Getting Your License Back After a Suspension

If your driver’s license has been suspended, I know how stressful that can be. You’re probably wondering what your options are and how you can get your driving privileges back. Don’t worry, I’ve been there too. In this article, I’ll walk you through the license suspension hearing process and what you can expect.

How Do License Suspensions Happen?

There’s a few ways your license can be suspended by the DMV—things like getting too many traffic tickets, failing to appear in court for a ticket, not paying child support, or getting convicted of a serious traffic violation like a DUI. Basically, the DMV suspends licenses to get people to comply with the law or court orders.

Once they suspend your license, you’re not legally allowed to drive until the suspension period ends. Driving on a suspended license can lead to your car being impounded, getting points on your license, fines, and even jail time in some cases. So it’s really important to follow the proper process to get your license back!

Contesting Your Suspension with a Hearing

If your license is suspended, you have the right to challenge it through an administrative hearing. This is where you’ll plead your case to the DMV and ask them to lift the suspension early and reinstate your driving privileges.

You need to request the hearing within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice, otherwise you waive your right to one. Hearings are conducted over the phone or through video chat—you don’t have to go to court or anything.

What to Expect at Your Hearing

The hearing officer will start by explaining why your license was suspended and the evidence against you. This is your chance to tell your side of the story and present any evidence or testimony that the suspension was invalid or should be lifted early.

Some things that may help your case are:

• Proof you paid off fines or took care of what caused the suspension
• Letters of support from employers, doctors, caregivers etc. who rely on you to drive
• Records showing you completed traffic school or rehabilitation programs
• Evidence the DMV made a mistake

You’ll also want to explain how the suspension causes extreme hardship in your life. For example, you can’t get to work or take your kids to school without driving. The goal is to show suspending your license unfairly impacts your livelihood.

The hearing officer will consider your arguments and evidence and give a decision on overturning or upholding the suspension. If they rule against you, you can appeal to the director of the DMV within 30 days.

Getting an Occupational License

If the suspension stands after your hearing, you may be able to get an occupational license, also called a restricted or hardship license. This allows you to drive to certain places like work, school, AA meetings, childcare etc. during the suspension.

You’ll need to prove that not being able to drive would cause “extreme personal or family hardship.” For example, you’d get fired, flunk out of school, not be able to care for kids, or lose your home.

The DMV will only allow driving for specific purposes though—the occupational license comes with restrictions on when and where you can drive. And you may need to install an ignition interlock device on your car that tests your breath for alcohol before starting the engine.

Following the Rules of Your Suspension

During the suspension period, it’s crucial that you follow all the rules so you don’t make things worse. Here’s some key dos and don’ts:

✅ DO make payments if required and take any classes or programs ordered

✅ DO get an occupational license if you qualify

✅ DO carry alternative ID and proof of insurance when driving

❌ DON’T drive without a valid license or occupational permit

❌ DON’T drive outside the restrictions of your occupational license

❌ DON’T drive without insurance

❌ DON’T ignore letters or notices from the DMV—respond right away!

Reinstating Your License After the Suspension Ends

Once you reach the end date of the suspension, your license should be automatically reinstated as long as you completed all requirements like payments, classes, interlock installation etc. and didn’t break any rules.

The DMV will send a letter confirming your driving privileges are fully restored. Make sure to keep this letter in your glovebox in case you get pulled over before the update reaches police computer systems.

And remember all the tickets, violations and offenses that led to the suspension stay on your driving record for several years. So be extra cautious to avoid another suspension down the road. Slow down, follow the rules of the road, and drive defensively.