Applying for a Good Behaviour Licence may seem like a good idea if you reach or exceed the total number of points allowable on your unrestricted licence. But there can be a catch, and you’re stuck with the consequences. In our latest article in The District Reporter, we discuss this in detail.
When you apply for a New South Wales driver licence you begin on the open road with zero demerit points. Upon committing an offence with a demerit point penalty, the applicable points are added to your driving record. Many of us transition from obtaining our learner, provisional and full unrestricted licences without a period of suspension, even if we manage to lose some demerit points along the way.
If you are an unrestricted New South Wales driver licence holder, you obtain the benefit of accumulating 13 points (or 14 points if you are a professional driver) before your licence can be suspended by Roads and Maritime Services. If you reach or exceed the total number of points allowable on your unrestricted licence in a three-year period, your licence could be suspended or alternatively, may not be renewed by Roads and Maritime Services.
You can avoid this by applying to Roads and Maritime Services, either online or in person, for a “Good Behaviour Licence” at least two days before your suspension period begins. Once you apply, you cannot change your mind and withdraw your choice. You DO NOT have to go to court in order to apply.
A Good Behaviour Licence must be held for a period of 12 months. On a Good Behaviour Licence, the licence holder must not accrue two or more demerit points during the 12-month period. If you obtain a Good Behaviour Licence and breach the points condition by exceeding the two-point demerit threshold then you will be suspended for a longer period of time than if you had served the original suspension period. Usually, the length of time you would spend off the road is double the original suspension period, depending on the total number of demerit points accrued. Be aware – there is no appeal available to court if you breach the point limit on a Good Behaviour Licence.
If you take the gamble you are stuck with the consequences.
Good Behaviour Licences are not available to all road users. Learner Licence holders, Provisional Licence holders, International Driver Licence holders or a person already serving a Good Behaviour Licence period are not eligible to apply for a Good Behaviour Licence.
Driving while your licence is suspended is a criminal offence and severe penalties apply.
You can check your demerit points balance online at any time with a ‘MyServiceNSW’ Account.
