Fitness to drive

Explains the rights that you have to drive, what information you need to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and how to appeal if your driving licence is taken away.

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This information applies to England and Wales.
This information applies to adults. It doesn't apply to children unless specifically stated.

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

If the DVLA tells you that you have to stop driving, it 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 DVLA's decision to stop you from 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 that DVLA sent you)
The reference number from your decision letter

If you want to appeal the decision, you'll need to make a written application to your local Magistrates Court. You must do this within 6 months of your licence being refused or taken away. You'll need evidence, including medical evidence, to support your argument that the DVLA made the wrong decision and that you're fit to drive.

It's a good idea to get legal advice from a solicitor who specialises in driving and other motoring offences before doing this. They'll be able to advise you 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. This means you will have to pay for any legal help. If you lose your appeal, you might also have to pay the DVLA's legal costs. So, the process can be expensive.

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This information was published in January 2023. We will revise it in 2026.

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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