Another twist in a headline‑grabbing month. Cruz Beckham has had his driving licence revoked under UK new‑driver rules, following a second speeding incident recorded within two years of gaining his full licence in September 2023.
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The most recent offence happened on 2 September, when Cruz shared on Instagram that he had been clocked at 24 mph in a 20 mph zone. In a nod to pop culture, he referenced Wes Anderson’s upcoming film The Phoenician Scheme, suggesting the “game is over” and saying he felt “very safe”.
Under UK law, a seemingly small 4 mph over the limit can still trigger penalties in 20 mph areas, which are increasingly common around schools and residential streets. For new drivers, those points add up fast.
What actually happened on the road
According to his own social post, the 2 September incident took place in a 20 mph zone and was recorded at 24 mph. That margin may look minor, but it is enough to attract enforcement and points in lower‑limit areas designed for pedestrian safety.
This was Cruz’s second speeding offence since he passed his test in September 2023. That matters because new drivers face a tougher threshold: reach six points within two years of passing, and the licence is automatically revoked. That is exactly what has now happened.
He had celebrated getting on the road last year, posting happily about his pass and wasting no time enjoying an enviable garage. Among his cars are a black Porsche 911 valued at around £150,000, a Land Rover and a vintage Mercedes from the 1980s. None of that softens the rules, though.
How the UK’s new‑driver rules bite
The UK’s process is fairly clear. After an alleged speeding offence, an official Notice of Intended Prosecution should arrive within 14 days, usually alongside a Section 172 request to name the driver. You have 28 days to respond with the driver’s details.
If the driver admits the offence, the common outcome is a £100 fixed penalty plus three points, unless a speed‑awareness course is offered instead. Plead not guilty and the case may head to court, where different penalties are possible. For new drivers, the big risk is the six‑point limit within the first two years of holding a full licence.
Hit that threshold, and the DVLA revokes the licence. It is not a ban, but it does mean the driver returns to learner status and must pass the theory and practical tests again. Insurance premiums often rise after such incidents, and that can be even more noticeable for young motorists running high‑value cars.
It is worth noting that many UK cities and councils have expanded 20 mph limits, especially near schools and in residential areas. The idea is to reduce collisions and make neighbourhoods safer. The trade‑off ? Enforcement can feel unforgiving if you stray even a few miles per hour over the line.
Why the timing turned heads
The news landed soon after a major family milestone. On 4 November, King Charles conferred a knighthood on David Beckham at Windsor Castle, a proud moment widely marked by the family. A celebratory dinner reportedly followed at Gordon Ramsay’s in Chelsea.
Twelve days later, comes the sting for Cruz. It is a sharp contrast in moods, from formal honours to driving‑licence admin in a fortnight. The Beckhams are used to navigating the spotlight, and this episode will no doubt be folded into the family’s ongoing public narrative alongside updates from Victoria, Brooklyn, Romeo and Harper.
Cruz’s Instagram reference to The Phoenician Scheme — Wes Anderson’s 2025 film with Mia Threapleton, Tom Hanks and Scarlett Johansson — underlines how young stars blend real‑life speed bumps with pop‑culture flair. But the bottom line is unglamorous: points mean penalties, and for new drivers, the margin for error is slim.
What next ? Revocation means a reset. A retake of both tests, a likely bump in insurance, and a chance to rebuild a clean record. In the UK’s 20 mph era, especially, smooth driving is the only headline that really helps.
Read more:
Real reason Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty have banned his mum from hen do
David Beckham knighted by King Charles: an emotional day marked by family and royal ties
Inside David Beckham’s attempt to reconnect with Brooklyn as family feud deepens
Sources used:
Cruz Beckham has driving licence revoked – 12 days after dad Sir David is knighted
