Three years can be a long time if you’ve earned some points on your licence. Here’s how to check your current status in each state.
Regardless of where you live in Australia, all fully licensed drivers have approximately 12 demerit points they can ‘earn’ on their licence before needing to hang up the keys and take the bus.
Demerit points can be added if you are caught speeding, using your mobile phone while driving, or any number of other driving offences.
In general, points will stay on your licence for a period of three years from the date of the offence.
Here’s how to find out your current driver’s licence demerit point status in each state.
How to check demerit points in NSW
In New South Wales, all drivers start with zero points. The maximum number of points you can ‘earn’ in any three-year period before your licence is suspended depends on your licence.
| Licence type in NSW | Demerit points |
| Full (unrestricted) licence | 13 points |
| Professional licence (professional bus, taxi, hire car, truck drivers) | 14 points |
| Provisional P2 licence | 7 points |
| Provisional P1 licence | 4 points |
| Learner licence | 4 points |
| Full (unrestricted) licence in ‘good behaviour’ period | 2 points |
To check your demerit points in NSW, you need to log into the MyServiceNSW portal and have your driver’s licence details to hand.
There is no charge for the service.
Learn more about NSW demerit points here.
How to check demerit points in VIC
Drivers in Victoria also start with zero points but can add up to 12 in any three-year period, or if on a probationary licence, can add up to five points in a 12-month period, before a licence is suspended.
| Licence type in VIC | Demerit points |
| Full licence | 12 points |
| Provisional licence (P1 or P2) | 12 points (over 3yr) or 5 points (over 12m) |
To check your demerit points in Victoria, log into your MyVicRoads account and find the information in the Licences section for no cost. Alternatively, you can call 1300 728 977 for a free automated report.
Learn more about VIC demerit points here.
How to check demerit points in QLD
In Queensland, full licence drivers can add up to 12 points to their licence over a three-year period, whereas learner and provisional licence holders are only able to add up to four points in one year.
| Licence type in QLD | Demerit points |
| Full licence | 12 points |
| Provisional or learner licence | 4 points (in 12m) |
To check your demerit points in Queensland, log into the TMR (Transport and Main Roads) portal or the QGov website.
There is no fee for this service.
Learn more about QLD demerit points here.
How to check demerit points in SA
Drivers in South Australia are treated the same as those in Queensland, with 12 points able to be added for a full licence and four for provisional holders.
| Licence type in SA | Demerit points |
| Full licence | 12 points |
| Provisional or learner licence | 4 points |
To check your demerit points in South Australia, you need to log into the My SAVGOV portal and the information is available for free.
Learn more about SA demerit points here.
How to check demerit points in WA
West Australian drivers can accrue up to 12 points on a full licence. Learner and provisional drivers in their first year can accrue up to four, whereas provisional licence holders in their second year have up to eight points before their licence is suspended.
| Licence type in WA | Demerit points |
| Full licence | 12 points |
| Learner licence | 4 points |
| Provisional licence (first year) | 4 points |
| Provisional licence (second year) | 8 points |
To check your demerit points in Western Australia, submit this form on the DOT Direct website from the Department of Transport.
There is no fee for this service.
Learn more about WA demerit points here.
How to check demerit points in TAS
Although Tasmania allows full licence holders to accrue up to 12 points, the penalties don’t stop there. Drivers will have their licences suspended for an increased amount of time if they accrue up to 20 points on their licence in a three-year period.
| Licence type in TAS | Demerit point bracket | Licence suspension |
| Full licence | 12 to 15 points | 3 months |
| 16 to 19 points | 4 months | |
| 20 points (or more) | 5 months | |
| Provisional licence | 4 to 15 points | 3 months |
| 16 to 19 points | 4 months | |
| 20 points (or more) | 5 months |
To check your demerit points in Tasmania, call Service Tasmania on 1300 13 55 13. There is no online portal.
Learn more about TAS demerit points here.
How to check demerit points in the ACT
Drivers in the ACT also have a scale of demerits above 12 (or four for provisional drivers) where the suspension penalty is increased.
| Licence type in ACT | Demerit point bracket | Licence suspension |
| Full licence | 12 to 15 points | 3 months |
| 16 to 19 points | 4 months | |
| 20 points (or more) | 5 months | |
| Learner licence (held for more than 3yrs) | 12 points | 3 months |
| Learner licence | 4 points | 3 months |
| Provisional licence (P1 / P2) | 4 points | 3 months |
| Probationary (in a good behaviour period) | 2 points | 6 months |
To check your demerit points in the ACT, you need to complete an ACT search of records application form, provide two forms of identity proof and pay a $27.60 fee. This provides a full licence history search result.
Learn more about ACT demerit points here.
How to check demerit points in the NT
In the Northern Territory, drivers start with zero demerits and can accrue up to 12 in a three-year period before a licence suspension. Learner and provisional licence holders can accrue up to five in a 12-month period.
| Licence type in NT | Demerit point bracket | Licence suspension |
| Full licence | 12 to 15 points | 3 months |
| 16 to 19 points | 4 months | |
| 20 points (or more) | 5 months | |
| Learner licence | 5 points | |
| Provisional licence | 5 to 8 points | 3 months |
| 9 to 12 points | 4 months | |
| 13 points (or more) | 5 months |
To check your demerit points in the NT, you can submit a form on the MVR (Motor Vehicle Registry) website, or call 1300 654 628. There is no fee for this service.
Learn more about NT demerit points here.
The post How do you check your demerit points in Australia? appeared first on Drive.