (e.g., for work or medical reasons).

Additional Tips to Maintain a Clean Driving Record

• Follow speed limits: Pay attention to road signs and school zone restrictions.

• Avoid mobile phone use: Use hands-free devices if necessary.

• Observe traffic signals: Stop completely at stop signs and red lights.

• Avoid risky driving behaviors: Stay sober and alert when driving.

Conclusion

Regularly checking your demerit points ensures you stay informed about your driving record and avoid unexpected penalties. Each state and territory has specific ways to check demerit points, with online portals being the most convenient. If you are nearing the demerit point limit, consider safer driving habits or options like a good behavior period to protect your license.

FAQs: Demerit Points in Australia

1. How many demerit points can you get before losing your licence?

Drivers accumulate demerit points with each offence. If they exceed the limit within a 3-year period, their licence may be suspended. The limits are:

  • Unrestricted licence – 13 points
  • P2 licence – 7 points
  • P1 licence – 4 points
  • Learner (L) licence – 4 points
  • Professional driver – 14 points

2. What happens if I receive a Notice of Suspension or Refusal?

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) issues a Notice of Suspension or Refusal when you reach or exceed the demerit point limit. Drivers may also receive a warning letter if they are close to their limit.

For unrestricted licences, suspension periods are:

  • 13 to 15 points – 3 months
  • 16 to 19 points – 4 months
  • 20+ points – 5 months

For P and L licence holders, the suspension period is always 3 months, regardless of the number of points.

3. What is the good behaviour period?

Instead of serving a suspension, unrestricted licence holders can apply for a 12-month good behaviour period. However, if they accumulate 2 or more demerit points during this period, their licence is suspended for twice the original suspension time.

To apply, drivers must submit a request at least 2 business days before the suspension starts. Late applications must be made in person at Service NSW or a motor registry with a driver’s licence and suspension letter.

If a driver exceeds the demerit limit twice in 5 years, they must resit the Driver Knowledge Test.

4. How long do demerit points stay on my record?

Demerit points remain on your driving record permanently, but they expire from your cumulative total after 40 months (3 years and 4 months). The offence itself, however, stays on your record.

5. Do demerit points affect my greenslip price?

Yes. When applying for Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, insurers consider demerit points as an indicator of driving risk. Drivers with demerit points may pay significantly higher premiums, while those with zero demerit points can save up to $300 on their greenslip or CTP insurance.

For more details, visit your state’s transport authority website or contact them directly.

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