If you are caught drink or drug driving, there’s no way around it – you will be disqualified from driving!
However, if you need a licence for work and meet certain eligibility criteria, then you may be able to apply for a work licence.
What is a Work Licence?
A work licence lets you drive for work even though your normal driver licence has been disqualified because of drink driving or a similar offence. A work licence is officially called “a restricted licence under section 87 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995”.
A work licence is a restricted licence. You cannot automatically get a work licence because you need your licence for work. There are strict criteria and the magistrate can refuse your application if he or she is not satisfied that you are a fit and proper person to hold a restricted licence.
Only a Court can grant you a work licence. If you plead guilty without the assistance of a lawyer you will not be able to make a work licence application to TMR or the Magistrates Court afterwards.
Am I Eligible?
You may be eligible for a work licence if:
you have been charged with drink driving, fail to provide a sample of breath at the roadside, or driving with a relevant drug in the blood or saliva (but not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or fail to provide a specimen of breath at the police station); and
you are going to plead guilty and are going to lose your driver licence; and
you haven’t been convicted anywhere of drink driving or other serious traffic offences in QLD in the last five years; and
you need your driver licence for work.
What If I’m Not Eligible?
If you’re not eligible for a work licence, you may be eligible for a special hardship licence (if you’re going to lose your licence for demerit points).
If you’re not eligible because you have prior traffic convictions or because of the seriousness of the offence, you should contact our office urgently. For serious and repeat traffic offences, you could be facing actual jail time.
Our Experienced Traffic Lawyers Can Advise Whether Or Not You’re Eligible For FREE!
Work licence applications are not always straightforward, and the decision to grant a work licence in Qld is not taken lightly. Our experienced traffic lawyers can assist with any work licence application across South East Queensland.
We also provide exceptional advice and representation on all other traffic and criminal law offences throughout QLD and NSW. Contact us now to schedule a free, no-obligation 30-minute consultation.
Disclaimer: This publication is not intended to be comprehensive, nor does it constitute legal advice. We are unable to ensure the information is current and there is no guarantee in relation to accuracy. You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content of this publication. The views and/or opinions expressed in this publication is that of the author and may not necessarily represent the views and/or opinions of RHC Solicitors.
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