Keeping You on the Road
Losing your licence in Queensland can have devastating effects on your ability to work and support your family. The good news is that in some cases, the law allows you to apply for a restricted licence, known as a work licence or special hardship order. These applications are complex, time-sensitive, and require strong legal representation to succeed.
What is a Work Licence?
A work licence (also known as a restricted licence) allows you to continue driving for work purposes after being disqualified for certain drink driving offences. It is not available in every case, but it can be a lifeline if your job depends on driving.
Eligibility for a Work Licence
You may be eligible if:
- You were charged with low or mid-range drink driving (BAC under 0.15).
- You held a valid, open Queensland driver licence at the time of the offence.
- You were not driving for work at the time of the offence.
- You do not have prior disqualifications or serious traffic offences in the last five years.
Restrictions
A work licence will strictly limit:
- The hours you can drive,
- The type of vehicle you can drive,
- The purposes for which you can drive (work only).
The court sets these conditions and breaching them can lead to the licence being revoked.
What is a Special Hardship Order?
A special hardship order is another type of restricted licence. It applies when your licence has been suspended due to:
- Exceeding your demerit points, or
- A high-speed offence (driving more than 40 km/h over the limit).
Like a work licence, it allows you to keep driving under strict conditions so that you can continue to work or manage family responsibilities.
How the Court Decides
For both work licences and hardship orders, the court must be satisfied that:
- Losing your licence would cause extreme hardship to you or your family by impacting your ability to earn an income or meet essential obligations.
- You are a fit and proper person to be granted a restricted licence.
This means presenting strong evidence, including:
- Affidavits (from you and sometimes your employer),
- Details of your work situation,
- Evidence of financial or family hardship.
Why Legal Help Matters
Applications for work licences and special hardship orders are not automatic. They require careful preparation, strict compliance with deadlines, and persuasive representation in court. A poorly prepared application risks being refused, leaving you without the ability to drive at all.
At Christopher Hannay Legal Solutions, we have extensive experience preparing and presenting successful restricted licence applications across Queensland. We guide you through every step, prepare the necessary documents, and represent you in court to give you the best chance of approval.
Protecting Your Future
If you’re facing the loss of your licence, it is critical to act quickly. There are strict time limits for applying for work licences and hardship orders. Early legal advice gives you the strongest chance of staying on the road and protecting your job and family.
📞 0414 478 551 (24/7 + Emergency)
📧 goldcoast@chlegalsolutions.com.au
Our Offices
📍 Southport: 13 Hicks Street, Southport QLD 4215 | 07 5666 5665
📍 Beaudesert: 2/30 William St, Beaudesert QLD 4285 | 07 5666 5660