For HGV drivers, a drink driving allegation is not just a criminal matter; it is a direct threat to your livelihood. Your ordinary driving licence and your vocational entitlement are closely linked. If one is affected, the other often follows.
Whether your career ends depends on the circumstances, but the risk is serious.
Will you automatically lose your HGV licence after a drink driving conviction?
If you are disqualified from driving following a drink driving conviction, your HGV (Category C or C+E) entitlement is automatically suspended for the same period. You cannot lawfully drive a lorry while disqualified from holding a standard licence.
The length of the ban will depend on factors such as:
- Your alcohol reading
- Whether there was an accident
- Whether this is a first or repeat offence
- Whether you failed to provide a specimen
Even a short ban can have major consequences in a transport-based career.
What happens once your driving ban ends?
Many drivers assume they can simply return to work once their disqualification period finishes. That is not always the case.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) may classify you as a “high-risk offender” depending on your alcohol level or previous record. If that happens, you must satisfy medical requirements before your vocational entitlement is restored.
This can include:
- A medical examination
- Blood tests
- Evidence of alcohol abstinence or reduced consumption
Until DVLA clearance is granted, you cannot resume professional driving.
Can your employer dismiss you for a drink driving conviction?
HGV drivers are employed specifically to drive. If you are disqualified, you may no longer be able to fulfil the core requirement of your role. Some employers may suspend or redeploy you temporarily, but many will terminate employment if the disqualification is lengthy.
This is particularly true for drivers working under operator licence obligations, where compliance and good repute are essential.
Does it matter if it’s your first drink driving offence?
A first offence with a lower alcohol reading may result in a shorter disqualification. Courts can sometimes reduce the ban by up to 25 per cent if you complete a drink drive rehabilitation course.
However, for HGV drivers, even a short ban can trigger employment termination or loss of contracts. A second offence significantly increases the risk of a longer disqualification and possibly even a custodial sentence.
Can you argue exceptional hardship in a HGV drink driving case?
Exceptional hardship arguments apply to “totting up” disqualifications, not standard drink driving bans. However, there may be other legal arguments available depending on the facts, including challenges to procedure or evidence.
The strength of the prosecution case, the accuracy of the testing process, and the circumstances of the stop can all influence the outcome. This is why early advice from a specialist drink driving solicitor can make a significant difference.
Will a drink driving conviction end your career?
For some drivers, particularly those with lower readings and strong mitigation, a return to work is possible after disqualification and DVLA clearance. For others, especially repeat offenders or high readings, the consequences can be long-lasting.
If your licence is your livelihood, you cannot afford to treat a drink driving charge as routine. The earlier you understand your position and your options, the better your chances of protecting your future.