Recent research from Confused.com has revealed that young drivers suffer significant increased premiums for receiving points on their licences.

They cite an example of a 21-year-old female from Manchester, driving a 1.3 Ford Fiesta who would suffer a 92% increase - or £895 difference - in her car insurance premium as a result of receiving six penalty points on her licence. The figure rises if the offender reaches nine penalty points, resulting in 210% increase - or £2048.

Carlton Hood, chief executive officer of Confused.com, said:

"As well as suffering from additional insurance costs immediately after gaining points on a licence, motorists are often asked by insurance companies whether they have received points in the last five years. If the answer is yes, insurance premiums remain high long after the points have expired. However, steep financial penalties do not seem to be acting as a deterrent, with a worrying 3.2 million driving convictions recorded on Confused.com in the last twelve months.''

"While speeding is a tempting option for some, we would advise our customers to think carefully before making poor driving decisions. Saving two minutes on your journey time by skipping a red light or driving over the speed limit not only endangers yourself and others around you, but you are risking a large fine, a tarnished licence and potentially higher car insurance premiums."