Almost a year in to the ban

[Cyclingtowork]

I’m nearly 12 months into an 18-month ban now. The first 6 months were really tough — I lost my licence, then my job, got into debt, and my relationship ended badly. It felt like things just kept piling on with no end in sight.


Since then, things have started to turn around. I’ve got another job, I’m rebuilding my relationship, and although my commute is about 2 hours each way at the moment, I do feel like I’m coming out the other side as a much more grounded person.


Alcohol barely plays a part in my life anymore — I’d rather use my time more productively. I’ve lost over 10kg, and I’m genuinely looking forward to the future, especially getting my licence back, having my independence again, and opening up more options in my career.


I’ll need to do a medical before getting my licence back, which I’m fine with. The only thing is, time seems to have slowed down a bit now I’m in the final stretch.


Did anyone else feel like this towards the last third of their ban?

 

[topchippyles]

I’m nearly 12 months into an 18-month ban now. The first 6 months were really tough — I lost my licence, then my job, got into debt, and my relationship ended badly. It felt like things just kept piling on with no end in sight.


Since then, things have started to turn around. I’ve got another job, I’m rebuilding my relationship, and although my commute is about 2 hours each way at the moment, I do feel like I’m coming out the other side as a much more grounded person.


Alcohol barely plays a part in my life anymore — I’d rather use my time more productively. I’ve lost over 10kg, and I’m genuinely looking forward to the future, especially getting my licence back, having my independence again, and opening up more options in my career.


I’ll need to do a medical before getting my licence back, which I’m fine with. The only thing is, time seems to have slowed down a bit now I’m in the final stretch.


Did anyone else feel like this towards the last third of their ban?

It will soon come around and its nice to hear someone being positive. You will be able to apply 3 months before the ban is up so its only another 12 weeks to start the process.

Good luck and stay strong.

 

[Cyclingtowork]

It will soon come around and its nice to hear someone being positive. You will be able to apply 3 months before the ban is up so its only another 12 weeks to start the process.

Good luck and stay strong.

Thanks for the reply I greatly appreciate it!

Yeah I’m just staying strong and keeping positive its the journey not the destination I suppose

Hope you’re well!

 

[Nj48]

Thanks for the reply I greatly appreciate it!

Yeah I’m just staying strong and keeping positive its the journey not the destination I suppose

Hope you’re well!

I'm coming to the end of an 18 month ban reduced to 14 after the drink rehabilitation zoom course I finished last week I'm waiting on my certificate then sending it off to dvla I will then receive a list of doctors because I too am a HRO light at then end of the tunnel never ever again will I be so stupid good luck

 

[sighingforlife]

I feel the same.

I got a 12 month ban reduced to 9 months on completion of the course.

The first maybe 4 months were fine, then 4 months really dragged, then the last month flew by. I had different things going on in my life at different times though.

It won't be long and you'll be back in four wheels

 

[Cyclingtowork]

I'm coming to the end of an 18 month ban reduced to 14 after the drink rehabilitation zoom course I finished last week I'm waiting on my certificate then sending it off to dvla I will then receive a list of doctors because I too am a HRO light at then end of the tunnel never ever again will I be so stupid good luck

I know the feeling. I think about that night now and just think what an idiot I was!

However fortunately no one has been hurt and nothing has been done that is irreversible so a valuable life lesson and something that never needs to be repeated again!

 

[alphabravo]

I got 29 months reduced with the course.

First year dragged like hell, but I used the time to drag my self out of my den of self pity. It sped up a little them as I started looking forward to my days. The last couple of months was a ball breaker for sure, but I've been back on the road for 5 months and the ban seems like such a long time ago, it doesn't take long to put it all behind you and crack on with your life.

Well done and grabbing life by the testicles and making the most of it.

 

[Daisybeau]

Hi I had 24 months reduced to 18 after course and got my licence back Dec 2024. Very similar to yourself I think reading wise and also therefore HRO. It’s tough but I did find the summer months easier and just kept focusing on the fact that I was hopeful to get my licence back before the Christmas. My ban was up November but I’d gone travelling for a bit so didnt apply until I got back from that which was fortunate so it passed the time quicker. I just broke it down in to phases. Before you know it you’ll have gone through the medical process and be checking your licence status consistently online and then be so relieved it is all over and driving again. Keep going you’ve clearly turned your experience in to as positive as possible. I look forward to seeing your posts saying you’re back driving again

 

[Nj48]

Hi I had 24 months reduced to 18 after course and got my licence back Dec 2024. Very similar to yourself I think reading wise and also therefore HRO. It’s tough but I did find the summer months easier and just kept focusing on the fact that I was hopeful to get my licence back before the Christmas. My ban was up November but I’d gone travelling for a bit so didnt apply until I got back from that which was fortunate so it passed the time quicker. I just broke it down in to phases. Before you know it you’ll have gone through the medical process and be checking your licence status consistently online and then be so relieved it is all over and driving again. Keep going you’ve clearly turned your experience in to as positive as possible. I look forward to seeing your posts saying you’re back driving again

Can I ask how long after your medical did j get your licence back

 

[Daisybeau]

Can I ask how long after your medical did j get your licence back

Hi it was 8 days after my medical

 

[Nj48]

Hi it was 8 days after my medical

Ok thanks

 

[Nj48]

Hi I had 24 months reduced to 18 after course and got my licence back Dec 2024. Very similar to yourself I think reading wise and also therefore HRO. It’s tough but I did find the summer months easier and just kept focusing on the fact that I was hopeful to get my licence back before the Christmas. My ban was up November but I’d gone travelling for a bit so didnt apply until I got back from that which was fortunate so it passed the time quicker. I just broke it down in to phases. Before you know it you’ll have gone through the medical process and be checking your licence status consistently online and then be so relieved it is all over and driving again. Keep going you’ve clearly turned your experience in to as positive as possible. I look forward to seeing your posts saying you’re back driving again

Hi sorry to ask more questions but I've been on to the dvla still no record from court to tell them I've been on the reduction course can I ask how did u go about it , do the dvla write to you when the courts let them know your ban has been reduced I'm slightly confused I need to a medical yet and my ban is up around June 5th thanks

 

[Daisybeau]

Hi sorry to ask more questions but I've been on to the dvla still no record from court to tell them I've been on the reduction course can I ask how did u go about it , do the dvla write to you when the courts let them know your ban has been reduced I'm slightly confused I need to a medical yet and my ban is up around June 5th thanks

Something similar happened to me.. the court had changed their email
Address so when my DDRS course provider emailed them the certificate of my course completion it bounced. have you contacted the court and they don’t have it? I would ring your course provider tomorrow morning first thing and check they sent it to the right court and email address

 

[Nj48]

Something similar happened to me.. the court had changed their email
Address so when my DDRS course provider emailed them the certificate of my course completion it bounced. have you contacted the court and they don’t have it? I would ring your course provider tomorrow morning first thing and check they sent it to the right court and email address

It's only been just over a week I will ring the court I'm more confused about what happened once the court did inform the dvla what was the procedure and how long did it take with medical etc to getting licence back , did u have to wait till the court updated system to send your d1 in

 

[Daisybeau]

It's only been just over a week I will ring the court I'm more confused about what happened once the court did inform the dvla what was the procedure and how long did it take with medical etc to getting licence back , did u have to wait till the court updated system to send your d1 in

Hi a week isn’t long since you’ve done the course but I I wouldn’t be the best person to advise for time frames on this.
I did my course pretty much straight after my conviction so by the time I was due my medical the DVLA sent me the forms automatically 3 months prior to my bag being up. If you search the forums then there’s loads of info on medical time frames and licences or may need to start a new thread for more specific answers for your case