1 Year License expires 15th May

Thechief5

Hi,
I lost my licence in May 2014 for drink driving. Please don't judge, it was a massive mistake, and I've tried to learn and move on. Anyway, as I am classed as a high risk offender (due to reading), I was granted a 1 year licence, which expires on 15th May. The DVLA are not responding to any queries and will only process applications for key workers. As I understand it, I cannot drive under section 88 whilst my application is in, as I was a HRO. I have not drank for 2 and a half years, and now have a successful career as a civil engineer. However, I need to drive to keep my job The medical would have been a formality, but obviously there will be a delay in taking this now. Is there any way the DVLA will temporarily extend all licenses due to expire? I realise drink drivers will receive the same amount of sympathy as footballers in this time, but we all make mistakes. I am also an NHS volunteer and have carried out some errands this weekend for the vulnerable and isolated. Any help or contact information would be appreciated.

AdrianC

The line DVLA take at the best of times is to assume fitness to drive while licences are being renewed, unless certain factors apply - in which case, assume unfitness until fitness can be proven. Unfortunately for you, you fall into one of those, through being a high-risk offender.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/695575/inf188x6-can-i-drive-while-my-application-is-with-dvla.pdf

This is not an unreasonable approach on their part. But not only that - as you say, this is defined in law, not just DVLA choosing to do it...
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52/section/88

https://www.gov.uk/driving-disqualifications/disqualification-for-drink-driving
I presume you received - and returned - your D27PH? And you haven't had the GP appointment?

So, sorry - but unless and until DVLA can process your renewal, you're walking after 15th May. Or you could drive without a licence, and hope for lenience in the event of any court case. Remember, too, the insurance position should you be driving without a licence.

452

AdrianC said
 Remember, too, the insurance position should you be driving without a licence.

Given he has held a licence and is not disqualified then cover may remain. 

DUTR

452 said:

AdrianC said
 Remember, too, the insurance position should you be driving without a licence.

Given he has held a licence and is not disqualified then cover may remain. 

He is not to drive after the current license expires and a replacement is current , end of. If he is going to end up where someone needs to claim from his insurance policy, then it just backs up that he should not drive whilst not fully legal.

Car_54

DUTR said:

452 said:

AdrianC said
 Remember, too, the insurance position should you be driving without a licence.

Given he has held a licence and is not disqualified then cover may remain. 

He is not to drive after the current license expires and a replacement is current , end of. If he is going to end up where someone needs to claim from his insurance policy, then it just backs up that he should not drive whilst not fully legal.

Yes, but there may be other named drivers on the policy.

AdrianC

Car_54 said:

DUTR said:

452 said:

AdrianC said
 Remember, too, the insurance position should you be driving without a licence.

Given he has held a licence and is not disqualified then cover may remain. 

He is not to drive after the current license expires and a replacement is current , end of. If he is going to end up where someone needs to claim from his insurance policy, then it just backs up that he should not drive whilst not fully legal.

Yes, but there may be other named drivers on the policy.

And there would be no issue with them driving. Nor with a claim while the car was parked up.

But if the OP themselves drove, there WOULD be an issue. As well as a potential LC20 prosecution.

452

DUTR said:

452 said:

AdrianC said
 Remember, too, the insurance position should you be driving without a licence.

Given he has held a licence and is not disqualified then cover may remain. 

He is not to drive after the current license expires and a replacement is current , end of. If he is going to end up where someone needs to claim from his insurance policy, then it just backs up that he should not drive whilst not fully legal.

Yet insurance companies are putting in the disclaimer you are covered without a licence. 

TooManyPoints

Yet insurance companies are putting in the disclaimer you are covered without a licence. 

The OP needs to be a bit careful. Section 88 allows a driver to drive if their application for a licence has been received by the DVLA. (the Act says "The Secretary of State" but obviously the DVLA acts on his behalf). Obviously there are provisos to ensure that this does extend to disqualified drivers and one or two other restrictions. However it also specifically excludes a driver who has been deemed a "High Risk Offender" having been disqualified for excess alcohol and whom the Secretary of State has informed that he may be requires to submit himself for medical examination. Personally I would be reluctant to rely on an insurer's assertion that it was OK to drive in those circumstances.