A major endorsement is a serious traffic violation recorded on your driving record

A major endorsement is a code printed on your driving licence that shows you were convicted of a serious traffic offence. It stays on your record for a set number of years — usually four years from the date of conviction for most major offences, though some remain longer. The endorsement itself is not a separate document; it appears as a code and description on the back of your physical licence card.

Major endorsements differ from minor endorsements in how they affect your driving record and insurance. A minor endorsement (like a parking violation) may not add penalty points or may add only a few. A major endorsement typically adds between 3 and 11 penalty points to your licence, depending on the offence. Accumulating 12 or more points within three years can result in a driving ban.

The most common major endorsements include dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, careless driving, driving without insurance, and speeding significantly above the limit. Each offence has its own code — for example, "DD40" for dangerous driving or "IN10" for driving without insurance.

Key Takeaways

  • A major endorsement is a conviction code recorded on your licence that shows you committed a serious traffic offence.
  • Major endorsements add between 3 and 11 penalty points to your licence, and 12 points within three years triggers a mandatory driving ban.
  • Most major endorsements remain on your licence for four years from the date of conviction, though some serious offences stay longer.
  • Your insurance premium will increase significantly after a major endorsement, and some insurers may refuse to cover you.

How endorsement codes work on your licence

Each endorsement is represented by a two-letter code followed by two numbers. The letters indicate the type of offence, and the numbers show how many penalty points were added. When you receive your licence in the post after a conviction, the endorsement code and a description of the offence will be printed on the back.

You can read your endorsement by looking at the back of your physical licence card under the section marked "Endorsements". If you hold a photocard licence, the endorsement appears there. If you hold an old paper licence, the endorsement is written on the counterpart document that came with it.

Some endorsements are mandatory — meaning the court must impose them as part of the sentence. Others are discretionary, meaning the court can choose whether to add them based on the circumstances of the case. Dangerous driving, for example, carries a mandatory endorsement. A minor speeding offence might not.

How long endorsements stay on your record

The length of time an endorsement remains on your licence depends on the offence. For most major traffic offences, the endorsement is removed four years after the date of conviction. This means it stops appearing on your licence after that date, though the conviction itself remains part of your criminal record.

Some serious offences carry longer endorsement periods. Driving under the influence offences typically remain for 11 years. Causing death by dangerous driving or careless driving while under the influence can stay for 11 years as well. Dangerous driving itself stays for four years.

The removal date is automatic — you do not need to explore or take any action. Once the time period expires, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) removes the endorsement from your licence record. However, if you are asked by an insurance company or employer about your driving history, you may still be required to disclose the conviction even after the endorsement is removed, depending on the circumstances and how long ago it occurred.

The impact on your insurance and driving costs

A major endorsement will significantly increase your car insurance premium. Insurance companies view major endorsements as a sign of high risk, and they adjust your quote accordingly. The increase varies by insurer and the specific offence, but you should expect your premium to roughly double or more, depending on your age and driving history.

Some insurance companies will not insure you at all if you have a recent major endorsement. Others will only cover you through a specialist high-risk insurer, which charges substantially higher premiums. You are legally required to disclose the endorsement when you get a quote — failing to do so can invalidate your policy and leave you uninsured.

Beyond insurance, a major endorsement can affect your employment if your job involves driving. Employers who check your driving record will see the endorsement, and some may dismiss you or refuse to hire you depending on the role and the offence. Professional drivers, delivery drivers, and taxi drivers are particularly affected.

Common major endorsements and what they mean

Dangerous driving (DD40) is one of the most serious endorsements. It carries 3 to 11 penalty points and means you drove in a way that fell far below the standard expected of a competent driver and endangered others. Careless driving (CD10) is less serious — it carries 3 to 9 points and means you drove without due care or attention.

Driving under the influence (DR10 for alcohol, DR20 for drugs) carries 3 to 11 points and an 11-year endorsement period. Driving without insurance (IN10) carries 6 to 8 points. Speeding endorsements vary: exceeding the speed limit by a small margin may carry 3 points, while significantly exceeding it can carry up to 6 points.

Failing to stop after an accident (UT50) carries 5 to 10 points. Driving with a mobile phone in hand (MG10) carries 6 points. Driving without a valid licence (LC20) carries 3 to 6 points. Each code tells the story of what you were convicted of, and insurers and employers can look up what the code means.

What happens if you accumulate 12 or more points

If you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period, you face a mandatory driving ban. The ban is automatic — you do not have to wait for a court hearing. The DVLA will write to you and tell you that your licence has been revoked.

The length of the ban depends on how many times you have been banned before. A first ban is usually for a minimum of six months. If you have been banned twice in the previous three years, the minimum ban is one year. A third ban within three years is a minimum of two years.

After the ban period ends, you can explore to the DVLA to have your licence returned. You will need to pay a fee and may need to pass a medical examination or eyesight test, depending on your age and the reason for the ban. You do not need to retake the driving test unless you were banned for a serious offence like dangerous driving.

Removing an endorsement early through rehabilitation

In most cases, you cannot remove an endorsement before the time period expires. However, if you believe the endorsement was issued in error or if there are exceptional circumstances, you can appeal to the DVLA or take the matter to court. This is rare and requires legal grounds — straightforward wanting the endorsement removed is not enough.

Some driving offence courses, such as speed awareness courses, can prevent points from being added in the first place if you complete them instead of accepting the conviction. However, these courses must be offered by the police at the time of the offence — you cannot take one after conviction to remove points.

The best approach is to avoid major endorsements altogether by following traffic laws. If you do receive one, focus on safe driving going forward. After the endorsement period expires, your insurance premiums should gradually return to normal levels, and your driving record will be cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a major endorsement show up on a background check for employment?

A major endorsement will appear on a driving record check, which employers can request if the job involves driving or requires a clean licence. Non-driving employers typically do not check your driving record unless you will be driving as part of the role. However, the conviction itself may appear on a standard or enhanced criminal background check depending on the offence and how long ago it occurred.

Can I drive while I have a major endorsement on my licence?

Yes, you can continue to drive as long as you have not accumulated 12 or more points. The endorsement itself does not stop you from driving — only a driving ban does. However, your insurance may be invalidated if you do not disclose the endorsement, which means you would be driving illegally even though your licence is valid.

What is the difference between a major and minor endorsement?

A minor endorsement is for less serious offences like minor speeding or parking violations and typically adds 0 to 3 points. A major endorsement is for serious offences like dangerous driving or driving under the influence and adds 3 to 11 points. Major endorsements also stay on your record longer and have a much larger impact on insurance costs.

Do I have to tell my insurance company about an old endorsement that has been removed?

Once an endorsement is removed from your licence after the time period expires, you generally do not need to disclose it to insurance companies. However, some insurers ask about convictions within the last five or ten years regardless of whether they still appear on your licence. Read the insurance process carefully and answer honestly based on what is asked.

Can I get my licence back early if I am banned due to points?

No, you must wait out the minimum ban period set by the DVLA. The only exception is if you successfully appeal the ban on legal grounds, which is difficult and rare. After the ban period ends, you can explore to have your licence returned by paying the required fee and meeting any other conditions the DVLA sets.