Legally reviewed by: Kevin Waddingham Updated:

Early Return To Driving

Early return to driving

If you lost your driving licence as a result of a driving offence, Cartwright King’s specialist Motoring Offence Solicitors will help you build a case for its early return. Benefit from our high success rate of getting UK driving licences returned early to help you get back on the road.

Get in touch with our trusted Motoring Law team today for reliable, effective legal guidance and representation.

How Cartwright King can help you

Depending on your circumstances, it’s your right to apply for the early reinstatement of your driving licence if your ban is for two years or more. Cartwright King’s Motoring Law team will support you in upholding that right, working with you to prepare and present your case for the early removal of a driving disqualification.

We can help in the following ways:

  • Preparing a formal application for the reinstatement of your driving licence
  • Preparing your case emphasising the reasons why you need your driving licence reinstated
  • Responding to Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) opposition

Benefit from a free, initial telephone conversation

If you want to apply for the early return of a driving licence, you can benefit from a free, initial telephone call with a specialist Cartwright King Motoring Offence Lawyer to discuss how the process works and a realistic assessment of your chances of success.

There’s no substitute for speaking to one of our specialist solicitors to get honest, reliable advice and to start preparing your case. 

For immediate action, contact us for your free* initial discussion.

The discussion is completely informal and confidential, and is an opportunity for us to:

  • Get to know you 
  • Understand your situation
  • Agree how you want to proceed

*Please be aware that this is a ‘get to know you’ call and no advice will be given.

Why choose Cartwright King for early return of driving licence cases

Having an experienced Motoring Offence Solicitor representing you is often the difference when it comes to getting your driving licence back following a ban.

We listen, we understand and we genuinely care about getting you back on the road and enjoying the freedoms that come with driving. That’s why we offer sound, honest, reliable legal advice to ensure that you understand the process and the likely outcome of your application.

Working with a specialist Cartwright King driving offence lawyer gives you the assurance of having access to legal counsel who will advise you at every stage of your case. We know that a lot may hinge on getting your driving licence back.

That’s why we will do everything we can to demonstrate your good character and your exemplary conduct since your licence was taken away, to give you the best chance of retrieving your licence.

We’re committed to defending your legal rights and getting you back on the road, ensuring that your voice is heard and you’re treated fairly throughout your case. When you need us most, we’ll be there to offer sound, sensible legal advice and sure guidance.  

We’re a trusted, resourceful Legal 500 top tier law firm with specialist solicitors that are calm under pressure, giving you defence counsel that you can count on.

We're here for you.

Frequently asked questions.

When can I apply to get my driving licence back?

Under Section 42 of the Road Offences Act 1988, depending on your circumstances, you can apply for the early return of your driving licence on the following conditions:

  • For driving bans of four years or less – an application can be made after two years
  • For driving bans between four and 10 years – an application can be made after half of your total disqualification period – e.g. if your ban is six years, you can apply after three
  • For driving bans of 10 years or more – an application can be made after five years

What will the Court consider before returning my licence?

When considering your application for the early return of a driving licence, the Court will review:

  • Your character and your conduct since your licence was taken away
  • Reasons presented on your behalf as to why the Court should consider  early reinstatement of your driving licence
  • The reasons for you being disqualified originally

The Court will also determine whether you’re a high risk repeat offender, which can apply to you if:

  • You refused to provide a sample to the police
  • You have been convicted of drink driving at least twice within the last 10 years
  • Alcohol levels in your blood, breath or urine reached a certain level

Once the Court has reviewed all the relevant information they will decide whether to reinstate or refuse return of your licence. If your application is refused, you’re prohibited from reapplying for three months. If early reinstatement is granted, you will need to apply for a new licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA).

How long will the DVLA take to reissue a licence?

It can take up to three weeks for the DVLA to process your licence application, if your documents are accurate. Your application could be delayed if there are errors or your health and personal details are subject to further checks.

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