Alcohol Help

Ryan Hopwood, 25, who lives in Torbay, lost his driving licence after being caught drink-driving last year.

"I arranged a night out with my friends in Torquay and decided to drive because I didn’t really plan to drink.

"However, I did end up drinking alcohol but instead of getting a taxi home to Paignton I thought I would be OK to drive home after about an hour.

"I got about a mile down the road when the police stopped me near the Princess Theatre. I was breathalysed, taken to the police station and had to take a blood test as well."

As a result of the incident, Ryan was banned from driving for 12 months, reduced to nine months after he agreed to take the driving re-education course at the Devon Driver Training Centre. He was also fined £250.

"I also had to pay £120 for the course, my car insurance premium went up and I had the additional cost of getting taxis to work and back everyday.

"It was harder to go out with my mates in the evenings so I spent a lot of nights in watching TV. I just had to look at the car parked in the drive knowing I couldn’t use it - that was a very effective punishment for me.

"The course run by the drivers’ centre was very effective in making me realise how stupid drink-driving is. It taught me about working out units of alcohol and how easily drinking affects your driving.

"My advice is to just leave the car keys at home - don’t risk it. It is not just the inconvenience of losing your licence it is the hidden financial costs. More importantly, you are putting your own life and those of others at risk as well."

Department for Transport