An extended re-test is ordered only by a court following a conviction and disqualification, generally for a serious motoring offence. In some cases, an extended re-test is mandatory; in other cases, the court has a discretion to order an extended re-test.
The extended re-test is more challenging than a standard driving test, generally lasting between 60-90 minutes and assessing the standard of driving on a variety of roads, traffic systems and manoeuvres.
A court must order an extended driving test following disqualification from driving on conviction of the following offences:
- Causing death by dangerous driving;
- Causing serious injury by dangerous driving;
- Causing serious injury by driving whilst disqualified;
- Causing death by driving whilst disqualified;
- Manslaughter by the driver of a motor vehicle;
- Causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs/ Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs or having failed either to provide a specimen for analysis or to permit analysis of a blood sample.
Although extended retesting is mandatory for some of the most serious motoring offences, the court has a discretion to order an extended re-test for other offences such as causing serious injury by careless driving and a wide reaching discretion by order of the Secretary of State to apply the re-testing requirements to persons convicted of such endorsable offences as may be thought fit.
The court will notify the DVLA directly when an extended re-test has been ordered.
The disqualified driver should receive a reminder from the DVLA 56 days prior to the end of the disqualification period. This reminder can be used to apply for a provisional licence. Once a provisional licence has been obtained, an application for an extended re-test can be made using the relevant form available on the Government website.
If you do not receive a reminder, complete a form D1 for a car and motorbike licence or form D2 for a lorry and bus licence.
Once the theory test has been passed, the driver can then apply for the extended practical test. Upon successful completion of both parts, a full licence can be obtained.
Neil Sargeant
https://www.motoringdefencesolicitors.co.uk/about/neil-sargeant/Neil has specialised in road traffic law since 2008 and has worked in the UK’s leading motoring defence law firms which include 2 previous departments he had started and managed himself.
