mattridge
New Member
Hi Sean,
I was banned in 2005 and 2008 for drink driving, I was further banned for driving whilst disqualified in 2011. After my ban was up (June 2013), I reapplied for my licence, had a medical which I passed, and was given a licence for a year. (Licence was issued Jan 2014) I have obviously had to reapply for it now. During the past year I decided to face my alcohol demons head on once and for all, therefore I spent 28 days in The Priory on an alcohol rehabilitation programme. When I reapplied for my licence, I was honest about this and stated that I had been to The Priory for alcohol problems. I have now had a letter saying that my licence has been refused. I am furious! Without my licence, I cannot attend the aftercare meetings which are an hours drive away, I cannot attend regular AA meetings and I am unable to do my job... Basically, the fact that I sought help for the issue that caused the initial two bans, is now being held against me and not only that, it is undermining my continued sobriety. It states that I can appeal to a magistrates court, but is there any hope of me getting this decision overturned? I will happily attend a medical at my expense, I know I will pass this with flying colours so I have no objection to that whatsoever. It is almost as if I am being penalised for getting help. The letter states "The law prohibits the licencing of drivers who persistently misuse either alcohol or drugs". (At this rate, everybody under 30 who goes out on the town every saturday night will get the same response!)
Am I in a position to appeal and actually get anywhere? And if so, what is the cost of an appeal? Many thanks in advance for your help.
I was banned in 2005 and 2008 for drink driving, I was further banned for driving whilst disqualified in 2011. After my ban was up (June 2013), I reapplied for my licence, had a medical which I passed, and was given a licence for a year. (Licence was issued Jan 2014) I have obviously had to reapply for it now. During the past year I decided to face my alcohol demons head on once and for all, therefore I spent 28 days in The Priory on an alcohol rehabilitation programme. When I reapplied for my licence, I was honest about this and stated that I had been to The Priory for alcohol problems. I have now had a letter saying that my licence has been refused. I am furious! Without my licence, I cannot attend the aftercare meetings which are an hours drive away, I cannot attend regular AA meetings and I am unable to do my job... Basically, the fact that I sought help for the issue that caused the initial two bans, is now being held against me and not only that, it is undermining my continued sobriety. It states that I can appeal to a magistrates court, but is there any hope of me getting this decision overturned? I will happily attend a medical at my expense, I know I will pass this with flying colours so I have no objection to that whatsoever. It is almost as if I am being penalised for getting help. The letter states "The law prohibits the licencing of drivers who persistently misuse either alcohol or drugs". (At this rate, everybody under 30 who goes out on the town every saturday night will get the same response!)
Am I in a position to appeal and actually get anywhere? And if so, what is the cost of an appeal? Many thanks in advance for your help.