How to get your driving licence back after a drink-driving ban
Written by Amer Sheikh
December 8, 2024
Getting Your Driving Licence Back After Drink-Driving
Getting your licence back after a drink-driving disqualification can feel confusing and stressful.
This guide answers common questions about DVLA medicals, High Risk Offender rules, CDT testing, application forms, and when you can legally drive again.
How the DVLA Decides if You Can Drive Again
Before reissuing a driving licence, the DVLA may need evidence that you are medically fit to drive.
This is especially important after drink-driving disqualification. The DVLA may assess your alcohol use, medical history, mental health, and previous driving record.
In some cases, a DVLA-appointed doctor will complete a medical assessment. This may include a questionnaire, physical examination, and blood tests such as CDT.
Key Point
The DVLA will decide whether you can safely return to driving after reviewing the information provided.
Are You a High Risk Offender?
The process depends on whether the DVLA classifies you as a High Risk Offender, also called an HRO.
You may be classed as an HRO if any of these apply:
you had a very high alcohol level when tested
you were disqualified twice within 10 years for alcohol-related driving offences
you refused or failed to provide a breath, blood, or urine sample
you refused permission for a blood sample to be tested
The alcohol levels listed in the supplied FAQ are:
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
Courts may not always clearly tell you that you are HRO. It is worth checking the criteria carefully.
If You Are Not a High Risk Offender
If you are not in the HRO category, the DVLA usually sends an application form before your disqualification ends.
This is usually sent around 56 days before your ban ends. Make sure the DVLA has your correct address.
If you do not receive the form, you may need to complete the correct application yourself.
Car or motorcycle licence: use a D1 form.
Lorry, bus, or minibus licence: use a D2 form.
D1 forms are available from Post Offices that offer driving services. D2 forms can be ordered through GOV.UK.
If You Are a High Risk Offender
If you are HRO, you cannot get your licence back until the DVLA confirms you are medically fit to drive.
This usually involves a DVLA medical assessment and alcohol-related blood tests.
The DVLA may send application forms around 90 days before your ban ends.
You must usually pay for the medical assessment. Delays in arranging or attending the medical may delay your return to driving.
Practical Tip
Do not leave the application or medical appointment until the last minute. Give yourself time to complete every step properly.
What Does the DVLA Drink-Driving Medical Involve?
The DVLA medical assessment usually looks at your alcohol use, general health, and fitness to drive.
It may include:
a questionnaire about your medical history
questions about your current and past alcohol use
a physical examination
blood testing, including CDT
CDT stands for Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin. It is used to help detect prolonged excessive alcohol intake.
This depends on when your disqualification started and whether the DVLA has issued your licence.
The supplied FAQ explains that if your disqualification began on or after 1 June 2013, you must wait until your licence is issued. Driving before that may be an offence.
If your licence arrives before the ban ends, you must wait until the start date shown on the licence.
When unsure, wait for written confirmation from the DVLA. Do not risk driving unlawfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve been disqualified for drink-driving. How do I get my licence back?
First, check whether you are classed as a High Risk Offender. If you are HRO, you will usually need a DVLA medical assessment. If not, you may only need to apply using the correct DVLA form.
How do I know if I am a High Risk Offender?
You may be HRO if your alcohol reading was very high, you have repeated drink-driving disqualifications, or you refused to provide a sample.
The DVLA may require a medical before you can drive again.
What forms do I need?
For a car or motorcycle licence, you usually need a D1 form. For lorry, bus, or minibus licences, you usually need a D2 form.
Forms can be found through Post Offices or GOV.UK, depending on the licence type.
What happens at the DVLA medical?
You may complete a health and alcohol questionnaire. You may also have a physical examination and blood tests.
The CDT blood test is commonly used to assess heavy alcohol use.
I completed a drink-drive rehabilitation course. Do I still need a medical?
If you are a High Risk Offender, yes. The course may reduce your disqualification period, but it does not remove the HRO medical requirement.
What if I move house during my disqualification?
Tell the DVLA your new address. This helps ensure application forms and letters are sent correctly.
The supplied FAQ lists the postal address as: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU.
How much does it cost to get my licence back?
You may need to pay the DVLA licence fee. If a medical is required, you may also need to pay the doctor’s fee.
VAT may apply to the doctor’s medical assessment fee.
Can I prepare for the CDT test?
The best preparation is avoiding alcohol before the medical. A private CDT test may help you understand your result beforehand.
Do not rely on last-minute fixes or attempts to cheat the test.
Preparing for a DVLA Medical?
A private CDT test may help you prepare before your DVLA drink-driving medical.
Drug Test London offers CDT testing options, including in-person and home testing.
