Driving is an essential part of our daily lives. It allows us to travel from one place to another with ease and convenience.
However, driving is not a right; it is a privilege that can be taken away. In the UK, if you break the rules of the road, you can be disqualified from driving. Being disqualified from driving can have serious consequences, both legally and practically. Those who don’t take a ban seriously and are caught driving while disqualified, can wind up in further trouble with the law.
This article will explore what it means to be disqualified from driving in the UK, the reasons that could lead to disqualification, what happens if you are caught driving when you are banned, and how to reapply for your driving licence when the ban ends.
What it Means to be Disqualified from Driving in the UK
If you are disqualified from driving in the UK, you are not allowed to drive any vehicle on public roads. This includes cars, motorcycles, lorries, and buses. The length of the ban depends on the severity of the offence.
For example, a drink-driving offence can result in a ban of at least 12 months, while causing death by dangerous driving can result in a ban of up to 14 years. When you are disqualified from driving, you must return your driving licence to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
What You Can and Cannot Do When Disqualified
When you are disqualified from driving, you cannot drive any vehicle on public roads. This means you cannot drive to work, school, or any other destination. You are also not allowed to supervise a learner driver.
However, you can still apply for a provisional driving licence and take driving lessons. You can also take your theory and practical driving tests, but you cannot take the practical test if your disqualification has not yet ended. If you are caught driving while disqualified, you could face a fine, a prison sentence, or your existing ban might be extended.
What are the Reasons for Disqualification?
There are many reasons why you can be disqualified from driving in the UK. It is important to explain that only in severe circumstances are you likely to be banned.
You can be disqualified for totting up a total of more than 12 points across multiple incidents. As an example, you might have been caught speeding at 33 mph in a 30 mph zone five times. For this, each incident might earn you three points on your licence which would then lead to a ban.
However, different incidents can lead to more points which can mean that you reach the 12-point limit sooner.
Some of the most common reasons for being disqualified include:
- Drink-driving – if you are caught driving with excess alcohol in your system, you could face a minimum ban of 12 months.
- Dangerous driving – if you are caught driving dangerously, you could face a ban of up to 2 years.
- Careless driving – if you are caught driving without due care and attention, you could face a ban of up to 9 months.
- Totting up – if you accumulate 12 or more penalty points on your driving licence within a 3 year period, you could be disqualified for at least 6 months.
- Failing to stop after an accident – if you are involved in an accident and fail to stop, you could be disqualified for at least 6 months.
What Happens if You are Caught Driving When Banned
If you are caught driving when you are banned, you could face serious consequences. You could be fined, sent to prison, or both. In addition, you could face an extended ban on your driving licence. This means that you would have to wait longer before you can reapply for your driving licence. It is simply not worth the risk to drive when you are disqualified.
How to Reapply for Your Driving Licence When the Ban Ends
When your driving ban ends, you can reapply for your driving licence. You will need to fill out an application form and pay a fee. If you have been banned for more than 2 years, you will need to take a medical examination and a new driving test. You may also need to take an extended driving test if you were banned for dangerous driving.
Taking your driving ban seriously…
Being disqualified from driving in the UK can have serious consequences. It can limit your ability to travel, and it can also have an impact on your employment. The reasons for disqualification are varied, but they all involve breaking the law, so the best thing to do is ensure you stick to the speed limits and pay attention when behind the wheel.
Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained legal professional. Be sure to consult a lawyer/solicitor if you’re seeking advice on motoring offences. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.
