Many moons ago, I was desperate for freedom and I decided I wanted to get my motorbike licence. However, being skint meant my only option was a CBT on the mighty Honda Melody. Don’t judge me, my neighbour gave it to me. I was then able to save up the pennies, get a full licence and buy a Honda Superdream 250. Everyone called it the Super Slug as it wasn’t exactly rapid against my mates’ RD250s. Thereafter, things got a bit cooler as I got a better job and I eventually got a Suzuki Bandit 1200.
I had that for around five years and then, getting married and having kids, put an end to biking for around a decade or so. Anyways, as the kids grew up, my son got into off-road bikes and that pulled me back in. Over the past few years, me and my son have been greenlaning which has taken us all over the countryside seeing places we would have never seen. We both have KTM 300 EXC enduro bikes which we both love riding together.
We’ve been planning to do some of the TET in France next year which got me to checking my licence. I have a short-term medical driving licence because of a medical condition, namely diabetes. It runs out in a few weeks. I have got my application in with the DVLA, but I’m worried about the licence running out before the application is dealt with. If that happens, will I have to stop riding and driving because the licence would have then expired, so to speak? I would add that I have a full car and full motorbike licence.
Jason
Answer
I’m not going to judge you. Your early biking history sounds about as exotic as mine which started with a Suzuki Love moped and moved on to a C90. As for your question, my understanding is you have a short-term medical driving licence because of a medical condition, namely diabetes. Your licence needs renewing, and you’ve sent the application to the DVLA.
Firstly, just to state the obvious, just because a doctor has not told you that you cannot drive, does not mean you can. For example, if you have had a diabetic seizure or convulsion since the medical licence was issued, you should not be driving in any event, until you see the doctor again. Secondly, there is a lot of very helpful advice on the government websites to help you. However, I always advise going back to source, which means the actual law.
Therefore, on the basis that your medical condition is not sufficient to prevent you holding a driving licence as issued, then Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 protects someone in your position. In layman’s terms, so long as your medical position hasn’t changed, and you had a licence to ride, and your application is in with the DVLA, then you can ride as you were entitled to do before, even if the date on your licence expired. Whilst not legally required, if you want to take a belt and braces approach, I suggest you could book into see your GP to confirm you are still fine to drive. This way it will be on your medical records, should you need it. And I would inform your insurance company. That way you have covered your arse if anyone raises any issues later.
Andrew Prendergast
Adventure Bike Rider – Jan | Feb 2026