What Is the High Risk Offender Scheme?
The High Risk Offender Scheme is a DVLA programme that requires certain drink driving offenders to pass a medical examination before their driving licence can be returned. The scheme is designed to ensure that offenders who pose the greatest risk are medically fit to drive before returning to the road.
The scheme is administered by the DVLA under the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999. If you fall within the criteria, the DVLA will not reissue your licence until a medical adviser has confirmed that you meet the required medical standards.
Being classified as a high risk offender does not add to your disqualification period. However, it can significantly delay the return of your licence after your ban has ended.
Who Is Classified as a High Risk Offender?
Very High Readings
You are classified as a high risk offender if your breath alcohol reading was 87.5 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath or above. The equivalent blood alcohol threshold is 200 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood, and the urine threshold is 267.5 milligrams per 100 millilitres of urine.
These thresholds represent readings at 2.5 times the legal limit or above. At these levels, the DVLA considers there to be a significant risk of alcohol dependency that warrants medical investigation before licence reissue.
Repeat Offenders
If you have been convicted of two or more drink driving offences within a 10-year period, you are automatically classified as a high risk offender. This applies regardless of the alcohol readings in either offence.
The 10-year period is calculated from the date of conviction for the first offence to the date of the second offence. Both offences must be for driving or attempting to drive with excess alcohol, or for failing to provide a specimen.
Failure to Provide
If you were convicted of failing to provide a specimen for analysis under section 7(6) of the Road Traffic Act 1988, you are classified as a high risk offender. The DVLA treats a refusal to provide a specimen as equivalent to a very high reading.
This applies whether the refusal was at the police station for the evidential test or in relation to a blood or urine sample. It does not apply to refusal of the preliminary roadside breath test, which is a separate offence.
The DVLA Medical Examination
The DVLA medical examination is conducted by a DVLA-appointed doctor and includes a physical examination and blood tests. The blood tests check liver function markers including gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT). These markers can indicate recent excessive alcohol consumption.
The doctor will also ask questions about your drinking history, current alcohol consumption, and any treatment you have received. The examination typically lasts around 30 minutes. You should abstain from alcohol in the weeks before the appointment to give yourself the best chance of passing.
The DVLA pays for the medical examination. You do not need to arrange or pay for it yourself. The DVLA will contact you with an appointment once your application has been processed.
How Long Does the Medical Process Take?
The entire process from the end of your ban to receiving your licence can take several weeks to several months. The DVLA aims to process applications within 90 working days, but delays are common due to appointment availability and laboratory processing times.
You should apply to the DVLA at least 90 days before your ban is due to end. This allows time for the DVLA to arrange the medical appointment and receive the results before your ban expires. Even with early application, many high risk offenders experience a gap between the end of their ban and receiving their licence.
What Happens If You Fail the Medical?
If your blood test results indicate ongoing alcohol misuse, the DVLA will refuse to reissue your licence. You will receive a letter explaining the decision and advising you when you can reapply, which is usually after 6 months.
You have the right to appeal the decision to the magistrates' court within 6 months of the refusal. However, the court will need medical evidence to overturn the DVLA decision. In practice, most people choose to address the underlying issue and reapply rather than appeal.
If you fail the medical, it is strongly advisable to seek help with your alcohol consumption before reapplying. Attending alcohol counselling or treatment programmes and demonstrating sustained abstinence will significantly improve your chances of passing the next medical.