If you face disqualification due to drink or drug driving but require your licence for work purposes, Rawlings McShane Lawyers can assist you in applying for a work licence, also known as a restricted licence. This licence allows you to drive for essential employment needs despite your disqualification.
The Process of Applying for a Restricted Licence
- Eligibility Assessment: Determine your eligibility for a restricted driver’s licence based on your current licence status, blood or breath alcohol reading (if applicable), suspension history, and other relevant factors.
- Legal Consultation: Consult with our legal team to understand the specifics of your case and the potential for obtaining a work licence. Professional guidance will clarify the process and maximise your chances of success.
- Application Preparation: Gather all necessary documents and evidence to support your application, including your Queensland driver’s licence details and evidence of your need for work-related driving.
- Application Submission: Lodge your application for a restricted licence at the appropriate court, ensuring all required documents are included and that the application is accurately completed.
- Court Appearance: Attend the scheduled court hearing, where you will present your case, emphasising your need for a work licence and addressing any concerns raised by the court.
- Assessment and Decision: The court will evaluate your application, considering factors like extreme hardship and your driving history. If satisfied, you may be granted a restricted driver’s licence.
- Compliance and Restrictions: If granted, adhere strictly to the conditions of the restricted licence, which typically limit driving to work-related purposes only. Non-compliance can result in severe consequences.
To qualify for a restricted driver’s licence, you must meet the following prerequisites:
- Hold a current Queensland open driver’s licence at the time of the offence and when the application is made.
- If you are charged with drink driving, your blood or breath alcohol reading must have been below 0.150 (below high range).
- Not have had your licence suspended or disqualified in the last five years (certain exceptions apply).
- Not have been the holder of a work licence at the time of the offence or driving for work-related purposes.
- Not have been convicted of certain offences in the past 5 years
If all eligibility conditions are met, the court will assess whether you would suffer extreme hardship from losing your licence and if you are a fit and proper person to hold a licence, taking into account your traffic history and any remedial actions taken. If the court is satisfied, you will be convicted of the offence and disqualified from driving but retain the right to drive for work purposes only.
How We Can Help
If your ability to drive is critical to maintaining your employment, we can help you apply for a work licence and give you the best chance of continuing to drive legally during your disqualification period.
At Rawlings McShane Lawyers, we:
- Assess your eligibility – We’ll review your driving and offence history to determine if you meet the legal criteria for a work licence.
- Provide tailored legal advice – Our experienced team will explain your options and the steps required to apply successfully.
- Prepare and lodge your application – We’ll help you gather all supporting documents, such as employment letters and financial information, and ensure your application meets all legal and procedural requirements.
- Represent you in court – We’ll present a compelling case to the magistrate, demonstrating that losing your licence would cause extreme hardship and that you are a fit and proper person to continue driving for work purposes.
- Help you understand and comply with licence conditions – If your application is approved, we’ll ensure you fully understand the restrictions of your work licence so you can avoid breaching the conditions and facing further penalties.
We’re here to support you through the process and help protect your livelihood.
