Does the fact i was banned stay with me forever?

[GraemeC]

I was disqualified from driving in 1997 for drink driving, this was also when i was 17 and still held a provisional licence and i haven't driven since. My licence will become "clean" this year.

I need to get driving now and am confused on if i need to take the Extended tests or not as the offence will not be on my licence anymore and the offence occured 5yrs before the extended tests were brought in

Thanks

[Buenchico]

Your criminal record is for life but your conviction is now 'spent' and you don't have to declare it when completing application forms for insurance or for most types of employment.

i know that first paragraph doesn't answer your question but it's important to note that you won't have to tell insurers about your conviction when seeking motoring insurance:
http://www.lawontheweb.co.uk/rehabact.htm

Your offence occurred 5 years after extended tests were introduced but you will not have to take such a test unless the court imposed an order requiring it:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLic ensing/EndorsementsAndDisqualifications/DG_402 2520

Information about getting your provisional licence back is here:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLic ensing/EndorsementsAndDisqualifications/DG_402 2491
You'll then be able to brush up on your driving skills, under instruction, and then apply to take the normal theory and practical tests.

Any points on your licence, when you regain it, will no longer be valid for 'totting up' purposes. (They only count for 3 years). As you realise, points for drink-driving remain on a licence for 11 years from the date of conviction (not of the offence):
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLic ensing/EndorsementsAndDisqualifications/DG_100 22425

Chris

[New Judge]

Unless it was ordered by the court at the time, there should be no need for you to take an extended driving test. Although it can be ordered for other offences which carry an obligatory disqualification, it is usually reserved for dangerous driving offences, when it is obligatory.

If it was so ordered, the fact that the offence is no longer shown on your licence is irrelevant.

The extended driving test provisons were introduced in January 1992, not in 2002 as you seem to suggest..

[GraemeC]

Thanks guys,

Where would i find out if the extended test was imposed at the time of conviction? as i'm not too sure where the original paperwork is

Thanks again

[Buenchico]

The convicting court should be able to tell you exactly what was (or wasn't) laid down by the court.

Alternatively, I would assume that the DVLA is notified of relevant court decisions, so they should know. Contact details are here:
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/contactus/drivers_enqui res.aspx

Chris

[GraemeC]

Thanks All,

I have spoken to the DVLA and i do NOT have to take the extended test!!!!

BONUS!!!!!