MARVAD appeals: deadlines, documents and preparation
Translation published: 15 October 2026
Start by checking the decision and delivery date
Received a notice of unfitness to drive? Establish what was decided, when the notice was delivered and which documents underlie the decision. This guide helps you prepare an enquiry and examine whether an appeal is appropriate.
How long do you have to appeal?
According to the Ministry of Health service page, an appeal may be submitted within 30 days from delivery of the Licensing Authority’s notice. Record and retain evidence of the delivery date. If the deadline is near or unclear, seek individual clarification promptly; do not wait to collect every document before checking it.
MARVAD, the Licensing Authority and the appeals committee
MARVAD provides recommendations on medical fitness. The Licensing Authority is responsible for the final licensing decision and notifying the driver. The appeals committee examines MARVAD recommendations and may uphold, change or cancel them. This guide concerns medical fitness. Points or court-ordered disqualification may require a different procedure; examine the actual decision.
How to prepare
Gather the decision and dates: the Licensing Authority notice, summons and correspondence, noting licence type and affected categories. Identify missing reasons and examination documents. Obtain appropriate current medical summaries and test results for the issue under review. Prepare focused arguments connecting the decision’s reasons to the evidence; needing a licence for work alone is not a complete argument. Check current submission instructions, retain a full copy and proof of filing, and track summonses and requests for further material.
Fees and filing instructions
An appeal requires a fee. Check the current amount, payment options and filing method on the official Ministry of Health service page close to filing. Keep payment confirmation with the appeal documents.
What to bring to the first consultation
Bring the Licensing Authority notice and evidence of its delivery date; available summonses, results, reasons and correspondence; relevant current medical records; and your licence type and requested categories. If an appeal was already filed, bring the appeal, filing and payment confirmations and committee summons. Do not wait to complete the whole list before checking a deadline. The website form requires only contact details and a brief description; arrange document transfer with the firm.
When does the 30-day period start?
The official service page counts from delivery of the Licensing Authority’s notice. Check the actual notice and delivery record in your case.
Does the committee have to accept the appeal?
No. It may uphold, amend or cancel the recommendation. The outcome depends on the case, evidence and applicable rules; representation does not guarantee success.
Does filing an appeal automatically permit driving?
Do not assume it does. Check the licence’s current status, restrictions and relevant notices before driving.
Can the firm help?
The firm can examine the decision and deadline, identify necessary material, prepare arguments and provide suitable legal assistance. Advice must be tailored to your case.
Questions and answers
I do not have all the documents. Should I wait?
No. Check the deadline promptly and identify missing documents with the firm.
Is a letter from my treating doctor enough?
Not necessarily. The evidence must address the decision’s reasons and the relevant medical requirements; assess each case individually.
An appeal has already been submitted. Can I still contact the firm?
Yes. Bring the appeal, filing and payment confirmations, relevant medical records and any committee summons.
Official sources
Related information
Who can provide information to MARVAD and the Licensing Authority? 5 key bodies
Drug-impaired driving: from the police assessment to a MARVAD or Sabar summons
Summoned to MARVAD or Sabar Medical? Preparing your examination documents