Guide to Short Period Disqualifications (SPD)

Short period disqualifications (SPD) are disqualifications for any period less than 56 days (8 weeks). The court stamps your paper driving licence or counterpart document with the disqualification details and gives it back to you. The stamp will tell you how long you are disqualified for. The Court will notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of the disqualification details but their records will not show any break in your entitlement to drive. The SPD will have the affect of suspending rather than revoking your licence.

You must not drive during the short-term disqualification period but can resume driving once the period of disqualification is over ie your licence will become valid on the day after the disqualification. You do not need to renew your licence when the SPD ends.

If you appeal against the disqualification and it is suspended pending a result, there is a different stamp used on your licence. If the appeal is successful, the licence can be sent to DVLA for a free replacement to have the stamp removed.

If you wish to have the SPD stamp removed from the licence following the expiry date of the disqualification period, an exchange application must be sent to the DVLA with the licence and the appropriate fee. Please note that although the SPD stamp will be removed, the endorsement must legally remain on the driving licence for 4 or 11 years depending on the offence.

Don't wait until it's too late. Call Motor Defence Team now, on 0800 2800 912, for a fixed fee consultation with a specialist lawyer.

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