Driving After A Driving Ban?

[Jay22]

I got a 2 year driving ban last year. I havent driven since I got the ban. Ive had my license since I was 18 -24 now - so the last while have been getting around by bike and bus.

If you have been banned (or just off the road for some other reason) did it feel strange or different going back driving when you did?

I know that my insurance will shoot up but if you have been in the same situation how much of a hit was it?

[Jay22]

Drink Driving.

[Jay22]

Thanks for all the info especially from those who made the same mistake I did, Glad to hear you all got back driving was easy enough. As well as the ban I lost my job over it so I learnt my lesson.

Jamessd said:

Regarding insurance hit, I had a 20 month ban reduced to 16 for attending a drink drive awareness course, 11 or 12 years ago. Insurance went from circa £750 a year to just shy of £5k in the first year back in a car. Dropped by around a grand each year over the next few years.

5k foe insurance 12 years ago is crazy. No way I could afford anything like that. How do they expect normal people to afford that? I can see wht people would take a chance

[Jay22]

LosingGrip said:

Two year ban I'm guessing a high reading? Do you have to do any type of medical before getting your licence back?

Sorry for being nosey and if you'd rather not say!

Yeah it was 92mg of breath - I think it was 2.5 times the limit so was told i was a high risk offender and will have to do a medical and retake my test before I get my license back.

[Jay22]

aka_kerrly said:

If you blow over 100mg you will required to take a medical in order to get your licence back to prove you are not a raging alcoholic!!

For a 2year ban it is likely the OP blew dam close to that.

Op, we're you offered a course to reduce the ban? If so make sure insurers know this.

For insurance, try Admiral.

Thanks for the info, Yes will have to do that medical but dont really mind. I am starting Army training in January sp should be super fit by then.

No didnt know or got told about a course. What does that do?

[Jay22]

Bumblebee7 said:

Must admit I agree. I don't want to change the topic of this thread but I don't think the punishment is severe enough. There is no excuse for it. A relative of mine was drunk driving home one night and clipped a cyclist on her way home. She died of her injuries and the relative got 11 years for it. Family lost their 24 year old daughter just because someone thought they were ok to drive, or wouldn't get caught.

So without meaning to sound patronising I do hope those reading this thread take something away from it as the consequences can be life changing.

Sorry to hear about that. I was lucky that I didnt hurt anyone or worse than that. I did hit a parked car and was shook up by it all. It was a crazy night for me and Ive learnt my lesson.

But I think with the 2 year ban and having to do community work and paying costs that I have been punished foe what I did. I also lost my job as I was still on my probation period as a Prison Officer and was pretty much forced to resign or get dismissed. Just think it is wrong to make insurance so expensive that you cant afford it. Bit have nearly another year of the ban to do,