How long do penalty points stay on your licence

[newbie]

also what is the total before a ban. Thanks

[Buenchico]

Penalty points remain valid, for 'totting up' purposes, for 3 years. However, they remain on your licence for 4 years.

A court normally imposes an automatic ban on anyone who reaches a total of 12 points.

Within the first two years after passing a driving test, anyone who reaches 6 points will have their licence revoked. This is not the same as a ban. The driver reverts back to learner status but he/she can immediately apply for a new provisional licence and seek an appointment for a driving test.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLic ensing/EndorsementsAndDisqualifications/index. htm

Chris