Book a Free Call For Immediate Consultation & Advice
Section 42, Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988
If a period of disqualification has been imposed an application can be made for early removal of the disqualification. The application is also known as a Petition for the restoration of a driving licence.
The application must be made to the court that imposed the period of disqualification and it can only be made once a certain period of time has lapsed from the date of disqualification. This will depend on the length of disqualification that was imposed.
Time Limits:
If the period of disqualification was for:
4 years or less, an application for early removal of disqualification can be made after 2 years.4 to 10 years, an application can be made after one half of the period has expired.more than 10 years, an application can be made after a period of 5 years.
Application Procedure
An application or petition must be lodged with the court. A court fee is payable and the application should contain personal details of the disqualified person, together with details of the original offence, period of disqualification and the reasons why early removal of disqualification is sought. This latter element is essential and reasons for early removal of disqualification may include:
Employment Opportunities: a new job or promotion that depends on the ability to drive;Health issues: health issues to either the disqualified driver or some other person that would benefit from the ability to drive;Hardship: hardship to either the disqualified driver or some other person which might be avoided with the ability to drive.
The application for early removal of disqualification should also be sent to the Procurator Fiscal’s office. This will trigger a background check on the disqualified driver by the police. Where the disqualification was imposed for a drink related offence a doctor’s report may be required to ensure that there is no underlying problem with alcohol. If the application is based on a health issue a medical report will be required. Any additional information that would support the applicationshould also be obtained. This might include character references and letters from employers.
Court Hearing
Once an application has been lodged with the court a hearing will be fixed. This is the opportunity for the disqualified driver to make representations to the court in support of the application. Any additional information can be put before the court at this time. The Crown can also make representations before the court which may or may not support the application. This largely depends on the terms of the police report.
The application can be granted, refused or continued for further information. In coming to a decision the court will have regard to a number of factors, including:
The character of the person making the application and their conduct since the period of disqualification was imposed;The nature and circ*mstances of the original offence that led to disqualification;The reasons given for early removal of disqualification; andAny other circ*mstances relevant to the application.
If the application is refused there is no right of appeal, but a fresh application can be made after a period of 3 months. If the application is granted the person making the application must apply to DVLA for return of their licence before they start driving again.
How we can help
If you are disqualified and thinking about making an application for the early removal of disqualification we recommend that you seek specialist advice from a road traffic lawyer to improve your chances. Our experience and expertise in this area will quickly determine the merits of your application and the prospects of success. Early expert advice can save time and expense. We can prepare your application, order appropriate reports and make forceful representations at court. We pride ourselves in offering a service that is friendly, honest and reliable. For free advice that is without pressure or obligation simply contact us:
E-Mail Us Today or call 0790 55 00 870
Why Choose Us?
"I firmly believe every motorist is entitled to expert road traffic advice"
- We offer FREE confidential advice to all potential clients.
- We provide an HONEST assessment of your situation.
- We offer affordable FIXED fee pricing
- We exclusively SPECIALISE in this area of the law
More About UsCall Us
Independent Testimonials
From Recent Case Wins
Charges Dropped
My brother recently used the services of Dominic Sellar & Co for a traffic offence, and we’re very glad he did! The charges against him were dropped, in no small measure down to the expertise of Dominic. Wouldn’t hesitate to … Continued
Traffic Charges
I would like to thank Dominic and his team for a great outcome in court. I would highly recommend him to anyone facing traffic charges. His fee was also very reasonable.
Speeding Charge
From the start to the end Mr Sellar came Cross as a highly intelligent man and it wasn’t until in the courtroom the real level of his intelligence and knowledge for traffic law shone through. The end result is, I … Continued
Honest and trustworthy service
facing a very difficult situation of a lengthy ban Dominic managed to fight my corner which resulted in a more manageable short term ban. What I liked about Dominic was that he was very straight talking and was very honest. … Continued
Multiple Charges
I was facing multiple charges and Dominic sorted Everything out. I’m absolutely delighted by the outcome. And would recommend him to anyone needing a traffic lawyer.
Speeding Driving Charge – 1st Class Service
Recently hired Dominic for a speeding charge I recieved. My experience was first class from start to finish upfront cost no hidden charges and communication from Dominic at all times was amazing only a phonecall away.
Speeding Driving Charge – Falkirk JP Court
Many thanks for all your efforts in getting the speeding charge against me dropped. I would have no hesitation in recommending the services of you and your firm. From the outset you were very clear about the process and procedures … Continued
Drink Driving & Failing to Provide at Edinburgh Sheriff Court
Thank You so much for representing me in my court cases. I am more than happy to provide a recommendation…
Careless Driving Case, Hamilton Justice of the Peace Court
I would like to express my sincere thanks to you for the care and attention you showed to my mum when you recently represented her in court. This was an extremely anxious time for my mum and your professional yet … Continued
Dangerous Driving. Dumfries Sheriff Court
I would like to express my gratitude to Mr Sellar for the way in which he represented me when faced with a dangerous driving charge or alternatively speeding charge. He came across as knowledgeable and professional with his advice that … Continued
Speeding and Careless Driving at Glasgow JP Court
Thank you for getting the very best result for me today. I truly appreciate the expertise and knowledge that you have and how this has enabled me to retain my very precious driving license. I will have no hesitation in … Continued
Careless Driving and No Insurance at Lanark JP Court
Thank you so much for all your help and representation with my case at Lanark Sheriff Court. My license is essential, your expect advice and representation at trial saved my licence and my job. Thanks again, I would highly recommend … Continued
Friends and Family Recommendation – Amanda Holton
Recommendation – Anonymous
Mr Harry Gillespie – Insurance claim
Licence and job saved – Lanark Sheriff Court
Driving Without Insurance at Glasgow JP Court
Careless Driving Charge at Falkirk Sheriff Court
Drunk in Charge, Glasgow Sheriff Court
Careless Driving Charge at Edinburgh JP Court
Careless Driving at Lanark JP Court
Failing to Provide Driver Details at Edinburgh JP Court.
Traffic Commissioners Hearing
Independent Reviews
99% of our clients wouldn’t hesitate to use us again or recommend us to others. Have a look at the reviews below and see why we’re the right solicitors for you.
- 4.9/5
- 5/5
- 5/5
- 100+
My brother recently used the services of Dominic Sellar & Co for a traffic offence, and we’re very glad he did! The charges against him were dropped, in no small measure down to the expertise of Dominic. Wouldn’t hesitate to … Continued
I would like to thank Dominic and his team for a great outcome in court. I would highly recommend him to anyone facing traffic charges. His fee was also very reasonable.
From the start to the end Mr Sellar came Cross as a highly intelligent man and it wasn’t until in the courtroom the real level of his intelligence and knowledge for traffic law shone through. The end result is, I … Continued
facing a very difficult situation of a lengthy ban Dominic managed to fight my corner which resulted in a more manageable short term ban. What I liked about Dominic was that he was very straight talking and was very honest. … Continued
I was facing multiple charges and Dominic sorted Everything out. I’m absolutely delighted by the outcome. And would recommend him to anyone needing a traffic lawyer.
Recently hired Dominic for a speeding charge I recieved. My experience was first class from start to finish upfront cost no hidden charges and communication from Dominic at all times was amazing only a phonecall away.
Many thanks for all your efforts in getting the speeding charge against me dropped. I would have no hesitation in recommending the services of you and your firm. From the outset you were very clear about the process and procedures … Continued
Thank You so much for representing me in my court cases. I am more than happy to provide a recommendation…
I would like to express my sincere thanks to you for the care and attention you showed to my mum when you recently represented her in court. This was an extremely anxious time for my mum and your professional yet … Continued
I would like to express my gratitude to Mr Sellar for the way in which he represented me when faced with a dangerous driving charge or alternatively speeding charge. He came across as knowledgeable and professional with his advice that … Continued
Thank you for getting the very best result for me today. I truly appreciate the expertise and knowledge that you have and how this has enabled me to retain my very precious driving license. I will have no hesitation in … Continued
Thank you so much for all your help and representation with my case at Lanark Sheriff Court. My license is essential, your expect advice and representation at trial saved my licence and my job. Thanks again, I would highly recommend … Continued
Friends and Family Recommendation – Amanda Holton
Recommendation – Anonymous
Mr Harry Gillespie – Insurance claim
Licence and job saved – Lanark Sheriff Court
Driving Without Insurance at Glasgow JP Court
Careless Driving Charge at Falkirk Sheriff Court
Drunk in Charge, Glasgow Sheriff Court
Careless Driving Charge at Edinburgh JP Court
Careless Driving at Lanark JP Court
Failing to Provide Driver Details at Edinburgh JP Court.
Traffic Commissioners Hearing
Our Awards
Send Online Message
We aim to respond to all messages as quickly as possible. Please tell us about your case so we have the right info available for you.
Secure Message
We never share any of your information
Send Online Message
We aim to respond to all messages as quickly as possible. Please tell us about your case so we have the right info available for you.
Secure Message
We never share any of your information