Restricted Driver’s Licence: Apply for Work Licence in QLD

If you are facing disqualification due to drink driving or drug driving but you need your licence for work purposes, we can assist you in applying to the Court for a work drivers licence (sometimes called a restricted licence).

The Process of Applying for a Restricted Licence:

Obtaining a work licence in Queensland involves the following steps:

1. Eligibility Assessment: Determine if you meet the criteria for a restricted driver’s licence based on factors such as your current driver’s licence status, blood alcohol reading (if applicable), suspension history, and more.
2. Legal Consultation: Seek legal advice to understand the specifics of your situation and the potential for obtaining a work licence. Professional guidance can clarify the process and maximise your chances of success.
3. Application Preparation: Gather all required documents and evidence to support your application. This may include your Queensland driver’s licence details, evidence of your need for work-related driving, and any other relevant information.
4. Application Submission: Lodge your application for a restricted licence at the appropriate court. Ensure that all necessary documents are included and that your application is accurately completed.
5. Court Appearance: Attend the court hearing as scheduled. During the hearing, you’ll present your case, highlighting your need for a work licence and addressing any concerns raised by the court.
6. Assessment and Decision: The court will assess your application, considering factors such as extreme hardship, your driving history, and steps taken to address the issues. If the court is satisfied, you may be granted a restricted driver’s licence.
7. Compliance and Restrictions: If granted, adhere strictly to the conditions of the restricted licence, which typically limit driving to work-related purposes only. Failure to comply with these conditions can lead to severe consequences.

By following this structured process, you can navigate the application for a restricted driver’s licence smoothly and increase your chances of obtaining the necessary mobility for work-related driving in QLD.

Eligibility Criteria for Application: What You Need to Qualify

There are a few prerequisites that must be met before we are legally permitted to make such an application. They include:

1. You must hold a current Queensland drivers’ licence (both at the time of the offence and the time when the application is made);
2. If drink driving, your blood alcohol reading must have been below 0.150;
3. You must not have had your licence suspended or disqualified in the last 5 years (there are some exceptions in relation to SPER suspensions and Special Hardship Orders);
4. You must not have been the holder of a work licence at the time or driving for work related purposes; and
5. You must not have been not required to have a nil alcohol reading.

Assessment by the Court:

If the above conditions are all met, then the Court will determine whether you will suffer an extreme hardship through the loss of your licence (by depriving you of the means of earning a living) and whether you are a fit and proper person to hold a licence (having regard to your traffic history and any steps taken to address driving issues).  If the Court is satisfied, then you will be convicted of the offence and disqualified from driving but will retain the right to drive for work purposes only.