Drug driving offence FAQs

Drug driving offence - FAQs

I am currently banned from driving due to a drink driving offence, I completed questionnaire as part of the process to regain my licence, I have now received a further 12 month ban due to my admission of cannabis use, is this correct? 

The Secretary of State for transport acting through the Drivers Medical Group, DVLA, has the legal responsibility to ensure that all licence holders are fit to drive. The Honorary Medical Advisory Panel, consisting of medical experts from various fields of expertise, issue guidance and advice to the Department for Transport which then forms the basis of the Guide to Medical Standards of Fitness to Drive issued by the DVLA.

In relation to Cannabis use, the current standards, state that persistent use of cannabis, confirmed by medical enquiry, will lead to licence refusal or revocation for a minimum 6 month period of being free from use of the drug. Independent medical assessment and urine screening is usually required (and arranged by ) the DVLA before licences will be reinstated in such cases.

Your honesty during the medical examination has provided medical confirmation of your daily use of cannabis which under these guidelines means loss of driving entitlement. The DVLA's decision can be appealed in a Magistrates Court providing you lodge an appeal within the time limit stated on the decision letter you will be sent. However, the DVLA will invite the Court to follow the guidelines which state that you must now demonstrate that you have not used the drug for at least 6 months before your licence should be reinstated.