FAQ - Question & Answer
How do I apply for a Limited (Driving) Licence?
If you are disqualified from driving or have had your licence suspended for accumulating demerit points you can apply for a limited licence (sometimes called a ‘work licence’) if:
- disqualification or suspension of your licence will cause extreme hardship to you and/or undue hardship to somebody else (for example your family or employer) and
- Granting a limited licence to you would not be contrary to the interests of public safety.
In some circumstances you may not be eligible to apply for a limited licence. This is usually if you have recent previous driving convictions.
For example
- if you are convicted of drink driving and you have had another drink driving conviction in the last 5 years then you cannot apply for a limited licence or
- if you have been disqualified for driving while already disqualified or suspended.
The terms of a limited licence are very strict. They are not designed to make your life easy!
- You will only be permitted to drive to the extent necessary to alleviate extreme or undue hardship.
- The hours of driving, vehicles, locations and purpose for driving are all specified in the Order and must be strictly complied with.
- You will also need to keep a log book.
If you are convicted for driving outside of the terms of your limited licence you will be disqualified for at least an additional 6 months and you will not be able to apply for another limited licence. You will likely be fined or sentenced to community work as well.
In most cases you will need to wait 28 days before you get a limited licence, (for example if you are convicted for drink driving or dangerous driving). However we recommend that you make an appointment to see us as soon as you have been disqualified. This way we can prepare the documents so that you don’t need to wait any longer than the 28 days. If:
- you are suspended from driving for accumulating excess demerit points or
- following a conviction for careless driving,
you can apply for a limited licence immediately.
The Court’s primary consideration is public safety, so if you have a significant demerit point history or a number of previous driving convictions, then your application may be declined even if there would be extreme hardship to you.
