Monthly Archives: February 2025

Sentencing guidelines now exist for a wide range of offences.  New guidelines that govern the imposition of driving disqualifications have been published and will affect all cases sentenced after 1 April 2025.

The new guidelines can be found here.

Much of the guidelines simply restate what are the established rules.  One effect of the guidelines might be to encourage Magistrates or Judges to impose discretionary extended re-tests for allegations not obviously captured by such a sentence before.

Paragraph 21 of the new guideline says:

“Where there is discretion to order a re-test (whether extended or ordinary), the court may wish to do so where there is evidence of inexperience, incompetence or infirmity, or the disqualification period (with or without a period in custody) is lengthy, meaning the offender is going to be ‘off the road’ for a considerable time.”

This will be important for drivers because as the guideline also sets out:

“The extended retest costs the offender double the amount of the standard practical test. It contains the same elements as the ordinary practical test, but will always be more than 60 minutes in duration, and will always include an emergency stop exercise and driving on roads where the national speed limit applies.”

Our role is to be aware of changes of emphasis within Sentencing Guidelines and tailor persuasive arguments to allow the sentencer to avoid or minimise driving disqualifications where the circumstances permit.  This may involve gathering helpful information relating to the effect of a driving ban or your character.

Contact an expert in road traffic law

Individuals may be at greater risk of driving disqualifications until re-test are passed. We have offices across the East Midlands and will happily travel across the country to provide representation for all types of offences.  Follow the link for contact details.

Alternatively you can use the contact form below.