How to get your driving licence back after a drink-driving ban

The steps depend on whether the DVLA considers you a High Risk Offender (HRO). Check below to determine if you’re an HRO and follow the appropriate process.

You’re classified as an HRO if any of these apply:

• Your alcohol level was at or above one of these limits:
  • 87.5 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath
  • 200 milligrammes of alcohol per 100ml of blood
  • 267.5 milligrammes of alcohol per 100ml of urine
• You’ve been disqualified twice within 10 years for driving over the limit or driving while unfit due to alcohol.
• You refused or failed to provide a breath, blood, or urine sample.
• You refused to allow a blood sample to be tested after it was taken due to incapacity.

Courts don’t automatically tell you if you’re HRO, so review these criteria carefully.

About 56 days before your ban ends, the DVLA will send you an application form. If you change your address during disqualification, inform the DVLA.

If you don’t receive a form and only need a car or motorcycle licence, fill in a D1 form (available at Post Offices offering driving services).

If you need a lorry, bus, or minibus licence, fill in a D2 form from www.gov.uk/dvlaforms or get one from The Office of Traffic Commissioners.

If you’re caught drink-driving again within 10 years, you’ll be considered HRO next time.

You can’t get your licence back until DVLA-appointed doctors confirm you’re medically fit to drive. This includes a medical assessment and blood tests.

About 90 days before your ban ends, the DVLA sends application forms. Update them if your address changes.

If you don’t receive these forms and only need a car or motorcycle licence, get a D1 from a Post Office offering driving services. For lorry, bus, or minibus licences, get a D2 from www.gov.uk/dvlaforms or The Office of Traffic Commissioners. You must pay for the medical assessment.

If your disqualification started before 1 June 2013 and your ban has ended, you can drive once the DVLA has your valid application and fee.

If you receive your licence before the ban ends, wait until its start date.

If your disqualification began on or after 1 June 2013, you must wait until the licence is issued. Driving sooner is an offence.

Delays in attending the medical may extend the time before you can legally drive again.

The medical assessment includes:

• Completing a questionnaire about your medical history and alcohol use.
• A physical examination (you may need to remove some clothing).
• Blood tests for CDT (Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin)

You won’t regain your licence if tests show ongoing alcohol misuse or dependence within recent timeframes. This ensures only safe drivers return to the road.

If unsure about your fitness to drive, consult your doctor before applying. Consider waiting until you meet DVLA medical standards.

If you’re an HRO, yes. Even after a rehabilitation course, the medical assessment is required by law for HROs.

The course reduces your disqualification period, letting you apply sooner. If you don’t receive notice to apply, you must fill in a D1 form yourself.

Update the DVLA with your new address so they can send application forms on time. Write to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU.

You must pay the doctor’s fee for the medical assessment (plus VAT if applicable) and the standard DVLA licence fee.