DVLA Licence Decision Appeal Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to appeal against DVLA decision to revoke or refuse a driving licence, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong dvla licence decision appeal should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• Set out the grounds for appeal including updated medical evidence
• Reference the right to appeal to the magistrates court
• State the impact of the decision on the individual's ability to work and live independently
• Request urgent review

Understanding why the DVLA revoked or refused your licence

Licence revocations and refusals are most commonly linked to a medical condition the DVLA believes affects your fitness to drive, though they can also relate to points, convictions, or incomplete paperwork. Before appealing, request the DVLA's full reasoning in writing if it wasn't already provided in detail — you need to know exactly what you're appealing before you can address it properly.

What to include before you send it

• Reference to the specific decision and date it was made
• The grounds for your appeal — new medical evidence, a factual error, or a change in circumstances
• Any supporting documentation, particularly updated medical evidence if the decision was medically based
• A clear request for the decision to be reviewed

Your right to appeal to the courts

If the DVLA maintains its decision after your appeal, you have the right to appeal further to the magistrates' court (or sheriff court in Scotland) — this is a formal legal process with its own time limits: within 6 months in England and Wales, or within 21 days in Scotland, so don't let this deadline pass while waiting for a response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my appeal is ongoing?
Generally no, once your licence has been revoked or refused — driving without a valid licence carries serious penalties, so don't drive until the matter is resolved in your favour.

How long does the DVLA typically take to respond to an appeal?
Timescales vary considerably depending on whether further medical assessment is needed, so it's worth asking for an estimated timeframe when you submit your appeal.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Drivers Medical Group / Licensing section]
DVLA
[Address - as shown on your decision letter]
[Date]

Dear [Name of Contact, or 'Sir / Madam'],

Subject: Request to review the decision to [revoke / refuse] my driving licence (Reference: [DVLA reference number])

I am writing to ask you to review your decision dated [Date of DVLA decision letter] to [revoke / refuse] my driving licence.

I believe this decision is wrong or based on incomplete information for the following reasons:
• [Reason 1, e.g. My medical condition is stable and well controlled by medication, as the enclosed evidence shows.]
• [Reason 2, e.g. I have not had a relevant episode, such as a seizure, since [date].]

I have enclosed new medical evidence from my [GP / Consultant, name], which confirms my fitness to drive under the DVLA's "Assessing fitness to drive" standards.

This decision affects me because [e.g. I need to drive for my job / I care for a relative / I live in a rural area with no public transport].

Please review this information urgently. If the decision is not changed, I intend to appeal to the [magistrates' court (England and Wales), within 6 months / sheriff court (Scotland), within 21 days].

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

[Note for the page: In Northern Ireland, driving licences are dealt with by the DVA, not the DVLA.]