Protecting your driving licence

Expert legal support for avoiding driving bans

There are many circumstances where a driving ban may seem inevitable, but that’s not always the case. Our solicitors regularly help clients:

• Argue exceptional hardship to avoid a disqualification due to totting up penalty points
• Challenge the evidence brought forward in court
• Present mitigating factors to reduce penalties
• Navigate complex legal proceedings with clarity and confidence

We tailor our approach to each case, ensuring you receive practical, honest advice and the best chance of a positive outcome. We understand what’s at stake and will work tirelessly to help protect your driving future.

Solicitors you can trust

Our team has represented thousands of clients across the UK in a wide range of motoring cases. We combine expert knowledge with a proactive, no nonsense approach. From minor traffic violations to complex legal challenges, we’ve helped drivers avoid unnecessary bans and keep their licences intact.

Speak to our motoring offence experts today

Time is often a critical factor in driving cases. The earlier you seek advice, the more options you may have to avoid a ban and protect your licence. Contact our specialist solicitors today on 0161 696 6188.

How to avoid a driving ban?

Avoiding a driving ban isn't always straightforward, but several legal options may help depending on your situation. Here’s how a ban might be avoided with the right advice and approach:

1. Make a case for exceptional hardship

If you're facing a ban because of accumulating too many points on your licence, you might be able to show that being disqualified would cause serious difficulties—not just for you, but for those who rely on you. This could include losing your job, being unable to care for dependents or other real world impacts. Courts don’t take these claims lightly, so strong evidence and a clear argument are key.

2. Look at whether the offence can be challenged

Sometimes there may be issues with the way the offence was recorded or handled—whether that’s a technical problem with speed detection, unclear road signage, or uncertainty over who was driving. In some situations, it may be possible to contest the charge entirely.

3. Provide context and mitigation

If you’re accepting responsibility, you can still avoid or reduce a ban by explaining the circumstances around the offence. This could include personal or professional challenges you were facing at the time, a previously clean driving record, or steps you’ve taken to prevent it from happening again.

4. Get the right legal support

The best chance of avoiding a ban comes from having someone in your corner who knows the legal system inside out. A solicitor with experience in motoring offences can guide you through the process, build your case, and represent you in court—giving you the strongest possible chance of staying on the road.

What counts as exceptional hardship when trying to avoid a driving ban?

Exceptional hardship refers to the serious consequences a driving ban would have—not just on the individual facing disqualification, but on others who rely on them. This might include financial or emotional strain on family members, the risk of employees losing their jobs if the person is a business owner who needs to drive, or the wider impact on vulnerable people in the community who depend on their support. It must go beyond the inconvenience most people would face from losing their licence.

How long do penalty points stay on my licence?

Penalty points stay active on your driving licence for 3 years from the date of the offence. During this time, they can be used to calculate whether you’ve reached the 12 point limit that could result in a driving ban.

However, the points remain on your driving record for longer, depending on the type of offence:

• 4 years for most offences, such as speeding, careless driving, or driving without insurance.
• 11 years for more serious offences, including drunk driving, drug driving, or causing death by careless driving.

So, while the points may no longer count towards a ban after 3 years, they can still be seen by insurers, employers, and the DVLA for several years after that.