Can you appeal a driving ban?
29 October 2025
Losing your driving licence can be stressful and very upsetting, especially if you rely on your car for work, travel or family life. Whether it’s due to speeding, drink-driving, or accumulating too many points, a driving ban can feel like the end of the road. However, in some cases, you may be able to appeal. Keep reading to find out if you are eligible.
What Is a Driving Ban?
A driving ban (also called a disqualification) is when the court or DVLA temporarily removes your legal right to drive. It can happen for a range of reasons, such as:
- Accumulating too many penalty points (also known as “totting up”)
- Serious offences like drink driving or dangerous driving
- Refusing a breath test
- Repeated speeding offences
The length of the ban depends on the offence, circumstances, and your previous driving history.
How Many Driving Points Before a Ban?
In the UK, you can be banned if you collect 12 or more penalty points within three years.
For new drivers (those who passed within the last two years), the rules are stricter. If you receive six or more points, your licence can be revoked, and you’ll need to reapply for your provisional licence and retake your test.
If you’re unsure about your current penalty points, it’s best to check your driving record on the GOV.UK website.
How Long Is a Drink-Driving Ban?
A drink-driving ban is one of the most common disqualifications in the UK. The length varies depending on the alcohol level, offence severity, and whether it’s a first or repeat offence. Typically, bans last:
- 12 to 16 months for a first offence
- 36 months or more for repeat offences
You may also face fines, community service, or imprisonment in more serious cases.
If you rely on your vehicle for work, it’s worth exploring safer transport options while disqualified, so you can keep your car in good condition by booking regular car servicing to ensure it’s road-ready once your ban ends.
Can I Appeal a 6-Month Driving Ban?
Yes, you can usually appeal a driving ban, but if the ban is issued by a court, you must appeal to the Crown Court within 21 days. If the DVLA issued the ban, you must appeal to the Magistrates Court within six months of the ban.
To make a successful appeal, you’ll need to provide evidence that the ban was unfair or that the penalty was too severe. Valid reasons to appeal include:
- Errors in the court’s procedure
- New evidence coming to light
- Exceptional hardship (e.g. losing your job or caring responsibilities)
However, appealing doesn’t guarantee success, and the court can reduce, uphold, or even increase the penalty. It’s strongly recommended to seek legal advice before submitting an appeal.
Exceptional Hardship Explained
When appealing a ban, many drivers use the argument of “exceptional hardship”, meaning the ban would cause serious problems beyond normal inconvenience.
Examples include:
- Losing your job if driving is essential for work
- Being unable to care for dependents
- Financial hardship affecting your family
It’s important to back up these claims with documentation or witness statements when presenting your appeal.
Can You Drive While Appealing a Ban?
In some cases, yes, but only if the court grants permission. You must apply for this as part of your appeal process. Driving without approval while banned is a serious criminal offence, carrying heavy fines and possible imprisonment.
What Happens After the Ban Ends?
Once your driving ban period is over, you’ll need to reapply for your licence through the DVLA. In some cases, you might need to retake your driving test or complete a medical assessment before getting back on the road.
If your car is just sitting on the driveway, consider getting a car diagnostic check or car service before driving again to ensure it’s safe and roadworthy.
How to Prevent Another Ban
The best way to avoid another disqualification is to adopt safer driving habits:
- Avoid driving when tired, distracted, or after drinking alcohol.
- Familiarise yourself with current speed limits and highway laws.
- If you got a letter sent to you about a driver awareness course, consider taking it.
Book in an Interim or Fully Car Service with Setyres
While you may be off the road for a while, keeping your car maintained with our services ensures it’ll be ready for your return, safe, reliable, and performing at its best.