Driving Disqualification Solicitors
At Waldrons, we understand that receiving a driving disqualification can have life-changing consequences. Getting in touch with us as early as possible means we can help you build a robust defence to increase your chances of achieving the outcome you’re hoping for. Our specialist solicitors have extensive experience defending clients facing driving offences, so you can be assured that you’re in expert hands.
Possible Ways to Lose Your Licence
You could be banned from driving if you get 12 or more penalty points within three years on your licence, or if you’re convicted of a driving offence. People who are disqualified from driving for 56 days or more need to apply for a new licence in order to drive again. In some cases, the court may also tell people they have to retake their driving test or do an extended driving test before they can receive their full licence.
New drivers have a two-year probationary period after they’ve passed their driving test. If they get six or more points on their licence during this period, their licence will be revoked. In this situation, the driver will have to reapply for a provisional licence and retake their theory and practical driving tests to resume driving. This is covered under the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995.
Speeding
The penalty for speeding depends on the details of the case, such as whether any previous offences were committed and how fast the person was driving. You may be given a fine and penalty points on your licence if caught speeding (in some cases, you may be given the option to attend a speed awareness course if you’re eligible). However, you could face a driving disqualification if the offence is severe enough or if you’ve accumulated over 12 points on your licence within three years.
Dangerous Driving
A driving ban for a minimum of 12 months is the mandatory penalty for dangerous driving. This disqualification remains in place until the offender passes an extended driving test. Other penalties could be given too, such as penalty points on their licence, fines, and time in prison.
Totting Up
If you’re given 12 or more penalty points over a three-year period, you can be disqualified from driving. For first-time offenders, this ban usually lasts six months. But it can last:
- 12 months for people who have received a second driving disqualification within a three-year period.
- Two years for people who have received a third driving disqualification within a three-year period.
Using a Mobile
When a handheld mobile phone or another device capable of receiving or sending data is physically interacted with or held while driving, this could qualify as a mobile phone offence (even if you are waiting at traffic lights or stopped in traffic). If you’re caught using a mobile phone whilst driving, you could be issued penalty points and a fine. However, a driving ban could be given if you’re taken to court. While a hands-free device can be used while driving, if you are physically holding it or it impairs your control over your vehicle, this could, in some cases, lead to a driving disqualification.
Drink/Drug Driving
If you’re convicted of drug driving, you can receive a driving ban for a minimum of 12 months. You could also receive a fine, prison time, and a criminal record (your driving licence will also show that you’ve been convicted for drug driving for 11 years).
The penalties for drink driving are decided by the magistrates who hear the case and depend on the severity of the offence. This can involve a driving ban, time in prison, and hefty fines.
Failing to Stop Following an Accident
The exact penalties for failing to stop after an accident depend on the details of the case, such as the severity of the accident and whether drink or drug driving was involved. Penalties could include penalty points on your driver’s license, prison time, a community order, a fine, and a driving disqualification.
What Impact Can Losing Your Licence Have?
Getting a driving disqualification means losing freedom, making it difficult to carry out daily tasks like food shopping and getting to work. For some individuals, this can mean losing their job if they can no longer commute to work. If your job requires driving, like being a taxi or delivery driver, this also means losing your job. Having a driving ban can also damage your reputation. This can affect your ability to apply for a new job, even if it doesn’t involve driving, as many employers require background checks that can reveal a driving ban, prompting them to question your suitability for the role. A driving ban can come with other penalties, such as hefty fines and prison time, which can be life-changing. If you reapply to drive again, you’ll also likely face a significant increase in insurance premiums.
You can find out more information about driving bans and exact penalties for motoring offences here.
How We Can Help
Our knowledgeable and experienced driving disqualification solicitors at Waldrons are here to represent you and provide practical, easy-to-understand legal advice. With over 150 years of experience in representing people and providing specialist legal advice, you can put your trust in us to help you build a strong defence.
Accreditations and Affiliations
Any solicitor can say they are experienced in what they do. We go the extra mile to demonstrate our expertise. Many of our lawyers have undertaken independent assessments of their knowledge and skills. Our accreditations give you the assurance that you are dealing with a specialist.
Our Driving Disqualification Solicitors
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