Traffic and Licensing

For many people, holding a drivers licence is something that we take for granted. Our practice doesn't, and we understand the significant consequences that losing a driver’s licence can have on your family, and your employment. 

We have assisted hundreds of clients with charges or applications which impact on their drivers licence. Our clients have included parents, labourers, business owners and professional drivers - such as those under the Heavy Vehicle scheme. We have the experience needed to help you with:

  • minimising licence loss as a result of a drink driving, a drug driving, or a dangerous driving offence;

  • applications for a restricted work licence, or a special hardship licence; and

  • applications to remove a prior court imposed licence disqualification.

To date, Zac has never had an application for a work licence or a special hardship order refused by the Court.

If you or your family rely on your licence for your livelihood, we strongly recommend that you obtain legal advice and representation from a lawyer who understands Queensland’s traffic laws.

You can read below about some of the frequently asked questions involving work licences and special hardship licenses, and also find links to speak with one of our lawyers about your case.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • The eligibility requirements for a restricted work licence are complicated.

    Broadly speaking, if:

    1. You have been charged with a drink driving or drug driving offence;

    2. You require your licence for your employment; and

    3. The loss of your licence would result in you or your family suffering from severe financial hardship.

    you are eligible to make an application for a restricted work licence.

  • A special hardship licence is particular kind of restricted licence which allows a person to drive in circumstances where their licence would otherwise be disqualified.

    A special hardship licence application can be made where:

    • The applicant has accumulated too many demerit points whilst on a good driving behaviour period, or faces a mandatory suspension due to committing a high speed offence (travelling in excess of 40km/h over the speed limit); and

    • The applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a special hardship licence with considerations to their traffic history and the safety of the public; and

    • A refusal of the application by the Court would :

      • Cause extreme hardship to the applicant by depriving them of their livelihood; and/or

      • Cause severe and unusual hardship to the applicant (or family).

  • In short, yes.

    Applicants who wish to apply for a restricted work licence or a special hardship order can be “barred” from applying in several circumstances.

    The most common being:

    1. They have a prior licence suspension or disqualification in the last five years; or

    2. They have been charged with a “high range” drink driving offence.

    There are however several other circumstances which might mean that you cannot make an application.

    We recommend that you contact us so that you can discuss your circumstances with a lawyer and obtain accurate advice regarding your eligibility.

  • If you were sentenced by a Court to a period of “absolute” or indefinite disqualification, you can bring an application to that Court for them to restore your eligibility to hold a driver’s licence.

    This can only occur once you have served a period of two years from the most recent licence disqualification.

    An application of this kind requires accurate and considered legal advice. Please reach out to us for a no obligation discussion to learn more about these applications, and how our lawyers might be able to help you re-gain your licence.