If you’ve been caught drink driving, it’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed and anxious about what the future holds. Your mind may be racing about the outcome of your case, along with the potential driving ban, fine, and criminal record that could follow.
In the meantime, you may have more urgent questions, such as whether you can drive to work on Monday or continue driving your children home from school.
In this article, Parnell and Peel will clarify your driving rights between now and your court date so you know exactly where you stand legally.

With a success rate of at least 87%, you could not be in safer hands.
Please call us on 033 03411690 or make a Free Online Enquiry for immediate assistance. All enquiries are completely confidential.
“I was put through to Abdul from a friend who had used his services previously. I was stopped for Drink Drive and I was adamant that I was not guilty. The thought of losing my licence was terrifying and I contacted many firms who advised to simply plead guilty. Immediately having spoken to Abdul I was confident that he was fighting for me. After a long year, Abdul and his team made an application to Court and 1 day before the Trial the Prosecution offered no Evidence. Really grateful for the unbelievable outcome.”
Caught Drink Driving: Can I Still Drive Until Court?
Here's everything you need to know about your driving rights in the interim period between being arrested and attending court.
Can I Drive Home From the Police Station?
After being arrested for drink driving, the police will take you back to the station for questioning and will require you to provide another breath test or a blood or urine sample. If charged, you’ll usually be released on bail unless the offence is severe or you’re considered a flight risk.
Naturally, if you’re still intoxicated at this point, the police will not permit you to drive home from the station. You'll remain in custody until a breath test confirms your blood alcohol level has dropped below the legal limit (35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath). Once sober, you can drive home and await your court hearing outside police custody.
Can I Still Drive While Waiting for the Court Date?
Yes, you can legally drive between being charged and your court date. At this stage, you’ve only been charged with an offence and have not yet been convicted. You are legally allowed to continue driving until you plead guilty or are convicted.
In most cases, you don’t need to inform your insurer, employer, or any regulatory body about the charge until you’re officially convicted. However, checking your insurance policy or employment contract for any clauses about this matter is worth checking.
When driving during this period, it’s crucial to be extra cautious on the roads, as any further offences could negatively impact your case. It is also advisable to consult a motor offence lawyer to discuss your next steps and potential defences. For example, they may be able to challenge police procedures, question the reliability of testing equipment, or argue special reasons to reduce potential penalties.
What Happens at the Court Appearance?
Your first court appearance is known as a ‘plea hearing’, where you can plead ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’ to drink driving. If you plead guilty, you will typically be convicted, and the court will impose an immediate driving ban. You will be prohibited from driving home and face a minimum driving disqualification of 12 months.
If you choose to plead not guilty, your case will go to trial, which will usually take place three to six months after the initial hearing. During this waiting period, you can continue driving. However, an immediate mandatory driving ban will follow if you're found guilty at trial.
Need Help with a Drink Driving Case? Speak to Our Experts
If you have a court hearing looming and are worried about losing your licence, don't leave your future to chance. Parnell and Peel’s specialist drink driving solicitors are here to guide you through every step of the process. We have successfully defended 87% of drink driving cases and have the technical know-how to challenge seemingly open and shut cases.
Contact us today by calling 033 03411690 or submitting a free online enquiry. We’ll respond promptly with tailored guidance on your case. All enquiries are confidential, and you are not obligated to proceed with our services.
Why Parnell and Peel Solicitors?
At Parnell and Peel Solicitors, we understand how daunting it is to face a drink driving charge. Going to court is not something most people are used to. Along with this anxiety, there is the worry that your driving record will be tainted with a drink driving conviction or that you could lose your licence. Undoubtedly, this will significantly impact your life and may even result in you losing your job.
If you have recently been charged with a drink driving offence, our solicitors are here to help you. We will use our decades of knowledge and expertise to get the best possible outcome in your case. You might think pleading guilty is your only option, believing there’s no way to avoid a conviction. However, we have the skills to challenge and win seemingly open and shut cases.
Our Results
Our skilled solicitors are experienced in handling motoring complex offences and have an excellent track record. We have successfully defended 87% of the drink driving cases we've handled, with some cases exceeding even this strong success rate, as highlighted below:

Even if you think there is no chance of winning, we know what tactics to use to your advantage.
We've often achieved results far better than our clients anticipated.
We do this because we understand just how important your driving licence is, for you, for your job, career or business, and for your family and friends.
We will do all that we can to help you keep your licence, so please do not delay, call us now on 033 03411690 or make a Free Online Enquiry and let us take the strain from hereon in.
“Can’t thank Abul enough. This was a speeding offence that really probably shouldn’t have been in court anyway, but Abdul managed the process, was very easy to work with, great communication and got the desired outcome. Thank you, once again.”
Can’t recommend Abdul and his team enough.
Even when I taught there was nothing I could Abdul reassured he would do everything he could.
Very professional and were always at the other end of the phone.
Received the best outcome there is and kept my license.
