Driving disqualifications
Apply to reduce your disqualification period
You can ask the court to reduce your disqualification period after you’ve been banned from driving for:
- 2 years - if the disqualification was for fewer than 4 years
- half the disqualification period - if it was for at least 4 but under 10 years
- 5 years - if the disqualification was for 10 years or more
You must have a good reason for asking for the disqualification to be reduced. For example, if you think the court made a legal mistake or there were reasons you committed the driving offence that the court did not take into account.
Write to the court that disqualified you with the date of offence, date of conviction and any other supporting information.
The court will tell DVLA if it decides to reduce your disqualification period. If it does, you’ll need to apply for a new licence.
If the court refuses your request you have to wait 3 months before you can ask again.
If your disqualification is reduced
Car or motorbike licences
Apply for a new licence by sending DVLA a completed form D1 ‘Application for a driving licence’, available from the DVLA form ordering service or most Post Offices. You must pay a fee.
Lorry or bus licences
Apply for a new licence by sending DVLA a completed form D2 ‘Application for a lorry/bus licence’, available from the DVLA form ordering service. You must pay a fee.
Northern Ireland
Apply to the DVA to renew your licence.