UNLICENSED & DISQUALIFIED driving

It is an offence to drive on a Queensland road unless you have a valid driving licence.  While the offence carries a maximum penalty that includes 1 year’s imprisonment, if caught driving unlicensed the Court will generally impose a disqualification from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence for a period of 6 months along with a fine.

Driving while disqualified is considered and dealt with by the Courts far more seriously.  The reason for this is that, by driving after the Court has specifically disqualified you is considered to show contempt for the law and the Court’s prior orders.  The maximum penalty includes a fine of up to $4,500 or 18 months imprisonment.  While in many circumstances a first offender can expect to receive the minimum disqualification period of 2 years plus a fine, for repeat offenders or matters in which other traffic offences were committed, terms of imprisonment are a real possibility.