Disability Driving Instructors

If you voluntarily sent your licence back to DVLA, the surrender form states that: “I understand that I may apply for the reinstatement of my driving entitlement when I am able to meet the medical standards for driving”. Discuss this with your doctors and if they agree that you meet the medical standards ask for a letter of support to send to DVLA with an application for your licence to be reinstated. You cannot normally re-apply on-line but will need to apply using a D1 licence application form (available from the post office).

Your doctor may suggest that a driving assessment is needed before getting back on the road, this is sensible advice as it will make sure that you are fit to drive and allow you to get advice about any restrictions to the types of vehicle you can drive (automatic transmission may be required) or if any modified controls are required. If your doctor refers you to your local Driving Mobility Assessment Centre  there should be a reduced charge for the assessment or it may be free of charge (talk to your local centre to discuss details), you could also self refer in which case there would be a charge for the assessment.

If you voluntarily surrendered your licence an in-car assessment should be permitted once DVLA receive the valid application for your licence to be reinstated; so long as you meet the eligibility criteria you should have continuing entitlement to drive under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The letter of support from your doctor should state if a driving assessment is being proposed and confirm that a copy of the assessment report will be sent to DVLA.

Following assessment a short course of driving tuition may be required, this may take the form of refresher tuition or familiarisation lessons may be needed if you are using modified controls. To find a local specialist driving instructor go to our “Find an instructor” page.

Further advice regarding vehicle modifications and driving assessment/tuition can be provided by “Driving Mobility” at www.drivingmobility.org.uk

If your licence was revoked or refused by DVLA on medical grounds, you should apply in the same way and are also advised to discuss driving with your doctor to ensure you meet the medical standards for driving. Following a compulsory revocation you must wait for DVLA to issue a driving licence before you are permitted to drive, this may be a temporary Provisional Disability Assessment Licence (PDAL) issued to allow retraining and assessment; Section 88 does not apply if the licence was revoked or refused by DVLA. A practical driving assessment cannot take place until the licence has been re-issued.

Updated 21.02.2022