Getting Your Driving Licence Back After a Ban

Being disqualified from driving does not always mean you can simply start driving again as soon as your ban ends. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to apply for a new driving licence and, in some cases, retake your theory and practical driving tests.

The court and DVLA will determine what you need to do. Always check your own driving record and any correspondence you have received before driving again.

What Happens When Your Driving Ban Ends?

If you have been disqualified from driving for 56 days or more, you must apply for a new driving licence before you can drive again.

If your disqualification was for less than 56 days, you normally do not need to apply for a new licence. You must, however, wait until your disqualification has ended before driving.

You can check your driving licence record on GOV.UK to confirm when your disqualification ends.

Applying for Your Licence After a Driving Ban

If you need to reapply for your licence, DVLA will normally send you a renewal form before your disqualification ends.

For most drivers who need to reapply, DVLA sends a D27 renewal form around 56 days before the end of the disqualification. High-risk offenders normally receive a D27PH around 90 days before the ban ends.

If you do not receive the appropriate renewal form, you can obtain a D1 form for a car or motorcycle licence or a D2 form for a lorry or bus licence from a Post Office that provides DVLA services.

For the latest instructions, visit the official GOV.UK guidance on reapplying for a driving licence after disqualification.

Will You Have to Retake Your Driving Test?

Not everyone who has been banned from driving has to take another driving test. The court will tell you if you are required to retake your test.

If the court orders you to retake your driving test, you will need to apply for a new provisional licence and follow the normal learner-driver rules until you have passed the required tests.

You will normally need to pass the theory test followed by either a standard practical driving test or an extended practical driving test, depending on what the court has ordered.

What Is an Extended Driving Test?

For some driving offences, the court may order an extended practical driving test before you can regain your full driving entitlement.

The extended practical test lasts for at least 60 minutes and is longer than the standard practical driving test.

If the court has ordered an extended test, you must apply for a provisional licence, pass the required theory test and then pass the extended practical test before driving independently again.

Read the official GOV.UK guidance about retaking your driving test after a disqualification.

What Is a High-Risk Offender?

Special rules apply to some drivers who have been disqualified for drink-driving. DVLA classifies certain drivers as high-risk offenders.

You are classed as a high-risk offender if you:

• were convicted of two drink-driving offences within 10 years
• were driving with an alcohol reading of at least 87.5 microgrammes per 100ml of breath, 200mg per 100ml of blood or 267.5mg per 100ml of urine
• refused to provide a breath, blood or urine sample for alcohol testing
• refused permission for a blood sample to be tested for alcohol in circumstances covered by the high-risk offender rules

High-risk offenders must satisfy DVLA that they are medically fit to drive before a new licence can be issued.

DVLA Medical Examination for High-Risk Offenders

After DVLA receives your application, it will provide details of an appointed doctor so that you can arrange the required medical examination. You will normally have to pay for the examination yourself.

The medical assessment includes:

• a questionnaire about your medical history and use of alcohol
• a physical examination
• blood testing

DVLA will use the results of the assessment to decide whether you meet the required medical standards for driving.

If you are a high-risk offender, you must wait until DVLA has issued your new licence before driving again.

See the GOV.UK guidance on drink-driving disqualifications and high-risk offenders for the current rules.

Getting Back Behind the Wheel After a Ban

Even if you are not required to retake your driving test, returning to driving after a long period away from the road can feel unfamiliar.

Road layouts may have changed, your driving skills may feel rusty and you may want to rebuild your confidence before driving independently.

A professional refresher driving lesson can help you work on areas such as:

• observation and awareness
• junctions and roundabouts
• dual carriageways
• manoeuvres
• independent driving
• current driving techniques and road rules
• rebuilding confidence behind the wheel

If you have been ordered to retake your practical driving test or take an extended test, professional driving tuition can also help you assess your current standard and prepare for the test.

Preparing to Retake Your Driving Test

If the court has ordered you to retake your test, it is worth having your driving assessed before booking or taking the practical test.

An experienced driving instructor can identify habits that may have developed over time and help you bring your driving up to the standard expected on the current DVSA practical test.

Important: Driving-disqualification requirements depend on the circumstances of your case and any orders made by the court. Always check your driving record and follow the instructions provided by DVLA and the court before driving again.