Losing your driver’s licence can have significant financial repercussions, making it challenging to maintain employment and fulfill daily responsibilities. In Queensland, a Special Hardship Order allows individuals whose licences have been suspended to continue driving under certain conditions. This order is designed to provide relief while ensuring road safety. If you meet the necessary criteria, you can apply to the Court for permission to drive legally during your suspension period, helping to mitigate the adverse effects of losing your licence.
Conditions for Applying for a Special Hardship Order
To qualify for a Special Hardship Order, specific conditions must be met:
- You must have held a valid Queensland driver’s licence immediately before the suspension took effect.
- You must not have had your licence disqualified, suspended, or cancelled in the last five years.
- You must not have been convicted of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle in the last five years or certain other disqualifying offences.
If these conditions are satisfied, we can assist you in applying for a Special Hardship Order, arguing your case to show that you are a fit and proper person to drive and that refusing your application would cause extreme hardship, either by affecting your ability to earn a living or imposing severe and unusual hardship on you or your family. Contact us promptly upon receiving your suspension notice, as there are strict time limits for making this application, which must include supporting documentation.
How We Can Help
If your licence has been suspended due to the accumulation of demerit points or a high-speed offence, a Special Hardship Order may offer a way forward. At Rawlings McShane Lawyers, we are experienced in preparing strong, evidence-based applications to help you stay on the road.
When you engage us, we will:
- Assess your eligibility and guide you through the strict legal requirements for making a Special Hardship Order application
- Prepare a compelling application, demonstrating why losing your licence would cause extreme financial hardship or exceptional personal difficulties
- Gather and present supporting documentation, including employment letters, financial records, and personal references
- Represent you in Court, advocating for your case clearly and persuasively
- Work to ensure that any driving restrictions imposed (such as hours or routes) are manageable based on your circumstances
Timing is critical—there are tight deadlines for lodging your application after a suspension notice is issued. Contact us as soon as possible so we can help protect your ability to drive and maintain your livelihood.
