Driving with a bipolar (manic depressive illness) diagnosis could be dangerous for both you and other drivers. The law states that if you have a bipolar diagnosis you need immediately notify the DVLA. Failing to do so could result in fines of up to £1,000, prosecution for accidents, or a revoked licence.

If you have informed the DVLA of your diagnosis, you might still have had your licence revoked if they deem your bipolar compromises your fitness to drive. Unfortunately, if you have bipolar, driving licence revoked is a possibility. A revoked licence can be an inconvenience, but it can also mean a loss of social life, independence, and in some cases even livelihood. We have put together a guide to help you understand the law and your rights if your licence has been revoked due to a bipolar diagnosis.

Why has my licence been revoked?

When you notify the DVLA of your condition, they consult with your doctors and assess your case to decide if you are able to drive safely. If your condition prevents you from driving safely on the roads, or puts you or others at risk, then the DVLA will choose to revoke your licence.

Even if you believe yourself to be fit and healthy, the DVLA may make this decision. The good news is you can appeal against the decision if you believe it is wrong.

How can I appeal my revoked licence?

When the DVLA revokes your licence, they are obliged to tell you why the decision was made, if and when you are able to re-apply for your licence, and about your rights and how to make an appeal against the decision.

If you decide to appeal, you should consult a solicitor or lawyer as soon as possible who has specific expertise with licences revoked for medical reasons. You will need to make your appeal to the DVLA within 6 months of the revocation. At this first stage, all you need to do is make a written application, but an experienced lawyer will be able to complete your application to give you the best possible outcome.

With your application, you will need to send your reference number and proof that you meet any required standards for driving as detailed in your letter from the DVLA. You will also need to include evidence such as medical records that prove the decision was wrong and you are fit to drive.

If the DVLA still refuses to reinstate your licence, you still have the choice to take your case to the Magistrate’s court.

Can I continue to drive while my appeal is being processed?

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 you are entitled to drive on a group 1 or group 2 licence while your application is with the DVLA. However, if this is the second time your licence has been revoked for medical reasons, you lose this option and will have to stop driving immediately. It is always good to consult with your lawyer before continuing to drive to make sure you are still within your rights.

How do I start the appeal process?

The first thing to do is contact your lawyer. Caddick Davies Motor Offence Lawyers have a team of specialised solicitors who are able to advise and represent you if you decide to make an appeal. Once you have contacted us, we can discuss your options. An appeal that is unlikely to succeed can be expensive and time-consuming, so we offer you an initial free consultation for you to decide if an appeal is the right decision for you. 

If you have a bipolar diagnosis it doesn’t mean you can never drive again. Be sure to let the DVLA know and know we are here to help if you need us.

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It is worth noting that the chances of success in an appeal are influenced by the level of legal service you are receiving. At Caddick Davies Solicitors, you get excellent legal services from our medical revocation solicitors at highly competitive rates.

If you have your driving licence revoked due to bipolar and need reliable legal assistance, contact us at Caddick Davies by phone on 0151 280 3346. You can also email us through our website or request a callback. We will respond swiftly and provide you with a free initial no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explore ideal alternatives.