What Happens if Your Driving Licence is Revoked During the Probationary Period?
When you pass your driving test, you are placed on a two-year probationary period. During this time, if you accumulate 6 or more penalty points, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will revoke your driving licence.
It is important to note that a revocation by the DVLA is not the same as a driving disqualification, which can only be imposed by a court.
What Does Revocation Mean?
If your licence is revoked:
1.     You Return to Learner Status: You will no longer hold a full driving licence and will revert to provisional licence status.
2.     You Must Reapply for a Licence: You will need to apply for a new provisional driving licence.
3.     You Must Retake Both Tests: To regain your full driving licence, you must pass both the theory test and the practical driving test again.
There is no minimum period for which your licence will be revoked. As soon as you successfully pass the required tests, you can apply for a new full driving licence and get back on the road.
The Impact of Licence Revocation
Losing your driving licence can have significant consequences, particularly for young drivers or those who rely on their licence for work or personal responsibilities. It can disrupt daily life, increase insurance premiums, and cause considerable stress and inconvenience.
Discretionary Disqualification – A Possible Alternative
For some driving offences, the court has the power to impose an immediate driving ban instead of endorsing penalty points. This is known as a discretionary disqualification, and it can range from 7 to 56 days.
While it may seem counterintuitive, a short disqualification can actually be advantageous for new drivers. This is because:
- A short-term ban avoids the revocation of your licence by the DVLA.
- Once the ban is over, you can continue driving without needing to retake your tests or reapply for a licence.
For example, certain offences like driving without insurance carry a minimum of 6 penalty points. If these points are imposed on a new driver during their probationary period, it would automatically lead to licence revocation. However, a short ban can prevent this outcome.
How We Can Help
At The Motoring Lawyers, we understand how important your driving licence is to your life and work. If you are facing the possibility of licence revocation or discretionary disqualification, our experienced team can help in the following ways:
1.     Case Assessment: We will thoroughly review your situation and the circumstances of your case to determine the best strategy.
2.     Expert Representation in Court: Our skilled advocates can present your case to the court, highlighting mitigating factors and persuading the magistrates to consider a short disqualification instead of penalty points.
3.     Minimising Penalty Points: In cases where penalty points are unavoidable, we will argue to minimise the number imposed to keep you below the 6-point threshold.
Every case is unique, and we will provide personalised guidance to ensure the best possible outcome for you.
Why Choose Us?
- Specialist Expertise:Â Our legal team has years of experience handling motoring offences and is well-versed in the laws affecting new drivers.
- Proven Success:Â We have successfully helped countless clients avoid licence revocation and other severe penalties.
- Personalised Support:Â We understand the stress and worry these situations can cause and are here to guide you every step of the way.
- Free Initial Consultation:Â We offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and your options.
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