Section 88 may allow a driver to continue driving despite not holding a current licence
Section 88 applies in the UK but other countries may not recognise this. If a driver is unsure then they need to check with the relevant licensing authority before travelling.
To continue driving under Section 88, drivers must meet all of the following criteria:
- Your doctor must have told you that you are fit to drive. If your doctor is unsure about how a medical condition affects driving, they should refer to ‘Assessing fitness to drive – a guide for medical professionals’
- You have held a valid driving licence (see *below) and only drive vehicles you have applied for on your current application and were entitled to drive on your previous licence.
- If you hold a Group 2 (bus or lorry) licence, your entitlement has not been suspended, revoked or refused by a traffic commissioner
- You meet any conditions that were specified on your previous licence that still apply
- DVLA has received your correct and complete application within the last 12 months
- Your last licence was not revoked or refused for medical reasons
- You are not currently disqualified from driving by a court
- You were not disqualified as a high risk offender on or after 1 June 2013 (a high risk offender is a driver convicted of a serious drink driving offence)
This licence can be a full GB licence, a GB provisional licence, a European Community licence, a Northern Ireland licence, a British external/British Forces licence or an exchangeable licence.
While the DVLA is completing medical investigations to decide whether a licence can be issued, we cannot tell you if Section 88 applies to you. You and your doctor are in the best position to consider the Section 88 criteria and to decide whether you should drive while you are waiting for a licence to be issued. (INF 88)
*This licence can be a full GB licence, a GB provisional licence, a European Community licence, a Northern Ireland licence, a British external/British Forces licence or an exchangeable licence.
Section 88 cover is valid until any of the following apply:
- You receive your new driving licence (as that will cover you to drive)
- Your application is refused or licence revoked by DVLA
- You will receive a letter from DVLA if this is the case
- Your application is more than a year old
- You have been disqualified from driving since your application was sent to the DVLA
DVLA Leaflet
This link will take you to the DVLA's section 88 information leaflet
*There is no quiz attached to this lesson so mark it as complete to move onto the next lesson.