Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course | Reduce Your Ban by 25%

Expert drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors. Reduce your driving ban by up to 25%. High success rate. Free consultation. Call 0161 660 6050.

High

Client’s Success

0

Successful Cases

Start Today

Enter your details below for a free initial call.

High Success Rate
No Hidden Charges
A Truly Personal Touch
Language Support

Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course Solicitors: Reduce Your Driving Ban by Up to 25%

Being convicted of drink driving carries a mandatory minimum 12-month driving ban that can devastate your ability to work, care for family, and maintain your daily life. However, at Scarsdale Solicitors, our expert drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors can help you understand how completing a Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course (DDRC) can reduce your ban by up to 25%. Moreover, with our proven high success rate in motoring offence cases and over 20 years of specialist experience led by Shazia Ali, we guide you through every aspect of sentencing, mitigation, and rehabilitation options.

Importantly, while our primary focus is always to defend you against drink driving charges and secure acquittals wherever possible, we also ensure you understand all available options to minimize the impact of any conviction. Therefore, understanding the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course is crucial to reducing the consequences you face.

What is the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course (DDRC)

The Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course (DDRC) is an optional educational programme offered by the Magistrates’ Court to drivers convicted of certain alcohol-related driving offences. Specifically, the course is designed to educate offenders about the dangers of drink driving and provide strategies to prevent future offences.

Who is Eligible for the Drink Drive Rehabilitation (DDRC) Course?

The course is only available to those convicted of:

Importantly, the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course does not extend to drug driving offences under Section 5A of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Moreover, eligibility is at the court’s discretion, and not everyone convicted will automatically be offered a place.

H3: How Much Can Your Ban Be Reduced?

Upon successful completion of the course within the specified timeframe, your driving ban will be reduced. Specifically:

  • Standard reduction: Up to 25% of the total ban length
  • Minimum reduction: At least 3 months (typically) Example: A 12-month ban reduced to 9 months; an 18-month ban reduced to 13.5 months; a 24-month ban reduced to 18 months

Therefore, completing the course can get you back on the road significantly sooner. Furthermore, this reduction applies immediately upon successful completion and notification to the court by the course provider.

Request a Call Back

Fill in your name and telephone number and we will call you back.
Rest assured all data transferred on scarsdalesolicitors.com is secured using a trusted SSL Certificate.

In compliance with the UK Sanctions Regime, we are prohibited from working with any sanctioned individuals or anyone linked to a sanctioned individual, or business. We therefore will carry out due diligence checks upon receiving your request against your name and nationality.

Are you a parent inquiring for a child?

Did you get breath reading?

Do you have date of hearing?

Skip the Receptionist

When to call you back?

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am to 5pm and Sat - Sun: 10am to 7pm

We are usually available within an hour's response time on weekdays from 9am until 5pm and at weekends and bank holidays 10am until 7pm. If requesting a call back outside of these hours, please note we will call you upon the office opening unless you specify a preferred time of call.

Important Note: Whilst we welcome call back requests from genuine enquirers, please note that in the event of this form being used for "prank requests" your IP address will be noted and improper use of this form will result in your IP address being reported to your ISP.

Accept our GDPR, Privacy Terms and Conditions

Understanding the Law: Sentencing Guidelines for Drink Driving

According to the Magistrates’ Court Sentencing Guidelines published by the Sentencing Council, drink driving convictions carry mandatory disqualification periods. Specifically, the penalties depend on your alcohol reading and whether you were driving or in charge of a vehicle.

Book a Consultation

Mandatory Minimum Disqualification

Under Section 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, if you plead guilty or are convicted of drink driving, the court must impose:

  • Minimum 12-month driving ban for driving or attempting to drive
  • Minimum 36-month driving ban if you have a previous drink or drug driving conviction within 10 years
  • 10 penalty points or discretionary disqualification for being in charge of a vehicle

Importantly, there is nothing you can say or do to avoid disqualification if convicted, unless very specific “special reasons” are accepted by the court (which are extremely rare and require expert legal argument).

Sentencing Ranges Based on Alcohol Levels

The Sentencing Council guidelines set out sentencing ranges based on your breath, blood, or urine alcohol reading:

Breath Reading (micrograms)

Blood Reading (milligrams)

Urine Reading (milligrams)

Typical Ban Length

Other Penalties

36-59

81-137

108-183

12-16 months

Band C fine (150% weekly income)

60-89

138-206

184-274

17-22 months

Band C fine; possible community order

90-119

207-275

275-366

23-28 months

Band C fine; community order or custody threshold

120+

276+

367+

29-36 months

Medium-level community order to 12 weeks custody

Moreover, aggravating factors such as previous convictions, evidence of serious impairment, accidents, or driving with passengers can increase penalties significantly. Therefore, expert legal representation from experienced drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors is essential to secure the shortest possible ban and maximize your chances of being offered the course.

Read more
Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course Solicitors - A man holding a bottle of beer while driving

How the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course Works

How Does the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course Work?

Being Offered a Place on the Course

The opportunity to participate in a Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course is offered at the time of sentencing by the Magistrates. Importantly:

  • You must decide immediately whether to accept the offer – you cannot change your mind later
  • The court will specify a time limit within which you must complete the course (typically 12 months from sentencing)
  • The offer is discretionary – not all defendants are offered the course, particularly those with very high readings or previous convictions

Therefore, it is crucial to discuss with your drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors before your court date whether you would accept a course if offered. Furthermore, our expert team at Scarsdale Solicitors ensures you understand all options and can make an informed decision on the day.

Course Structure and Content

Once you accept and commence the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course, you will:

  • Attend multiple sessions (typically spread over several weeks or months)
  • Be introduced to qualified road safety trainers who specialize in alcohol education
  • Participate in group exercises, class discussions, workbooks, and presentations
  • Learn about the effects of alcohol on road users and physiological impacts on driving ability
  • Develop strategies to prevent future offences and recognize risk factors

Importantly, the course is not formally assessed and there is no written test at the end. However:

  • You must attend every session without exception
  • You must participate actively in all exercises and discussions
  • You must arrive sober for each session – arriving under the influence will result in immediate removal

Moreover, upon successful completion, you will receive an official certificate as proof of participation. Subsequently, the course provider will notify the court, and your ban reduction will take effect immediately.

Course Locations and Costs

The Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course is offered at locations across England and Wales. Specifically:

  • Cost: No more than £250 (set by regulations)
  • Locations: Available nationwide through approved providers
  • Booking: You arrange attendance directly with the course provider after sentencing
  • Payment: Typically required upfront or in installments directly to the provider

Therefore, the course is accessible and affordable for most offenders. Furthermore, the cost is minimal compared to the financial benefits of returning to the road sooner (reduced taxi fares, ability to work, etc.).

What Happens If You Don't Complete the Course?

What Happens If You Don’t Complete the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course?

If you accept a place on the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course but fail to complete it within the specified timeframe, the consequences are straightforward but significant.

Consequences of Non-Completion

  • Your ban reduction is forfeited – you must serve the full original disqualification period
  • No refund of course fees – the money you paid to the course provider is lost
  • No extension of the deadline – the court will not grant additional time to complete
  • Original ban applies in full – you must wait until the full disqualification period expires

Therefore, if you accept the course, you must commit to attending every session and completing it on time. Moreover, life circumstances such as illness or work commitments are generally not accepted as reasons for non-completion.

Should You Accept the Course?

Our drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors at Scarsdale Solicitors always advise clients to carefully consider whether they can realistically commit to the course before accepting. Specifically, consider:

  • Can you attend all sessions within the timeframe? (Consider work, family, and health commitments)
  • Can you afford the course fee? (Up to £250)
  • Are you prepared to participate actively? (The course requires engagement, not just attendance)
  • Do you have reliable transport to attend sessions? (Particularly important while disqualified)

Importantly, if you cannot commit fully, it may be better to decline the course and serve the full ban rather than pay for a course you cannot complete. Therefore, discuss this thoroughly with your solicitor before your sentencing hearing.

Powerful Mitigation - Reducing Your Sentence

If conviction is unavoidable, our experienced drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors present powerful mitigation to the court to secure the shortest possible ban, lowest fines, and maximize your chances of being offered the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course.

Effective Mitigation Strategies

We present compelling mitigation including:

  • Good character evidence – references from employers, community members, family
  • Previous clean driving record – emphasizing years of safe, responsible driving
  • Employment impact – demonstrating how disqualification affects your livelihood and dependents
  • Family responsibilities – showing caring duties for children, elderly parents, or vulnerable relatives
  • Remorse and insight – genuine understanding of the seriousness of the offence
  • Exceptional hardship arguments – in cases where totting up applies
  • Steps taken since the offence – voluntary counseling, alcohol support, victim awareness courses

Moreover, we ensure the court understands your personal circumstances comprehensively. Consequently, effective mitigation often results in:

  • Shorter ban lengths (closer to the minimum rather than higher guideline ranges)
  • Lower fines (recognizing financial circumstances)
  • Being offered the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course (increasing chances of offer)
  • Avoiding custody in high-reading cases where imprisonment is being considered
  • Community orders instead of custody where appropriate

Therefore, expert legal representation makes a significant difference to sentencing outcomes.

Our Primary Focus: Defending You Against Drink Driving Charges

While understanding the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course is important if convicted, at Scarsdale Solicitors, our primary objective is always to defend you and avoid conviction altogether. Moreover, our specialist drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors have achieved a high success rate in motoring cases by identifying technical defences, procedural errors, and evidential weaknesses.

Common Defences We Successfully Use

Our expert legal team explores every potential defence, including:

  1. Challenging Breath Test Procedures
    • Device not properly calibrated or maintained according to Home Office Type Approval
    • Officers failed to follow proper procedures under Section 7 Road Traffic Act 1988
    • Inadequate observation period before evidential breath test (minimum 20 minutes required)
    • Device malfunction or failure to produce reliable readings
  1. Police Procedural Errors
    • Failure to give statutory warning under Section 7(7) about prosecution consequences
    • Unlawful stop or arrest without reasonable grounds
    • Breach of PACE Code C during detention and testing procedures
    • Inadequate medical supervision when blood samples requested
  1. Medical Defences and “Hip Flask” Defence
    • Post-driving consumption – you consumed alcohol after driving but before testing
    • Medical conditions affecting readings (GERD, diabetes, dental issues)
    • Reasonable excuse for failing to provide specimen (asthma, anxiety, needle phobia)
  1. Challenging Blood and Urine Tests
    • Chain of custody issues with blood or urine samples
    • Improper sample storage or handling compromising accuracy
    • Medical practitioner errors during blood sample collection
    • Urine sample procedure violations (two samples required; incorrect timing)

Moreover, we have successfully defended hundreds of clients using these and other technical legal defences. Therefore, never assume you have no choice but to plead guilty – contact our drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors immediately for expert case assessment.

The Court Process: How the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course is Offered

Understanding how the court process works is essential to making informed decisions on the day of sentencing. Our experienced drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors guide you through every step.

1

First Hearing

At your first hearing at the Magistrates' Court, you will enter your plea:
  • Guilty plea: The case proceeds to sentencing (often on the same day or at a later sentencing hearing)
  • Not guilty plea: The case is listed for trial
Importantly, at Scarsdale Solicitors, our primary objective is always to defend you and secure an acquittal. Moreover, with our 98% success rate in motoring cases, we identify technical defences, procedural errors, and evidential weaknesses that others miss. Therefore, many clients who thought they had no choice but to plead guilty have been acquitted after our expert team identified strong defences.
2

Sentencing Hearing

If you plead guilty or are convicted after trial, the court proceeds to sentencing. Specifically, the Magistrates will:
  1. Consider the Sentencing Council guidelines based on your alcohol reading
  2. Review aggravating factors (previous convictions, accidents, high reading, evidence of impairment)
  3. Consider mitigating factors presented by your solicitor (good character, remorse, personal circumstances, employment impact)
  4. Determine the appropriate ban length and other penalties (fine, community order, or custody)
  5. Decide whether to offer a Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course
3

Being Offered the Course

If the Magistrates decide to offer the course, they will:

  • Inform you of the offer and explain the potential reduction (typically 25%)
  • Ask you to decide immediately whether you accept
  • Ask you to decide immediately whether you accept
  • Specify the deadline by which the course must be completed (typically 12 months from sentencing)
  • Confirm your acceptance or refusal on the court record

Importantly, you must decide there and then. Moreover, you cannot change your mind later, so prior discussion with your drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors is crucial.

4

After Sentencing

Following sentencing:

  1. You receive documentation confirming your ban length, course offer, and completion deadline
  2. You contact an approved course provider to book your place
  3. You attend and complete all sessions within the specified timeframe
  4. The course provider notifies the court upon successful completion
  5. Your ban reduction takes effect immediately and you can reapply for your licence

Therefore, the process is straightforward but requires commitment and organization.

Why Choose Scarsdale Solicitors for Drink Driving Defence and Rehabilitation Course Advice?

When facing drink driving charges or seeking guidance on the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course, choosing the right legal team can make all the difference to your case outcome and future.

High Success Rate in Motoring Cases

Our proven track record speaks for itself. Specifically, as leading drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors, we’ve successfully defended hundreds of drink driving cases across England and Wales with a 98% success rate. Moreover, this means that in the vast majority of cases, we secure acquittals, case discontinuations, or significantly reduced penalties.

Led by Motoring Law Expert Shazia Ali

  • Scarsdale Solicitors is led by Shazia Ali, who brings over 20 years of specialist experience in road traffic law. Moreover, Shazia’s expertise in alcohol and drug-related driving offences is recognized nationwide. Therefore, you benefit from decades of accumulated knowledge and proven strategies.

We Understand Technical and Legal Complexities

Drink driving cases involve intricate legal and technical details. Specifically, we have in-depth knowledge of:

  • PACE procedures and Code C requirements governing police detention and testing
  • Breathalyzer device specifications, calibration, and type approval requirements
  • Section 5 and Section 7 Road Traffic Act 1988 procedural requirements
  • Sentencing Council guidelines and mitigation strategies
  • Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course eligibility and procedures

Therefore, we leave no stone unturned in defending your case and advising you comprehensively.

Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Costs

  • Fixed fees for straightforward cases
  • Clear hourly rates for complex matters
  • Free initial consultation for all clients
  • Payment plans available to spread costs

Moreover, we believe everyone deserves access to expert legal representation regardless of financial circumstances. Therefore, we work with you to find an affordable solution.

Rapid Response Times

  • Guaranteed call back within 30 minutes during office hours
  • 24/7 availability for urgent matters
  • Immediate case assessment and advice

Nationwide Representation

While based in Rochdale, we represent clients across England and Wales in all magistrates’ courts and Crown Courts.

Outstanding Client Reviews

With over 244 verified five-star reviews and a 4.8/5 rating, our clients consistently praise our:

  • Professional expertise

  • Clear communication

  • Successful outcomes

  • Supportive approach
Should You Plead Guilty or Not Guilty?

Many people assume they must plead guilty to a failing to provide charge, but this isn’t always the case. Before making this life-changing decision, you should:

  1. Get expert legal advice. We can assess whether you have viable defences.
  2. Review all evidence. Police procedures, medical records, equipment logs.
  3. Understand the penalties. Know exactly what conviction would mean for you.
  4. Consider reasonable excuse defences. Explore whether medical or procedural issues apply.

If you do decide to plead guilty, we offer a cost-effective “damage limitation” service to:

  • Present a powerful mitigation to minimise your sentence
  • Highlight any factors that warrant leniency
  • Apply for rehabilitation courses to reduce your ban
  • Protect your interests throughout sentencing

However, many clients who thought they had no choice but to plead guilty have been acquitted after we identified strong defences in their cases.

What to Do If You've Been Charged with Drink Driving
1

Don't Panic

Being charged with drink driving feels overwhelming, but with expert legal representation from our drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors, many people charged are acquitted or receive significantly reduced penalties. Moreover, being charged does not mean being convicted. Therefore, take a deep breath and focus on the next steps.

2

Contact Us Immediately

The sooner we can review your case, the stronger your defence will be. Specifically, contacting Scarsdale Solicitors early allows us to:

  • Preserve crucial evidence while memories are fresh
  • Obtain medical records promptly if relevant to your defence
  • Challenge police procedures before evidence becomes stale
  • Prepare the strongest possible defence with maximum preparation time
  • Advise on the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course and all sentencing options

Call us now or book online for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We'll assess your case and explain your options clearly.

3

Gather Your Documents

Collect any relevant paperwork to help us assess your case:

  • Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)
  • Charge sheet or summons to court
  • Police custody record (if you have a copy)
  • Breath test printout or blood/urine test results
  • Medical records (especially relating to respiratory conditions, anxiety, medications)
  • Any correspondence with the police or court
4

Don't Discuss Your Case

Avoid discussing the details of your case on social media, online forums, or with anyone except your solicitor. Importantly, anything you say publicly could potentially be used against you in court. Therefore, keep all case details confidential.

5

Book Your Free Consultation

Call us now or book online for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. Moreover, we'll assess your case and explain your options clearly, including:
  • Technical defences available in your case
  • Prospects of acquittal or case discontinuation
  • Likely penalties if convicted
  • Eligibility for the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course
  • Mitigation strategies to minimize sentences

Other Practice & Services Areas

We also provide expert legal representation across multiple practice areas throughout England and Wales. Moreover, our experienced team delivers specialist advice with a proven 98% success rate in motoring cases. Therefore, whatever legal challenge you face, we have the expertise to help.

Motoring Offences

Our motoring law specialists defend all driving-related charges with exceptional results. Specifically, we handle:

 

Drink Driving Services

Furthermore, our drink driving defence includes specialist support for:

 

Drug Driving Services

Additionally, our drug driving expertise covers:

 

Failing To Offences

Moreover, we defend all “failing to” offences including:

 

Other Motoring Services

Consequently, our comprehensive motoring defence also includes:

 

Criminal Defence

Our Criminal Defence Solicitors provide expert representation for all criminal charges. Therefore, from police station interviews to Crown Court trials, we protect your rights and freedom.

 

Immigration & Sponsorship

Furthermore, our Immigration Solicitors guide individuals and businesses through complex visa applications, sponsorship licences, and settlement matters. Consequently, we ensure compliance and maximize approval chances.

 

Family Law & Divorce

Additionally, our Family Law & Divorce Solicitors provide compassionate support through divorce, child custody disputes, and financial settlements. Therefore, we protect your interests during difficult times.

 

Get Expert Legal Help Today

Don’t face legal charges alone. Contact Scarsdale Solicitors today for expert advice and representation.

Call: +44 (0) 161 660 6050

Email: info@scarsdalesolicitors.com

Common Myths About the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course

There are several misconceptions about the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course that can lead to poor decisions. Our drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors address the most common myths

Myth 1: "Everyone Convicted Gets Offered the Course"

Reality: The course is offered at the court’s discretion. Moreover, defendants with very high alcohol readings, previous convictions, or aggravating factors (accidents, injuries, children in vehicle) may not be offered the course. Therefore, strong mitigation from experienced drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors increases your chances of being offered a place.

Myth 2: "I Can Decide Later Whether to Do the Course"

Reality: You must decide immediately when offered at sentencing. Importantly, you cannot change your mind later. Therefore, discuss this option with your solicitor before your court date so you’re prepared to make an informed decision.

Myth 3: "The Course Removes the Conviction from My Record"

Reality: Completing the course reduces your ban length but does not remove the conviction from your criminal record or driving record. Specifically:

  • The conviction remains on your driving licence for 11 years
  • The criminal record remains but becomes “spent” after 5 years (adults) under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
  • Insurance companies will still see the conviction and charge higher premiums

Therefore, the course reduces your ban but does not erase the conviction.

Myth 4: "I Can Take the Course Even If Convicted of Drug Driving"

Reality: The Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course is only available for alcohol-related offences under Section 5 Road Traffic Act 1988 and failing to provide specimen charges. Moreover, it does not extend to drug driving offences under Section 5A. Therefore, if convicted of drug driving, you cannot take the course to reduce your ban.

Myth 5: "The Course is Too Expensive and Not Worth It"

Reality: The course costs no more than £250, which is minimal compared to the financial benefits of returning to the road sooner. Specifically, consider:

  • Taxi fares while banned (easily £50-100+ per week = £600-1200+ over 12 weeks saved)
  • Ability to return to work sooner if driving is essential
  • Reduced impact on family and dependents
  • Lower insurance premiums (compared to not completing the course)

Therefore, the £250 investment pays for itself many times over.

Myth 6: "I Don't Need a Solicitor If I'm Pleading Guilty"

Reality: The course costs no more than £250, which is minimal compared to the financial benefits of returning to the road sooner. Specifically, consider:

  • Taxi fares while banned (easily £50-100+ per week = £600-1200+ over 12 weeks saved)
  • Ability to return to work sooner if driving is essential
  • Reduced impact on family and dependents
  • Lower insurance premiums (compared to not completing the course)

Therefore, the £250 investment pays for itself many times over.

Reality: Even if pleading guilty, expert legal representation is crucial for:

  • Powerful mitigation to reduce ban length and fines
  • Maximizing chances of being offered the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course
  • Presenting your circumstances most effectively to the court
  • Ensuring procedural fairness and correct sentencing guidelines application

Moreover, many clients who thought they had no choice but to plead guilty have been acquitted after our drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors identified strong technical defences. Therefore, always seek expert advice before making this life-changing decision.

Serving Clients Across 170+ UK Locations

Expert legal services in major cities, towns, and boroughs throughout England and Wales.

Major Cities

Birmingham
arrow
Bristol
arrow
Cardiff
arrow
Coventry
arrow
Leeds
arrow

Major Cities

Leicester
arrow
Liverpool
arrow
London
arrow
Manchester
arrow
Newcastle
arrow

Major Cities

Nottingham
arrow
Sheffield
arrow
Stoke-on-Trent
arrow

London Boroughs & Areas

Barking & Dagenham
arrow
Barnet
arrow
Brexley
arrow
Brent
arrow
Bromley
arrow

London Boroughs & Areas

Camberwell
arrow
Camden
arrow
Croydon
arrow
Ealing
arrow
Enfield
arrow

London Boroughs & Areas

Hackney
arrow
Hammersmith & Fulham
arrow
Havering
arrow
Hendon
arrow
Highbury Corner
arrow

London Boroughs & Areas

Hounslow
arrow
Islington
arrow
Kensington & Chelsea
arrow
Kingston
arrow
Lambeth
arrow

London Boroughs & Areas

Lavender Hill
arrow
Lewisham
arrow
Newham
arrow
Southwark
arrow
Stratford
arrow

London Boroughs & Areas

Tower Hamlets
arrow
Uxbridge
arrow
Wandsworth
arrow
Westminster
arrow
Wimbledon
arrow

South East England

Basingstoke
arrow
Brighton
arrow
Cambridge
arrow
Canterbury
arrow
Chatham
arrow

South East England

Crawley
arrow
Dartford
arrow
Folkestone
arrow
Gillingham
arrow
Guildford
arrow

South East England

Hastings
arrow
Horsham
arrow
Isle of Wight
arrow
Maidstone
arrow
Margate
arrow

South East England

Medway
arrow
Oxford
arrow
Portsmouth
arrow
Reading
arrow
Sevenoaks
arrow

South East England

Southampton
arrow
St Albans
arrow
Winchester
arrow
Woking
arrow
Worthing
arrow

North West England

Blackburn
arrow
Blackpool
arrow
Bolton
arrow
Burnley
arrow
Carlisle
arrow

North West England

Chester
arrow
Chorley
arrow
Crewe
arrow
Fleetwood
arrow
Lancaster
arrow

North West England

Oldham
arrow
Preston
arrow
Reedley
arrow
Rochdale
arrow
Salford
arrow

North West England

Sefton
arrow
St Helens
arrow
Stockport
arrow
Tameside
arrow
Warrington
arrow

North West England

Wigan
arrow
Wirral
arrow

Yorkshire & Humber

Barnsley
arrow
Beverley
arrow
Bradford
arrow
Bridlington
arrow
Doncaster
arrow

Yorkshire & Humber

Harrogate
arrow
Huddersfield
arrow
Hull
arrow
Northallerton
arrow
Scarborough
arrow

Yorkshire & Humber

Skipton
arrow
Wakefield
arrow
York
arrow

North East England

Berwick-upon-Tweed
arrow
Darlington
arrow
Durham
arrow
Gateshead
arrow
Newton Aycliffe
arrow

North East England

Northumberland
arrow
Peterlee
arrow
South Tyneside
arrow
Sunderland
arrow
Teesside
arrow

North East England

Tyneside
arrow

Midlands

Amersham
arrow
Banbury
arrow
Bedford
arrow
Berkshire
arrow
Bromsgrove
arrow

Midlands

Cannock
arrow
Derby
arrow
Dudley
arrow
Hampshire
arrow
Huntingdon
arrow

Midlands

Kidderminster
arrow
Loughborough
arrow
Luton
arrow
Mansfield
arrow
Milton Keynes
arrow

Midlands

Northampton
arrow
Nuneaton
arrow
Peterborough
arrow
Redditch
arrow
Staffordshire
arrow

Midlands

Stevenage
arrow
Telford
arrow
Walsall
arrow
Watford
arrow
Wellingborough
arrow

Midlands

Wolverhampton
arrow
Worcester
arrow
Wycombe
arrow

East of England

Basildon
arrow
Boston
arrow
Chelmsford
arrow
Colchester
arrow
Great Yarmouth
arrow

East of England

Grimsby
arrow
Ipswich
arrow
King's Lynn
arrow
Lincoln
arrow
Norwich
arrow

East of England

Southend-on-Sea
arrow

South West England

Barnstaple
arrow
Bath
arrow
Bournemouth
arrow
Cheltenham
arrow
Cirencester
arrow

South West England

Exeter
arrow
Gloucester
arrow
Hereford
arrow
Isles of Scilly
arrow
Newton Abbot
arrow

South West England

Poole
arrow
Salisbury
arrow
Swindon
arrow
Taunton
arrow
Weymouth
arrow

South West England

Yeovil
arrow

Wales

Cardiff
arrow
Swansea
arrow
Wrexham
arrow
Frequently Asked Questions About the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course

The course is only available to those convicted of driving or being in charge with excess alcohol (Section 5 Road Traffic Act 1988) or failing to provide a specimen (Section 7(6)). Moreover, it is not available for drug driving offences. Additionally, eligibility is at the court's discretion – not everyone convicted is automatically offered a place.

Upon successful completion, your ban will typically be reduced by up to 25%. Specifically, a 12-month ban becomes 9 months; an 18-month ban becomes 13.5 months; a 24-month ban becomes 18 months. Moreover, the reduction applies immediately upon course completion and court notification.

The Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course costs no more than £250 as set by regulations. Moreover, this fee is paid directly to the approved course provider, not the court or your solicitor.

The course typically consists of multiple sessions spread over several weeks or months. Specifically, the total time commitment is usually 16-24 hours spread across 3-4 full-day or 6-8 half-day sessions. Moreover, you must complete all sessions within the timeframe specified by the court (typically 12 months from sentencing).

Possibly, but it depends on how recent the previous conviction was. Specifically:

  • Previous conviction within 10 years: You face a mandatory minimum 36-month ban and are less likely to be offered the course (though it's still possible)
  • Previous conviction more than 10 years ago: You may still be offered the course at the court's discretion

Therefore, discuss your specific circumstances with our drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors.

If you miss a session, you typically cannot complete the course and will lose the ban reduction. Moreover, the course provider has strict attendance requirements, and missing even one session usually results in non-completion. Therefore, ensure you can commit to attending every session before accepting the course.

The course must be completed at an approved provider in England or Wales. Therefore, if you live abroad or plan to move overseas during the disqualification period, you may not be able to complete the course. Moreover, the course is not available in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or other countries. Therefore, discuss this with your drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors before accepting.

Yes, positively. Specifically, insurance companies view course completion favorably as it demonstrates rehabilitation and responsibility. Therefore, your premiums may be slightly lower than if you did not complete the course. However, your insurance will still increase significantly (200-500%) compared to before your conviction.

No. The course takes place during your disqualification period. Therefore, you remain banned from driving while attending sessions. Moreover, you must arrange alternative transport to attend the course sessions (family, friends, taxis, public transport).

No. Completing the course reduces your ban length but does not remove the conviction from your criminal record or driving licence. Specifically:

  • Driving licence: Conviction remains for 11 years
  • Criminal record: Becomes "spent" after 5 years (adults) under Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
  • Insurance: Companies can see the conviction when calculating premiums

In most cases, yes – the benefits of returning to the road 25% sooner outweigh the £250 cost and time commitment. However, only accept if you can genuinely commit to attending all sessions and completing on time. Therefore, discuss your personal circumstances with your drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors before your court date.

Absolutely. At Scarsdale Solicitors, our primary focus is always to defend you and secure an acquittal. Moreover, with our 98% success rate, we identify technical defences, procedural errors, and evidential weaknesses that others miss. Therefore, never assume you have no choice but to plead guilty without expert legal advice first.

Contact Scarsdale Solicitors - Expert Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course Solicitors

If you’re facing drink driving charges or need expert advice about the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course, contact our specialist legal team today. Moreover, Scarsdale Solicitors offer a free initial consultation to assess your case and explain your options.

Furthermore, our experienced drink drive rehabilitation course solicitors are ready to defend you with the expertise and commitment that has earned us a high success rate in motoring cases. Therefore, don’t face this challenging time alone – let us fight for your future.

Book a Consultation
Testimonials
Real stories from clients who trusted us with their most important cases. Your peace of mind is our greatest testimonial. Read what our clients share about their journey with us.
Book a Consultation
Document

I would like to thank Shazia and the Scarsdale team. Super efficient, fast responding and knew exactly what to do in the situation I was in. Highly recommend for any immigration needs

I would like to thank Shazia and the Scarsdale team. Super efficient, fast responding and knew exactly what to do in the situation I was in. Highly recommend for any immigration needs

Sherri Cronin

Dynamic Program Designer