
DVLA Medical Drink Driving
After being convicted of a drink driving offence, High Risk Offenders will have to undergo a medical, which is given by a DVLA approved doctor, to deem them fit of being allowed to get back on the road.
DR80 is the DVLA endorsement code for driving, or attempting to drive, while unfit through drugs. This covers both illegal drugs and certain prescription medicines above specified limits. It carries an obligatory driving ban of at least 12 months and stays on your licence for 11 years.
DR80 or DG10? DR80 is for driving while impaired by drugs, which has to be proved by how you were driving. DG10 is for driving with a drug level above the specified limit, proved by a blood test, and it is the code most drug driving cases carry. If your licence shows DG10, read our DG10 page instead.
“A prescription alone isn’t automatically a defence, you may still need to show you weren’t impaired.”
The right cover depends on:

Is DR80 the right code, or something else?
Is DR80 the right code, or something else?
DR80 is one of four drug driving codes. DG10 and DG40 are for a measured drug level above the specified limit, while DR80 and DR90 are for impairment, so make sure you’ve got the right one.
DR80 is one of four drug driving codes. DG10 and DG40 are for a measured drug level above the specified limit, while DR80 and DR90 are for impairment, so make sure you’ve got the right one.

DG10
The common modern charge: driving with a drug level above the specified limit, based on a measured level rather than impairment.

DG40
In charge of a vehicle (not driving) with a drug level above the specified limit.

DR90
In charge of a vehicle (not driving) while unfit through drugs.

DR10 or DR20
If alcohol was involved rather than drugs.

IN10
If you were also convicted of driving uninsured.

TT99
If your points totalled 12 or more, resulting in totting-up.

Banned Driver
If your conviction resulted in disqualification.

Not Sure Which Applies?
Check your exact code and points on your DVLA driving record.
What could go wrong and what covers it?
What could go wrong and what covers it?
The situations drivers with a DR80 conviction worry about most are being refused cover, paying far more than before, and a claim being questioned because the conviction wasn’t declared properly. The right policy deals with all three.
The situations drivers with a DR80 conviction worry about most are being refused cover, paying far more than before, and a claim being questioned because the conviction wasn’t declared properly. The right policy deals with all three.


This type of cover may be suitable at any stage after a DR80 conviction.
This cover may be suitable for:
Real-world scenarios. Real-world cover
Real-world scenarios. Real-world cover
These are the everyday situations we see for drivers with a DR80 conviction, and the cover that responds in each case.
These are the everyday situations we see for drivers with a DR80 conviction, and the cover that responds in each case.
Non-disclosure
You don’t tell a new insurer about your DR80.
What typically happens
Policy can be voided entirely
Prescription medication disputes
You’re prescribed medication that led to a positive test.
What you should do
Being prescribed isn’t automatically a defence
Renewal after conviction
Your policy is due for renewal after your DR80.
What typically happens
Premium increases, specialist insurer may be needed
Accident while unfit
You cause an accident while unfit through drugs.
What typically happens
Third party paid, cost reclaimed from you
DR80 insurance is priced on the length of your disqualification, how long ago it ended, any other convictions on your licence, your age and the car you want to insure.
How long ago it happened
More recent convictions are generally viewed as higher risk than older ones.
Your driving history overall
A clean record before the conviction may help your case.
Length of your ban
The length of your ban and when it ends are taken into account.
Level of cover chosen
Third party, third party fire & theft or comprehensive cover all affect price differently.
Whether you’ve had other convictions
Multiple convictions can make cover harder and more expensive to arrange.
How you use your vehicle
Personal or work-related driving can be assessed differently.
DR80 compared to related codes
DR80 compared to related codes
A quick reference, always confirm your exact code and points with the DVLA.
A quick reference, always confirm your exact code and points with the DVLA.
| Code | Offence | Typical penalty | Duration on licence |
|---|---|---|---|
DR80 | Driving while unfit through drugs | 12 month ban minimum | 11 years |
DG10 | Driving with a drug level above the specified limit | 12 month ban minimum | 11 years |
DR90 | In charge while unfit through drugs | 10 points, ban possible | 4 years |
DG40 | In charge with a drug level above the specified limit | 10 points, ban possible | 4 years |
DR10 | Drink driving above the limit | 12 month ban minimum | 11 years |
DR40 | In charge while over the alcohol limit | 10 points, ban possible | 4 years |
IN10 | Using a vehicle uninsured | 6 to 8 points | 4 years |
TT99 | Totting up, 12+ points in 3 years | 6 month ban minimum | 4 years |

How the quote process works
How the quote process works
Simple steps. Expert advice. The right cover for your business.
Simple steps. Expert advice. The right cover for your business.
Tell us about your DR80
When you were convicted of driving while unfit through drugs, and your ban length.
Tell us about you and your vehicle
Your age, driving history, and the vehicle you want to insure.
We find insurers who accept DR80
Drug driving convictions narrow the market sharply. We approach the specialists who still quote.
Insured when your ban ends
We arrange cover to start the day you’re legally back on the road.
Trusted by thousands of drivers across the UK
Trusted by thousands of drivers across the UK
From a single penalty point to a full disqualification, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to find the right cover and expert support when it matters.
From a single penalty point to a full disqualification, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to find the right cover and expert support when it matters.
DR80 insights & guides
DR80 insights & guides
Practical advice on DR80 convictions, disclosure and getting back on the road.
Practical advice on DR80 convictions, disclosure and getting back on the road.

DVLA Medical Drink Driving
After being convicted of a drink driving offence, High Risk Offenders will have to undergo a medical, which is given by a DVLA approved doctor, to deem them fit of being allowed to get back on the road.

Drink Driving Statistics UK 2026: The Latest Facts and Figures
Drink driving remains a serious road safety issue across the UK. Despite years of awareness campaigns, tougher penalties and increased police enforcement, alcohol continues to contribute to thousands of road casualties every year.

Prescription Drugs And Drug Driving
Sometimes, people have medical conditions which require them to take prescription medication. But did you know that some types of prescription drugs can affect your ability to drive? Read on to get the low down on what drugs are being focussed on by police and what can affect the effects of these drugs.

What Is A Unit Of Alcohol?

Drink Driving Statistics, Greater Manchester Police

A Guide To Drink Drive Codes

Why Vehicles Get Impounded in the UK
Vehicle impoundment is a legal power used by police and local authorities to remove vehicles from the road in certain situations. In the UK, these powers come from multiple laws. Laws such as the Road Traffic Act 1988, the Police Reform Act 2002, and the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. These laws allow authorities to seize vehicles to protect road safety, enforce legal requirements, and prevent anti-social behaviour.

Understanding the Different Types of Drug Driving Offences
Drug driving offences in the UK are recorded using specific DVLA endorsement codes. These codes matter. Courts use them to record convictions, and insurers use them to assess risk.

How Many People Die Each Year from Drink and Drug Driving in the UK?
Drink and drug driving continues to be one of the most dangerous and preventable causes of death on UK roads. Despite decades of awareness campaigns and tougher penalties, recent figures show that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is still responsible for a significant proportion of fatal road accidents.

Drug Driving in the UK: What Drivers Need to Know Before They Get Behind the Wheel
Drug driving continues to rise across the UK, and police officers now stop more drivers for drug driving than ever before. Many people assume drug driving only involves illegal drugs, but the law also covers prescription medication, over the counter medicines and any substance that affects driving ability.

Declaring Drink Driving Convictions
By law, customers must fully and accurately complete all of the questions on the insurance form. Previously, the law instructed customers to declare all ‘material facts’, regardless of the questions on the form.

Specialist Car Insurance for IN10 Convictions: What You Need to Know
An IN10 driving conviction is issued when a driver is caught operating a vehicle without valid insurance. It is one of the most common motoring convictions in the UK, but it carries serious consequences for your ability to get cover in the future.

DR10 Insurance Quotes Made Simple: Getting Cover After a Drink Driving Ban
A car insurance for DR10 convictions offence is one of the most serious motoring convictions. A DR10 is issued when a driver is caught operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Recovering from a Drug Driving Conviction: How to Secure Car Insurance After the Ban
A drug driving conviction can have long-lasting consequences, not just legally but financially too. Once your driving ban ends, getting insured again can feel like a major hurdle. Most mainstream providers either reject applications or quote sky-high premiums. That’s where Drug Driving Insurance and Convicted Car Insurance come in, giving you a path back to legal driving with the right protection.

Car Insurance with Convictions: How to Find Fair and Affordable Cover
At Insurance Revolution, we specialise in helping drivers find car insurance with convictions, regardless of their driving history. As a customer-centric insurance broker, we believe everyone deserves a second chance.

Car Insurance After an IN10 Conviction: What Are Your Options?
If you’ve been hit with an IN10 conviction for driving without insurance, finding cover can feel like a minefield. Most standard insurers either raise their premiums dramatically or refuse to quote altogether.

From DD40 to IN10: Insurers Who Won’t Say No
For many UK drivers, a motoring conviction like a DD40 (dangerous driving) or IN10 (driving without insurance) can lead to one harsh reality, such as being turned away by insurers. Premiums soar, cover is refused, and the process becomes frustratingly complex.

Caught Driving Dirty? Here’s How to Still Get Car Insurance
Made a mistake behind the wheel? Whether driving without insurance, getting caught over the limit, or picking up a few too many points, it can feel like the end of the road. The good news is, it’s not. At Insurance Revolution, we believe everyone deserves a second chance, and we’re here to help you confidently get back behind the wheel.

Banned & Back: How to Get Car Insurance After a Drink Driving Conviction!
Getting back behind the wheel after a drink driving conviction isn’t easy. Many insurers either hike up their prices or refuse to cover you altogether, but it’s not the end of the road. There are specialist providers out there, like Insurance Revolution, who can help.

The Rising Demand for Specialised Convicted Car Insurance Policies
The car insurance market is a complex landscape, especially for drivers with convictions. Finding affordable insurance can feel like an uphill battle, whether it’s points on your licence or a more serious offence. Many mainstream insurers are quick to reject high-risk clients outright, leaving convicted drivers in a difficult position.

From Convictions to Coverage: A Guide for High-Risk Drivers
For drivers with convictions, navigating the world of car insurance can be an intimidating experience. Whether you’ve faced fines, points on your licence, or a more serious offence, securing affordable insurance that suits your needs often feels out of reach.

The True Cost of a Christmas Drink-Driving Conviction: How It Impacts Your Car Insurance
As festive celebrations draw near, it’s easy to get swept up in the holiday spirit. But for those tempted to drink and drive, the long-term financial repercussions are severe, particularly when it comes to car insurance. This guide delves into the sobering reality of a drink-driving conviction during the Christmas season, unpacking the lasting impacts on UK drivers.

Rebuilding Your Driving Record After a Conviction
If you’ve been convicted of a driving offence, you might feel like your driving record is permanently tarnished, making it difficult to secure affordable criminal conviction car insurance. As a UK insurance broker specialising in convicted driver and car insurance for banned drivers, we understand the challenges you’re facing.

The Legal Consequences of Driving Convictions and How They Affect Your Insurance
Driving convictions in the UK can have far-reaching consequences, not just in terms of legal penalties but also in how they affect your car insurance. This blog will explore the legal ramifications of common driving offences and how these convictions impact your insurance options.

Convicted Driver Insurance: A Guide to Affordable Coverage
If you’ve received a driving conviction, you may find it challenging to secure affordable car insurance. Many mainstream insurers hesitate to provide coverage for drivers with convictions, but there are options available through specialist insurers like Insurance Revolution. We specialise in helping drivers with a range of convictions, including drink driving, drug driving, and other motoring offences, find tailored insurance policies.

What Are Drink Driving Courses Like?
If you have been convicted of drunk driving, the judge may request that you complete a drunk driving rehabilitation course. What are drink-driving rehabilitation courses like? We’ve compiled some facts about these courses and the type of things you can expect if you attend one.

What Can Cause A High Breathalyser Reading?
The current English drink drive limit is 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, which is confusing enough as it is before you begin to consider what factors, other than alcoholic drinks, can affect your blood alcohol content.

What Is Dangerous Driving?
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) defines dangerous driving as the driver’s behaviour, not what the driver believes. A driver may think they are driving safely when they are committing a dangerous driving offence.

When Stopped By The Police, How Do They Measure Alcohol Levels?
When Police pull a driver over, they are usually concerned with the driver's Blood Alcohol Content or Concentration. They usually measure BAC in concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream and is measured as mass per volume.

Is It Illegal For Someone Else To Take My Driving Test For Me?
In short, yes. It is illegal for anyone to impersonate the named driver and take the practical driving test, the theory test or both. This may seem like a very obvious answer, but some people get, or in some cases, pay, other people to take parts of their driving test for them.

How Do I Get My Car Out Of The Impound?
The police can impound vehicles for a number of reasons, from persons caught drink driving to drivers who do not have a valid MOT. While you naturally want to get your vehicle back as quickly as possible, it is also in your financial interests to do so, as you will be charged for each day your car is in the police impound.

What Is Careless Driving?
A careless driving conviction is issued when a person’s driving is deemed to be below the expected standard of a reasonable and competent driver. A person can be charged with careless driving when an incident occurs due to a deliberate act, as well as an act of negligence.

How Long Does Alcohol Stay In Your System For?
More than half of drunk drivers are caught the day after drinking. It can reasonably be presumed that the majority of these drivers do not mean to break the law but rather think they have slept off the alcohol and are safe to drive the morning after.

Will Criminal Convictions Affect My Car Insurance Premium
The short answer is yes. Unfortunately, some insurers and underwriters perceive those with criminal convictions as untrustworthy and, therefore, too risky to insure.

How Long Do I Have To Declare A Drink Driving Conviction For?
Depending on what a driver has been convicted of, how long it stays on their licence and how long they will have to declare it to certain authorities when asked will depend on the conviction.

Will Attending A Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course Bring Down The Cost Of My Car Insurance Premium?
Technically, attending a drink-driving rehabilitation course will not reduce the cost of your car insurance premium, but it is still well worth doing. Taking a course can reduce the length of your ban, so you can get back on the road quicker.

What Should I Do If I’m Hit By An Uninsured Driver?
Although the number of uninsured drivers in Britain has dropped, around 1.2 million are still on our roads, which has a detrimental impact on the cost of car insurance for everyone else. But worse still, if you are hit by an uninsured driver, knowing where to claim for damage or personal injury can be very confusing.

What Are The Penalties For Having No Car Insurance In The UK?
Some people choose to risk driving without a valid insurance policy in place. However, it’s illegal to drive on the road or in a public place without any form of insurance. You need to have third-party car insurance at the very least, or you could face a penalty.

Know Your Limits
New drink-drive limits are in the pipeline and designed to make us all more responsible drivers and to make everyone around us, passengers, pedestrians, and even the neighbourhood cat, feel secure when someone is behind the wheel.

Do I Have To Redo My Driving Test If I’m Banned?
The short answer is that it depends. If you are banned from driving for less than 56 days, this is known as a Short Period Disqualification (SPD), and you will usually not have to retake your test.

What Happens If I’m Caught Driving Without Insurance?
Driving a motor vehicle in a public place without insurance is classed as a serious offence, and you will be issued an IN10 Conviction. IN10 convictions are issued to people who drive without having the minimum third-party-only cover in place.

Drug Driving Statistics
Looking for the quick facts? Here are the key statistics our research into drug driving uncovered: 1 in 20 of people in the UK admit to having driven a car at least once while under the influence of illegal drugs. 3% say they regularly do so. 1 in 20 admit to having driven while drowsy as the result of taking over the counter medication

Drink Driving Over The Christmas Period
During the month of December, alcohol consumption in the UK increases by over 40%. Despite repeated government campaigns on the rules of road safety and scheduled police vigilance in the UK, every year during Christmas, around 700,000 people are said to sit behind the wheel.

Has Lowering The Drink Driving Limit In Scotland Had Any Impact?
In December 2014, the Scottish Government lowered their legal drink-driving limit from 80mg in every 100ml of blood to just 50mg. Why? To try and tackle an increasing drink-driving problem that was seeing thousands of motorists each year convicted or injured due to getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence of alcohol.

Exceptional Hardship: What Is It?
Did you know it’s possible to avoid a six-month driving ban as a result of a driving offence or conviction? It’s not easy, though, as you have to prove to the court that you would suffer exceptional hardship if your license was revoked.

Tips For Preparing For Your Drink Driving Court Case
If you’ve been caught drunk driving, you will most likely be facing a criminal conviction. This may be a distressing time for you and your family, but having as much information as possible before your hearing will help calm your nerves.

Drink Driving Myths Debunked
There are loads of myths surrounding drink driving, some of which are actually widely believed throughout the UK and beyond. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular drink-driving myths and why they’re rubbish. The only way to be completely certain that you’re within your limits is not to drink and drive.

Convicted Driver Codes: A Guide
Convicted driver codes appear on your license once you’ve been convicted of a driving offence. They also come with penalty points, the amount depends on the offence.

5 Ridiculous Excuses For Drink Driving
It’s summer, and that means lots of BBQs, beach parties and festivals. It also means that thousands of people will risk driving home when they’ve had too much to drink. We’ve put together a list of some of the most ridiculous but ever-popular excuses for drink driving and why they don’t work.

What Is Vehicle Insurance Fraud In The UK?
There are various types of vehicle insurance fraud in the UK. In this blog post, we will examine each type of insurance fraud in detail and discuss how to avoid becoming a victim.

What Are The Cheapest Cars To Insure For Previously Convicted Drivers?
If you have previously had a driving conviction, you may have realised that seeking insurance becomes a lot tougher due to the higher premiums. When insurers calculate your premium, it is not just the driver itself that factors into the pricing.

Drink Driving Abroad
Picture the scene: You’re sat in a bar on holiday in Spain. The beautiful sun is beaming down. You’re happily enjoying your third cocktail. That sounds great, doesn’t it? But did you know that many Brits think it would be okay to drive back to the hotel after a day of drinking on holiday?

How The Drug Driving Law Works
In March 2015, the law surrounding drugs and driving changed, making it as illegal to drive with drugs in your system as it is to drive drunk.

The Most Annoying Things About Driving
Everyone likes to believe that they have amazing driving skills. As a result, we criticise almost every driver around us, pointing out instances of their queer driving habits. However, if we monitor ourselves closely, we will notice that many of us exhibit some typical bad driving habits.

Finding Insurance With Criminal Or Driving Convictions
After you have received a criminal conviction, driving conviction, or finished a driving ban, it can be difficult to find insurance. This is because all types of insurance prices are based on risk and the likelihood that the insurer would have to pay out a claim during the policy.

How Long Do You Have To Declare Your Drink Driving Conviction?
Road accidents seem to be rising on the UK roads. According to reports, a fair share of road crashes are the inevitable result of drunk driving. If you follow the market studies, there has been an alarming rise of around 17% in drunk-driving crashes over the past ten years in the UK. In simple words, 1 in 6 road deaths a year ar

How Long Do You Have To Declare Your Drink Driving Conviction?
Understanding the duration of a driver’s conviction is crucial, as it directly impacts how long it stays on their licence and how long they must declare it to certain authorities. For instance, drink driving offences and some more serious convictions remain on your licence for 11 years.

What Drug Effects Make Driving Dangerous?
Taking drugs when driving puts yourself and others at serious risk. The harmful side effects of drugs mean that the senses you rely on to operate a car are seriously impaired.

How Long Is Drink Driving On Your License For?
If you’ve been caught drink-driving, it’s important to know how long the conviction stays on your licence and the penalties associated with it.

Caught Drink Driving What To Do What To Expect
Around 8,000 casualties and 240 deaths are witnessed from drink driving every year. However, we understand that good people can make mistakes. There are, of course, no good excuses for drunk driving, but we are all humans and can make errors in judgement.

How Does Drink Driving Affect Insurance?
Being convicted of drink driving (a DR10 penalty) can result in many negative outcomes. You could face a large fine, a hefty levy of points on your licence, a driving ban for 12 months, and even, in some cases, a prison sentence. It will also alter your current insurance policy when you obtain points on your licence after a conviction.

Why Is Drug Driving So Dangerous?
The perils of driving when on drugs are paramount. Your senses become impaired, you become more aggressive, and you’re putting everyone else at risk, not just yourself. All drugs react to your body differently, and understanding their harmful side effects on your driving could mean the difference between life and death.

What Are The Drink Driving Penalties?
Many factors can change the outcome of your drink driving conviction. Some of the most common ones are below, although ultimately, the severity of your punishment is determined by a magistrate’s court.

What Is The Drink Driving Limit?
While many people still believe the drink drive limit is determined by the amount of alcoholic units you have consumed, this is not the case. It is impossible to say how many drinks the legal drink drive limit equates to, as it is different for each person.

What Is The Current Drink Drive Limit In England?
Currently, the drink drive limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol for every 100 millilitres of blood. Alternatively, the limits are 35 micrograms per 100ml of breath or 107 mg per 100ml of urine.

Why Do You Ask About Non Motoring Convictions?
When it comes to getting quotes for car insurance, some questions seem to be irrelevant, especially when you are asked if you have any non-motoring convictions. Though disclosing any motoring convictions on your insurance quote may seem reasonable, why do some insurance companies ask for details about non-motoring convictions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about DR80 insurance and disclosure.
Find quick answers to common questions about DR80 insurance and disclosure.
DR80 is the DVLA endorsement code for driving, or attempting to drive, while unfit through drugs. It carries an obligatory ban of at least 12 months and stays on your licence for 11 years.