CDT Test DVLA – Medical Drink Driving Test
Eamonn Turley
3 minute read
27 Jan 2026
What is the DVLA medical drink driving test
The DVLA medical drink driving test is in place to make sure each driver who has had their driving privileged suspended for an alcohol related offence are now fit to drive a vehicle once their suspension has expired. The CDT Test DVLA is required when the suspended driver is reapplying for their driving licence because they are classified as high risk.
If you have been convicted with a drink driving conviction, you will find getting convicted driver insurance both difficult and expensive. We can help you to get multiple insurance quotes to help you start your journey back behind the wheel.
For drink driving the disqualification can stay on your licence for 12 months or more, depending on the severity of the conviction. 90 days before the suspension is to end, a person can begin the process of obtaining a driving licence by filling out and submitting a D27 form.
Once the DVLA office receives the form, a doctor is chosen to conduct the medical examination. The details about the exam are sent to the applicant and will include the doctor’s name and the location of his office. It is the responsibility of the applicant to schedule the appointment with the doctor. There is a fee for this test and must be paid at the time of the exam.
What is Included in the Medical Test?
The medical exam has three parts to it.
- Physical medical exam to assess whether the applicant has the motor skills and physical ability to operate a vehicle. Doctors may also ask questions to evaluate mental fitness.
- A carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) blood test is required. This biomarker detects recent alcohol consumption. To pass, the CDT result must be 1.7% or below. Results are typically available around 15 days after the sample is submitted.
- Completion of a written questionnaire (the DR1 Form ), which can be filled out online. The information provided helps determine whether the applicant is mentally ready and safe to operate a vehicle again.
What causes a failure in the DVLA Medical Test?
An applicant will fail the test if they are unable to show there has been no alcohol abuse in the past 6 months. They must also prove there has been no alcohol dependency in the past 12 months. The physical examination and the CDT test will expose the applicant to alcohol use. When the exam is failed, the applicant can reapply after waiting for a year.
The DVLA medical drink driving test is in place to help make the roads safer from those who have been convicted of drinking and driving. After the driving licence is obtained, a DR10 car insurance specialist should be contacted so the vehicle they will be operating will have insurance coverage. The DR10 endorsements on the driving licence for having a drink driving offence will be classified as spent after 5 years from the date of the conviction.
When you start searching for car insurance after a drink driving ban, expect to pay double what you were paying before the conviction. We have a panel of specialist insurance providers who are able to assist you in finding affordable insurance after a drink driving ban.
Need to contact the DVLA details about Medical and Driving Conditions?
Telephone: 0300 790 6806. Mon – Fri: 8am to 5:30 pm. Sat: 8am to 1 pm
Postal Address: Drivers Medical Enquiries, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU.
DVLA Web Chat: Use the webchat service to contact DVLA about your driving and medical issues.
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