Fitness to drive

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Can I appeal if the DVLA won’t let me drive?

If you are told that you must stop driving, the DVLA must:

• explain why it has made this decision
• tell you if and when you can reapply for a driving licence
• tell you about your right to appeal against its decision.

If you disagree with the decision to stop you driving you can write to the DVLA at:

DM Business Support
D7
DVLA
SA99 1ZZ

You must be able to provide relevant information that wasn’t included in the original assessment.

You must also include:

• proof that you meet the required standards for driving (these are explained in the decision letter DVLA sent you)
• the reference number from your decision letter.

If you want to appeal the decision, you will need to make a written application to your local Magistrates Court within 6 months of your licence being refused or revoked. You will need evidence, including medical evidence, to support your argument that the DVLA made the wrong decision and that you are fit to drive.

It is a good idea to get legal advice from a solicitor who specialises in motoring/driving offences before doing this to find out whether you have a good case. You can find a solicitor by contacting the Law Society.

Legal aid

There is no legal aid available to appeal the DVLA’s decision, so you will have to pay for any legal assistance. If you lose you might also have to pay the DVLA's legal costs, so the process can be expensive.

This information was published in April 2018. We will revise it in 2020.

References are available on request. If you would like to reproduce any of this information, see our page on permissions and licensing.

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