Can you get an HGV licence after a drink-driving ban?
Often, yes, but it takes longer than getting your car licence back. How the High Risk Offender scheme works, how long a DR10 stays on your licence, and the starting points Traffic Commissioners use for lorry licences.
Short answer
A drink-driving ban doesn't permanently stop you holding a lorry licence. For a new applicant with one ban of over 12 months, the Traffic Commissioners' starting point is a hearing if the ban ended in the last 2 years, and a grant if it ended more than 2 years ago. Drivers who already hold a lorry licence usually face an extra period without it after the ban ends: 4 weeks for a 9 to 12 month ban, 6 weeks for up to 18 months, and 8 weeks for up to 24 months.
A DR10 endorsement stays on your driving record for 11 years, and employers' insurers may ask about it.
Getting lorry entitlement back after a ban
Senior Traffic Commissioner's starting points for drivers who held a lorry licence before the ban.
| Ban | Starting point |
|---|---|
| Drink endorsement with no ban | Warning letter |
| First ban under 9 months | Entitlement restored, with a warning letter |
| First ban of 9 to 12 months | A further 4 weeks without lorry entitlement after the ban ends |
| First ban over 12 and up to 18 months | A further 6 weeks |
| First ban over 18 and up to 24 months | A further 8 weeks |
| First ban over 24 months, or 2 or more bans | Hearing before a Traffic Commissioner |
| Second drink or drug offence, ban under 36 months | Hearing |
How it works if you already drive lorries
- Losing your car licence automatically means losing your lorry entitlement.
- DVLA tells the Traffic Commissioner four months before your ban ends, so your conduct can be considered. You may get a letter proposing an extra period without lorry entitlement, as in the table above, and you can ask for a hearing.
- A Traffic Commissioner can also put you back to provisional entitlement and require a new lorry test.
The High Risk Offender scheme
You're a High Risk Offender if the court banned you and any of these apply:
- you were at least 2.5 times the limit: 87.5 microgrammes per 100ml of breath, 200mg per 100ml of blood or 267.5mg per 100ml of urine;
- it was your second drink-driving ban within 10 years;
- you refused to give a sample, or refused permission for a blood sample to be tested.
You won't get any licence back until you pass a medical with a DVLA-appointed doctor, which you pay for. It includes an alcohol questionnaire, an examination and a blood test. DVLA sends the form (D27PH) 90 days before your ban ends. If the medical finds alcohol misuse or dependence, the stricter lorry and bus standards apply, which can mean a longer wait for lorry entitlement. High Risk Offenders also can't keep driving while DVLA processes the application.
Applying for a lorry licence for the first time
The starting point depends on how long ago the ban ended. With one ban of over 12 months, an application is normally granted if the ban ended more than 2 years ago, and goes to a hearing if it ended within the last 2 years. Apply for your provisional licence before paying for training, so you know where you stand. How to get an HGV licence.
How long it stays on your record
- DR10 (driving over the limit), DR20, DR30, DR31, DR61 and DR80 stay on your driving record for 11 years from the date of conviction.
- For the first 10 years a court can take it into account, and insurers and employers may be able to find out about it during the first 5 years.
Getting a driving job afterwards
Employers' insurers set their own rules on drink-driving convictions, and many are stricter than the licensing rules. Ask agencies and employers what their insurance accepts before you pay for training. Getting your first job.
Other offences: penalty points and criminal records.
Common questions
Can I get an HGV licence with a DR10?
Often, yes. For a first-time applicant with one ban over 12 months, the Traffic Commissioners' starting point is to grant the application if the ban ended more than 2 years ago, and to hold a hearing if it ended within the last 2 years.
How long does a DR10 stay on my licence?
11 years from the date of conviction. A court can take it into account for the first 10 years.
Do I lose my HGV licence if I'm banned for drink-driving?
Yes. Losing your car licence automatically means losing your lorry entitlement. After the ban, there's often an extra period without lorry entitlement: 4 weeks for a first ban of 9 to 12 months, rising to 8 weeks for up to 24 months.
What is a High Risk Offender?
A driver banned for drink-driving at 2.5 times the limit or more, for a second drink-driving ban within 10 years, or for refusing to give a sample. They must pass a DVLA medical, at their own cost, before getting any licence back.