Being banned from driving can have serious consequences, affecting your employment, independence, and finances. Whether your driving disqualification was due to a dangerous driving conviction, drink driving offences, or a totting up ban, knowing what to do after a driving ban is crucial. This guide will help you navigate the process of getting your driving licence back, meeting legal requirements, and staying safe on the road. If you’re unsure about your next steps, motoring solicitors can provide expert legal guidance to help you regain your licence as soon as possible.
Step 1: Understand Your Driving Ban
Your disqualification period will determine the steps you need to take before you can resume driving legally.
Types of Driving Bans
- Short bans (less than 56 days) – If your ban ends in under 56 days, you can resume driving immediately as your full driving licence remains valid.
- Long bans (more than 56 days) – If you were disqualified from driving for longer than 56 days, you must apply for a new driving licence before you can legally drive.
Reasons for a Driving Disqualification
- Totting up ban – Accumulating 12 or more penalty points in three years.
- Drink driving – Driving over the legal limit for alcohol.
- Drug driving offence – Driving while under the influence of illegal or prescription drugs.
- Careless driving or dangerous driving – Behaving recklessly behind the wheel.
- Serious offences – Such as causing death by dangerous driving or repeat criminal offence convictions related to a motor vehicle.
The magistrates court or sentencing court hearing will determine your disqualification end date and any additional conditions you must meet before applying for a valid licence.
Step 2: Apply for a New Driving Licence
If your disqualification period ends, you may need to apply for a new driving licence before getting back on the road.
How to Apply for a New Licence
- Check the exact date your ban ends – The court decides when you can reapply.
- Complete a renewal form (D1) – Available at the local Post Office or online from the Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
- Submit a new passport photo – If your licence has expired, you need a new passport photo.
- Undergo a medical examination – If convicted of drink driving offences or classified as a high risk offender, you may need a physical examination and further medical enquiries.
- Pay the application fee – Whether you need a new provisional licence or a full licence, fees apply.
Once your application is processed, you will receive your new driving licence and can legally drive again.
Step 3: Do You Need to Retake Your Driving Test?
If you were disqualified for a serious driving offence, the court may require you to retake a driving test before regaining your full driving licence.
Types of Driving Tests After a Ban
- Practical driving test – Required if your licence was revoked.
- Extended driving test – If banned for dangerous driving, drink driving, or other serious offences, the court may impose an extended test.
- Extended retest – For repeat offenders or those facing a third disqualification.
If you were a learner driver at the time of your ban, you will need a new provisional licence and must pass both the theory and practical driving test again.
Step 4: Check Your Driving Record and Insurance
Once you get your new licence, check your driving record using DVLA’s licence checking service. This ensures any previous penalty points are recorded correctly.
How a Driving Ban Affects Car Insurance
- Car insurance premiums will rise – Drivers with a criminal record for serious offences or previous penalty points are seen as high risk.
- Some insurers may refuse cover – You may need to seek a specialist provider.
- Taking a rehabilitation course can help – Completing a drink driving rehabilitation course or a defensive driving course can reduce car insurance costs.
Step 5: Prevent Another Driving Ban
Once you’re back on the road, it’s important to drive responsibly and avoid another criminal offence or driving disqualification.
How to Avoid Another Ban
- Obey speed limits and traffic laws – Accumulating more points on your licence could lead to another driving ban.
- Avoid drink or drug driving – Stay under the legal limit to prevent another instant ban.
- Take a defensive driving course – This can improve your driving skills and lower your car insurance costs.
- Seek legal advice if needed – If facing another court summons, a solicitor can help argue for exceptional hardship to reduce penalties.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what to do after a driving ban ensures you meet legal requirements and get back on the road safely. Whether you need to apply for a new licence, take an extended driving test, or complete a medical examination, planning ahead will help you resume driving without further issues.
If you are unsure about any part of the process, seek legal advice to avoid further delays and ensure your application is completed correctly.
