How many demerit points before I lose my licence?

In Queensland, you do not “lose” points; you accumulate them over time. The threshold for suspension depends on your licence type:

• Open Licence: If you accumulate 12 or more demerit points within a 3-year continuous period, you will face action.
• Learners and Provisional (P) Platers: If you accumulate 4 or more points within a 1-year period, you will face action.

The Choice: Suspension vs Good Driving Behaviour

When you hit the threshold, the Department of Transport and Main Roads will send you an ‘Accumulation of Demerit Points – Notice to Choose’. You have two options:

1. Accept the Suspension: Serve the suspension period (e.g., 3 months) and start afresh.
2. Good Driving Behaviour (GDB) Bond: Keep your licence but undertake a 1-year bond where you cannot accumulate more than 1 point. If you breach the GDB bond (by accumulating 2 or more points), your licence will be suspended for double the original period.

If you breach a GDB bond, you may be eligible for a Special Hardship Order (SHO) .