Short Period Driver's Licence

What is a Short Period Driver's Licence?

Simply put a short period driver's licence is a licence issued by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) that may last for a designated period of time as agreed between both the recipient of the licence and the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).

Why Issue a Short Period Driver's Licence?

Sometimes they are circumstances outside of the normal everyday scenarios that can lead to the issuing of such a licence. These may reasonably be expected to include:

• Ill health
• Driving in another country
• Driving whilst receiving specific medical treatment

Ill Health

The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) may petition your doctor to find out as to whether your health is such that you should be allowed to drive or not. There may be occasion when the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) feel that you - as either a learner or fully qualified driver - should not be in charge of a vehicle because of a given medical condition.

If this is the case then they may reasonably decide - and without informing you as such - that you are unfit to drive thus revoking your licence. If you feel that you are - in your own opinion - unfit to drive then you must surrender your licence to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) who look more favourably upon returning your licence once - and if - your medical condition is resolved.

If the DVLA revoke your licence because you have not informed them of a medical condition that could cause your inability to drive then you may find that upon applying for it to be renewed that you will have a difficult task ahead of you.

Driving in Another Country

You may find that there are times when you will need to - or would like to - drive whilst abroad. In the European Union all driving licences are accepted and you can drive for a period of up to one year without changing or applying for a licence in that particular country or group of countries.

If you are travelling to a country outside of the European Union then you may reasonably expect to have to apply for - and be issued with - a driving licence for that country which is valid for the duration of your stay there. You should consult with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) beforehand and they will be able to instruct you as to how to proceed if it is necessary to have another licence. More information is available at the DVLA's (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) website: www.dvla.gov.uk

Driving Whilst Receiving Specific Medical Treatment

You may not have an illness which will be directly detrimental to your driving ability but you may be in receipt of medication or medical treatment that could impair your judgement or your ability to control your vehicle.

You must inform the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) or any such treatment and/or medication and they may decide to issue you with a Short Period Driver's Licence if they feel that said treatments and medications will have an effect on your driving ability.

Again as with a failure to declare an illness or medical condition to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), failing to declare and medical treatment that may adversely affect your driving can be taken as a breach of protocol and your licence may be revoked.

As we have already mentioned your local DVLA office will be able to provide you with more in depth information or alternatively you can visit their website at www.dvla.gov.uk.