Caught Drink Driving – Can I Still Drive Until My Court Date? Your Driving Entitlement Explained
Caught Drink Driving – Can I Still Drive Until My Court Date? Your Driving Entitlement Explained
If you’ve been caught drink driving, you may be wondering: Can I still drive until my court date? This is one of the most common questions we are asked by clients facing drink driving charges in the UK.
In most cases, you can continue driving until your court date because the driving ban only takes effect once you are sentenced. However, there are important exceptions, and misunderstanding the rules could lead to further charges.
Seeking advice from a specialised drink driving solicitor can help you understand your rights, avoid mistakes, and prepare the strongest possible defence.
At Makwanas, we provide clear legal advice from the moment of arrest to the conclusion of your case, ensuring you know exactly where you stand.
Book Your Free Discovery Call Today – Get clarity on your driving entitlement after a drink driving arrest.
Can You Drive Before a Drink Driving Court Hearing?
In the majority of drink driving cases:
- Your licence remains valid until the court imposes a disqualification.
- You may drive between arrest and sentencing, unless a court orders otherwise.
- You must bring your driving licence to court for endorsement if convicted.
Situations Where You Cannot Drive Before Court
You may not be allowed to drive if:
- You are given an interim disqualification by the court (uncommon, but possible in extreme cases).
- You were already disqualified at the time of the offence.
- Your licence was revoked or suspended for another reason.
Why Most Drink Driving Bans Start at Sentencing
UK courts operate on the principle that you are presumed innocent until convicted. Even if your breathalyser reading was over the limit, the ban is not immediate — it begins once the magistrates formally impose it at sentencing.
How a Solicitor Can Help Before Your Court Date
We can:
- Confirm your legal right to drive before sentencing.
- Prepare a strong defence or mitigation for your court hearing.
- Advise on steps to reduce the length of your ban, such as the drink driving rehabilitation course.
- Represent you in court to protect your licence and your livelihood.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can I Still Drive Until My Court Date?
Can I drive after being caught drink driving?
Yes, in most cases, until you are sentenced.
Will the police take my licence straight away?
Not usually — unless you are given an immediate disqualification by a court.
Can I drive if I plead guilty?
Yes — you can drive until your sentencing date.
How soon will my court date be?
Typically within a few weeks of the offence, but it can be longer if blood tests are involved.
What happens if I drive when I’m not allowed to?
You could be charged with driving while disqualified, which carries further penalties, including imprisonment.
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