Our services
DVLA advice & appeals
We regularly deal with challenges to decisions made by the DVLA — including licence revocation on medical grounds — which can lead to an appeal to the Magistrates' Court.
Last reviewed: 2 August 2026
What is the DVLA?
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport, responsible for maintaining the database of drivers and vehicles in Great Britain, issuing driving licences, collecting road tax and selling private number plates.
Driving licences and age
A full licence allows you to drive vehicles in a particular group — Group 1 covers cars and motorcycles; Group 2 the remaining categories, including medium and large goods vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles. A full licence is granted until the holder reaches 70; after that it is renewable every 3 years, subject to a medical declaration. Photocard licences must be renewed every 10 years — failing to renew can itself lead to revocation.
Fitness to drive
The Secretary of State for Transport, acting through the DVLA, must ensure all licence holders are fit to drive. Medical standards apply to both Group 1 and Group 2 licences — with the standards for Group 2 much higher, given the size and weight of the vehicles and time spent at the wheel.
There are three types of disability in this context:
- Prescribed — a legal bar to holding a licence, e.g. epilepsy
- Relevant — any condition likely to render a person a source of danger while driving, e.g. a visual field defect
- Prospective — a progressive or intermittent condition which may develop into a prescribed or relevant disability, e.g. dementia. The driver will normally hold a licence subject to medical review every one, two or three years.
How the DVLA learns about a condition
Notification by the licence holder; information from the police; conviction for a drink or drug related offence; or the driver’s doctor notifying the DVLA.
What happens then?
The DVLA conducts its own investigation through relevant medical information. If it determines the licence holder is a risk to other road users, it will revoke the licence on medical grounds. In most cases you will not be able to drive while an investigation is pending.
Challenging a revocation
You can challenge a DVLA decision if a GP or specialist can provide additional information showing you meet the required standard. There is a two-stage process: first, written representations to the DVLA; second, an appeal to the Magistrates’ Court, which should be made within 6 months of the decision.
Why would you need a solicitor?
- To assess the grounds of your appeal against revocation and the likelihood of success
- To identify the supporting documentation you need
- To make written representations to the DVLA on your behalf
- To prepare and present your appeal to the Magistrates’ Court
Free initial telephone advice
Not sure what you need? Start with a call
Free initial telephone advice — we will tell you whether we can help, how we can help, and what it is likely to cost.