New drivers are being reminded that if they receive six penalty points they will lose their licence.

This is compared to the 12 points limit for other drivers.

The new campaign aims to improve safety on the roads after recent figures showed 20 per cent of all new drivers crash within one year of passing their test.

The Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety says 87,252 new drivers have had their licences revoked since the Road Traffic (New Drivers Act) was introduced in June 1997 at a rate of 1,000 disqualifications a month.

The safety message from the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety was reinforced at university fresher fairs by handing out postcards displaying the penalty points imposed for road traffic offences.

Students also had the chance to enter a road safety competition to win £50 worth of music vouchers.

The Partnership is reminding all new drivers that they have a two-year probationary period after they pass their practical test.

If they lose their licence, drivers will have to obtain a provisional licence, drive as a learner again and re-take their theory and practical tests.

As a learner again you cannot drive on a motorway, you must display your L plates again and you cannot drive a car unless you are with a driver aged 21 or over who has held a licence for at least three years.

Linda Sanderson, communications manager at the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety, said: "One in five new drivers has an accident within the first 12 months of passing their test.

"We want to remind new drivers they will go back to square one if they clock up six points in the first two years.

"We shall be targeting all Approved Driving Instructors, educational establishments and businesses requesting they promote this message. Your licence is precious - why risk losing it!"