Can I recover my licence points?
Yes, by time or by a course. The licence has 12 points (6 in the probationary period). You recover points two ways. Automatically: a point lost for a single small offence returns after 6 months with no new offence; and the capital fully rebuilds after 2 years with no offence (or 3 years if the offence was 4th/5th class or a misdemeanour). Voluntarily: an awareness course (2 days) lets you recover up to 4 points, within the cap, once a year. In the probationary period, the course can be mandatory after losing 3 points or more.
📋 The rules
- Licence: 12 points (6 in probation)
- 1 point recovered after 6 months with no new offence
- Full rebuild after 2 years (or 3 years) without offence
- Voluntary course: up to 4 points, once a year
- Mandatory course in probation after losing 3 points
🔓 Exceptions
- You can't exceed the cap (12 or 6 points) by stacking a course
- Losing all points cancels the licence (48SI licence)
- The course doesn't erase the fine or the offence, only the points
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If you lose all your points, your licence is cancelled: you get a 48SI letter and must retake the licence (with a ban period). Taking a course before hitting zero is therefore essential. The course usually costs €150 to €280 and gives back up to 4 points, but doesn't remove the fine or the offence — only the points are re-credited. Driving with a cancelled licence is an offence.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Recovering licence points →
- Road safety · The points licence →
- Légifrance · Highway Code (points licence) →
❓ Frequently asked
How do I recover my licence points?
Two ways: automatically, over time without a new offence (1 point after 6 months, the full total after 2 or 3 years), or voluntarily by taking an awareness course, which gives back up to 4 points, once a year.
How many points does a course give back?
Up to 4 points, within the cap (12, or 6 in probation). You can't exceed this cap. The course lasts 2 days and can be taken only once a year to recover points.
How long to recover all your points?
After 2 years with no new offence if the last was a contravention of the first 4 classes, or 3 years if it was a 4th/5th-class contravention or a misdemeanour. A single point returns after 6 months.
What happens at zero points?
The licence is cancelled: you get a 48SI letter and must retake the licence after a ban period. Better to take a course before hitting zero to avoid this.
Does the course erase the fine?
No. The points-recovery course only re-credits points: it removes neither the fine nor the recorded offence. To contest an offence, a separate step is needed, within the legal deadlines.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “recover licence points course”
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- “licence 12 points rebuild”
- “lose all points 48si”
- “points recovery course cost”