Motorists have been warned they risk forking out huge sums to get back onto UK roads if they are banned for breaking driving rules.

It comes after research found that banned motorists have spent more than £3million on extended driving tests between 2020 and 2024.

A Freedom of Information request revealed that more than 21,000 banned drivers paid for the costly tests during the four-year period.

The extended test is required for drivers who have been disqualified for 56 days or more, either for serious offences or for accumulating 12 or more penalty points within three years.

Drivers who have accumulated more than 12 penalty points can be disqualified from driving

At £150, the extended test costs double the standard driving test fee, with banned drivers also needing to pay for a new provisional licence and retake their theory test.

Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, said: "Being disqualified from driving will cost you in more ways than one. The extended driving test will cost you as much as £150, double that of a standard driving test.

"You'll also need to apply for a new provisional licence (£43) and retake your theory test (£23). But the mounting costs don't end there. You can also expect your car insurance costs to rise after a driving disqualification."

The financial burden extends beyond test fees, with Sheehan warning that a driving ban can lead to a criminal record if the offence relates to drink or dangerous driving. "And you could even end up losing your job if you rely on your car for work," he added.

Britons can be issued a driving ban if they have too many penalty pointsPA

Manchester's Cheetham Hill test centre earned the most from extended driving tests, collecting £28,950 from 193 bookings over the five years.

London's Goodmayes centre ranked second with £25,800 from 172 bookings, whilst Kirkcaldy in Scotland took third place with £23,850 from 159 bookings.

Yorkshire featured prominently in the top 10, with Rotherham earning £22,800 from 152 bookings and Bradford's Thornbury centre collecting £19,650 from 131 bookings.

However, extended driving test bookings dropped significantly last year for the first time since 2020, with 4,055 bookings representing a 24 per cent decrease from 2023's peak of 5,332.

The data showed steady growth from 2020's 2,453 bookings, jumping 65 per cent to 4,048 in 2021, then rising 29 per cent to 5,226 in 2022, before the modest two per cent increase to 5,332 in 2023.

Sheehan explained that last year’s decline was “great to see” with him hoping that “it continues".

He added: "It means fewer penalty points and driving offences being handed out, which indicates that UK drivers are taking more care on the roads."

Getting a licence back after disqualification presents significant challenges beyond the financial costs.

Disqualified drivers have to resit both their theory and practical tests

Only 60 per cent of drivers pass their extended tests first attempt, and the average waiting time for a test is currently 24 weeks.

Offering advice on avoiding disqualification, Sheehan added: "Don't take those speeding tickets lightly - they can quickly add up, and 12 points on your licence is a driving ban.

"And don't forget that driving a car not fit for the road (such as defective tyres or brakes) can also lead to points on your licence, so don't take the risk."

Beyond avoiding mobile phone use and dangerous or drink driving, maintaining a roadworthy vehicle and respecting speed limits remain crucial for keeping a clean licence.