A driver in his 20s with 176 penalty points is among more than 10,000 motorists still on the road who would normally be banned – sparking calls for a crackdown.

The figures, provided by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), have been described as “shocking” by a leading road safety charity, which said these drivers should be forced to follow additional training.

The 26-year-old with 176 points is one of three men’s licensees with more than 100 points.

A 50 year old woman has 96 points. Details on how long the points were accumulated have not been released.

Normally, drivers are banned for six months if they receive 12 or more points over a three-year period.

The 26-year-old with 176 points is one of three male licensees with more than 100 points (stock image)

A total of 10,056 drivers have a valid license despite having at least 12 points and 53 people have at least 30 points (stock photo)

But exceptions apply if offending motorists can convince a court that a ban would cause exceptional hardship, which could relate to their ability to work or care for their family.

Points remain on a license for years after the ban.

A total of 10,056 drivers hold a valid license despite having at least 12 points and 53 people have at least 30 points.

Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, part of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: “These shocking statistics call into question whether the definition of hardship exceptional must be reviewed. At a minimum, those who score 12 or more points on their license should be required to complete additional training, even if they are allowed to keep their license.

Steve Gooding, director of automotive research charity the RAC Foundation, said: “Exceptional hardship must be truly exceptional.

“A little more transparency in the system could ensure that a fair balance is struck between personal mobility and our collective security.”

Points are awarded following convictions for offenses such as careless driving (three to nine points), drink driving (three to 11) and speeding (three to six).

Points for lower-level speeding offenses – awarded if a driver is unfit or unable to complete a speed awareness course – are normally added to the driver’s license without them attending court.

The figures, from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), have been described as ‘shocking’ by a leading road safety charity (file photo)

The DVLA said it records information provided by the courts and has no influence on sentences (file photo)

Points remain on licenses between four and 11 years after an offense is committed, meaning some people with multiple driving convictions are legally allowed to get behind the wheel because they have served a period of disqualification.

DVLA figures do not show how many motorists avoided a ban despite scoring 12 points. Details of individual drivers who had accumulated the highest totals were not available.

The DVLA said it records information provided by the courts and has no influence on sentences.

When the 12-point threshold is met but a disqualification is not imposed, the agency said it contacts the relevant court to verify what the intention was.