Almost 21 million drivers, eight out of ten of all those currently holding a driving licence, will receive an extra two points today as a bonus for not having lost any points since the points system was introduced three years ago.

The bonus points will only be applied to licences that were at least three years old when the points system was introduced in July 2006, and as from today their holders will have 14 points instead of 12.

The 1,804,509 drivers who have lost points on at least one occasion will not benefit from the two bonus points.

Since the new system was introduced, almost 50,000 drivers have lost all their points. 

Excessive speed is the main reason for drivers losing points (41% of cases), followed by failure to use seatbelts (or helmets in the case of motorbike riders) and excessive alcohol.

8% of drivers who have lost points have done so for using their mobile 'phones while at the wheel.

81% of drivers who have lost points are men and drivers most likely to lose points are those in the 25-34 age group.