The Financial Reality of a Driving Ban

A driving ban or disqualification doesn’t just mean the legal right to drive has been suspended. Driving bans can come with hefty fines depending on the offence, and the financial reality for the future can be severe.

Driving Bans and Applied Fines

Many Driving Disqualifications can come with financial penalties. The length of time that the driving ban will last and the amount of the fine will usually depend on the severity of the offence. Length of ban and fine amount may also come under the discretion of the courts and there will usually be guidelines that must be followed. Offences such as driving with excess alcohol will usually come with a compulsory disqualification and a fine of up to £5,000. Speeding Offences, especially if over 100mph, can be a probable ban and a likely fine of up to £2,500.

Disqualifications and Employment

Having a driving ban can seriously hamper employment chances. Many employers will not look favourably on employees who have been convicted of offences such as drink driving. Employment where driving is an essential requirement will usually mean the dismissal of the employee. Many employers will simply not employ drivers who have conviction for drink driving. Applying for jobs could also be a tricky situation if the employer asks for details of criminal convictions on the application form.

Increased Insurance Premiums for Previously Disqualified Drivers

Insurance Premiums will definitely be higher for drivers who have been previously disqualified. Insurers see disqualified drivers as a risk and their requested premiums will reflect this. Many insurers will not actually provide insurance for certain driving offences including drink driving. Drivers who do actually find insurers willing to provide cover will be facing premiums of hundreds of pounds more that drivers with a clean licence. This insurance hike in premiums can also cause problems for drivers who are looking to be employed within driving jobs.

Drink Driving Rehabilitation Fees

It may be the case that a judge has offered a disqualified driver the chance to attend a drink driving rehabilitation course. By successfully completing this course a disqualified driver may be able to reduce the length of the driving ban by as much as 25%. This course usually comes with an applicable fee of between £100 and £250. There may be discounts available for those receiving state benefits and pensions, and for students.

Re-Sitting a Driving Test for Disqualified Drivers

Under the court’s discretion a disqualified driver may be required to re-sit a full driving test before they can receive their licence. Magistrates may also require the disqualified driver to sit an extended driving test. This can include paying for driving lessons, the theory test and the price of the extended driving test. The disqualified driver will need to successfully complete the test before their driving licence can be approved. The cost of the extended driving test alone is over £100.

The High Price of a Driving Disqualification

Driving disqualification costs might not always end with the financial penalty for the offence. Other costs can include:

• Increased insurance premiums can bump up insurance cover by hundreds of pounds per year
• Drink driving rehabilitation courses can cost up to £250
• Lessons and an extended driving test can be into the hundreds of pounds mark
• Losing a job and trying to regain employment can mean a dramatic decrease in salary
• Business owners who are disqualified may have to hire a private driver

Being convicted of a driving offence and receiving a driving ban doesn’t just mean losing a licence. The accumulated financial cost can be severe for a number of years. Fines, increased insurance premiums, re-sitting tests and the hardship of losing employment are the main financial losses that can come with a driving ban. The financial hardship from losing a licence can last for many years after the disqualification has ended.