This guide explains what happens when someone gets banned from driving and when a ban ends. The courts can order a test resit after a period of driving disqualification.
DRIVING DISQUALIFICATIONS: There are several reasons why courts ban motorists from driving. As a rule, you will get disqualified for:
The court notifies offenders with a summons sent through the post. The summons states the date to make the court appearance.
Note: Some of the driving disqualification regulations are dissimilar in Northern Ireland.
Generally, driver disqualification takes place under the 'totting-up' system in the United Kingdom. The courts decide how long the ban will last and they base it on the seriousness of the offence committed.
The result can be an automatic ban from driving when there are 12 or more penalty points on a driver record. You could get banned for:
A short period disqualification (SPD) means you got disqualified for a period less than 56 days. But, motorists can check a disqualification period by viewing driving licence records online.
There is no need to renew the licence before you can start driving again. But, you must not drive until the driving ban has completely ended.
Being disqualified for a period of 56 days or longer means you will need to reapply for your driving licence before you drive a vehicle again.
The court can issue extra conditions attached to a ban before they return a full licence. They can order drivers to retake the driving test after a ban. In some cases they may impose an extended driving test instead (see below).
Driving in the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland is not allowed if you got banned on a Great Britain driving licence. Likewise, those banned in the Isle of Man or NIR cannot drive in Great Britain while disqualified.
Note: This agreement is a 'mutual recognition of disqualification' for driving purposes.
There are several ways to carry out a DVLA driving ban check to find out the date when a driving disqualification ends:
Note: You may be invited to take a National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme course. If so, you can search for NDORS courses online but you would need to book directly with the course provider.
In some cases the courts can reduce the disqualification period. Motorists banned from driving can ask the court after:
That said, there must be a valid reason for reducing disqualification. As a rule, it would happen if the court made a legal mistake. Another example could be where the court failed to consider all the facts.
Send a letter to the court that disqualified you if you want to ask for a reduction. The letter should state the date of the offence and the date of conviction. Add copies of any other supporting and relevant information.
The same court will inform the DVLA if they reduce your disqualification period. It also means you would need to apply for a new driver licence.
Note: You must wait 3 months before asking again if the court refuses to reduce a driving disqualification.
Send a completed form D1 'Application for a driving licence' to DVLA. You can get it from the DVLA form ordering service or most large Post Offices. There will be driving licence fees for using this service.
Send a completed form D2 'Application for a lorry/bus licence' to the DVLA. You can get it from the DVLA form ordering service. There is a fee to pay for this service.
Note: Apply to the DVA for getting your driving licence back after disqualification in Northern Ireland
Banned from driving rules include disqualified until 'test pass' and 'extended test pass'. These disqualification regulations affect motorists when they want to drive again.
In this case the first step is applying for a new provisional driving licence. Passing the appropriate test allows you to drive when the ban ends.
Note: The local traffic commissioner will need to agree if you want to drive a large vehicle (category C) or a bus (category D). DVLA will arrange this when you apply for a new full licence.
Do not apply for a new provisional if your licence is from another country in the EU. Instead, use the EU driving licence to take the test. Follow all the usual rules for learning to drive until retaking, and passing, the test.
You must inform DVLA if you change your name or address in a driving disqualification. Send them a letter with the details of your old and new address with name (if changed). Make sure to add the driving licence number (if known) and your date of birth.
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AB
Motorists can get disqualified if found guilty of drink driving offences. Depending on the offence, the punishment of drink-driving penalties can include a fine and a prison sentence.
The drink drive rehabilitation scheme is often used to reduce the length of a driving ban. The court can offer banned drivers the opportunity to take the DDRS course. It is available to those who got banned from driving for 12 months or more.
Those who are 'high risk offenders' will need to prove they are fit to drive before they get a new licence. The process also includes passing a medical examination with a DVLA appointed doctor. High risk offenders are those who:
High risk offenders get a D27PH renewal form 90 days before a disqualification ends. Fill in the form and mail it to DVLA to reapply for the driver licence.
The DVLA have appointed doctors who can perform the drink drive medical examination. The medical test takes place before you get the licence back. You will need to pay a fee for the drink driving medical examination which includes:
Being found guilty of drugs and driving can result in a disqualification for at least one year. Serious offenders can also get fined or get sent to prison. Either way, you need to apply for a new licence before you can start to drive again.
Driving Disqualification: Banned from Driving Rules
