The DVLA revealed that 33 new drivers lose their driver’s licenses every day through a series of shocking statistics. So if you feel like you’re the only one this is happening to, don’t worry; you’re not alone. In 2018 alone, 11,953 new licenses were suspended in the UK independently.
Under the most recent legislative, drivers who accumulate six or more penalty points within their first two years of driving will have their license suspended. The revoked motorists have to pass both the theoretical and practical driving exam to secure their license back.
One of the most common reasons a driver’s license is getting suspended is driving without a valid MOT. Even though it doesn’t seem like a serious offense to some, it can cost you a hefty fine, ranging between £2,500 and £5,000, and leave you with more than six penalty points. Therefore if you’re a beginner driver, you should check on your most valid examination date, as an invalid MOT can be a small mistake that will cost you your license.
If your license has been suspended if you have been caught for driving without a valid MOT, don’t worry, we’re here to give you our most accurate tips on how to regain your license and get back onto the road!
Reasons My License Got Disqualified?
There are a variety of reasons as to why your license might have gotten disqualified.
We have outlined the most common reasons as to why your license might have been invalidated.
You were convicted of a driving offense: Those include- driving over the legal alcohol limit, your involvement in a traffic accident, causing direct danger to others while driving.
You received 12 or more penalty points within a 3-year time frame. This is the most common reason drivers get their licenses revoked.
The accumulated amount of points can be obtained through a series of offenses such as speeding or driving without a valid MOT. There are also various types of other reasons which might not involve breaking the law as to why your licence has become invalid, such as forgetting to simply renew its validity.
What Exactly is an MOT?
An MOT (Ministry of Transport) is a compulsory test that has to be conducted annually on vehicles that are three years or older, checking the safety and exhaust emissions of motor vehicles. Specifically, the car is checked to ensure it meets the road and environmental safety standards.
What Is Checked During an MOT?
An MOT exam checks the most crucial features to guarantee the safety of your vehicle. Those involve checks ranging from the brakes and fuel system to light, seat belts, mirrors, and exhaust systems.
Can You Drive Without a Valid MOT?
Driving without a valid MOT is the equivalent of a landlord renting a property without having a valid gas certificate. It may happen, but it’s illegal in the eyes of the law. If you do not have a valid MOT, your vehicle is not considered roadworthy, and therefore driving it is an offense. It is only permitted to drive your car to have the faults fixed and a pre-booked MOT if you do not have a valid one yet.
How to Get Back on the Road After Your License Has Been Suspended?
First and foremost, 56 days after you have been disqualified, your previous driver’s license is considered invalid, and you have to apply for a new one. However, you cannot apply for a new driver’s license in the view of the law while your old one is still disqualified.
You will also need to send a series of documents and certifications to a Driver Licensing Division.
There’s a variety of factors that go into the process of gaining your driver’s license back; most often, they’re based on why it has been taken away in the first place. If you’re disqualified for being found under the influence of alcohol while driving, DVA will make medical inquiries before proceeding to undertake any decisions on your license being returned.
Bear in mind that the time frame of when you will obtain your license back significantly varies according to the road offense committed by you. This can range from 6 months if you get 12 or more penalty points within three years to 2 years if your third disqualification is within three years.
Conclusion
Even Though it might seem like forgetting to take an MOT exam is a minor issue, it is a punishable offense. It would be best if you always remembered that driving without a valid MOT puts your life and the lives of others around you at risk, and should always keep a note of when to conduct your next exam.
