Work Licences and Special Hardship Orders.
Put your worries to rest knowing you are supported by Donnelly Law Group – specialist traffic lawyers with 50+ years of combined experience applying for work licences and special hardship orders in Queensland.
On a daily basis, we assist people applying for restricted licences – helping them get back on the road sooner and restore their livelihood. If you have been suspended or disqualified from driving, we may be able to help you apply for a work licence, special hardship order licence or Section 79E licence.
After hundreds of successful restricted licence applications, our traffic lawyers are experts in this complex field. We know exactly what will satisfy the court and can make your life easier by arranging all application forms, affidavits, police negotiations, court appearances and more.
- Professionals who need to drive for work.
- Students who need to drive to study.
- People who need to drive for medical purposes.
- Parents and carers who need to drive for family hardships.
Our Lawyers Specialise in Restricted Licence Applications
- Work Licence Applications
- Special Hardship Order Applications
- Section 79E Licence Applications
- Section 131 Applications
Book An Appointment.
Work Licence Applications.
This allows you to continue financially supporting yourself and your family if you have been convicted of certain offences like low or mid-range drink driving or driving with a relevant drug present in your saliva or blood.
However, you cannot simply ask the magistrate for a work licence if you are charged with a driving offence. To get a work licence you need to apply in writing to the Magistrates Court and convince the magistrate that you meet the strict requirements (see below).
Our expert traffic lawyers will prepare your application form, arrange affidavits, retrieve your criminal and driving history, file your documents with the court, deal with the police prosecutor and present your case in court to the magistrate.
Make your life easier and give yourself the best possible chance at attaining a work licence. Contact Donnelly Law Group today to book your free consultation with one of our specialist traffic lawyers.
Special Hardship Order Licence.
A special hardship order (SHO) lets you continue driving for purposes related to earning an income or family hardship if your licence has been suspended by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.
This allows you to support yourself and your family if you accumulate too many demerit points or you are caught driving more than 40km/h over the speed limit.
However, you cannot simply ask the magistrate for a special hardship order if your licence is suspended. To get a SHO licence you need to apply in writing to the Magistrates Court and convince the magistrate that you meet the strict requirements (see below).
Our expert traffic lawyers will prepare your application form, arrange affidavits, retrieve your criminal and driving history, file your documents with the court and Queensland Transport and present your case in court to the magistrate.
Take the stress out of applying for a SHO and give yourself the best possible chance at getting a restricted licence. Contact Donnelly Law Group today to book your free consultation with one of our specialist traffic lawyers.
Section 131 Applications
Under Section 131 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995, those who’ve lost their driving privileges for more than two years have the opportunity to apply for the reinstatement of their licence once they hit the two-year mark of their disqualification period.
It’s not an automatic reinstatement; but it allows you to make your case in front of a Magistrate, demonstrating your rehabilitation, responsibility, and your genuine need for driving privileges.
The Section 131 application process is complex, often requiring substantial documentation and evidence. This can include proof of completion of any driving or rehabilitation courses, character references, and a demonstration of hardship faced due to the lack of driving privileges. However, a successful application can allow you to regain driving independence, be it for work, family, or other personal needs.
While Section 131 offers a path to regain driving privileges, it’s essential to approach it with a comprehensive understanding of the requirements and a well-prepared case. Professional legal help can make all the difference, ensuring your application stands the best chance of approval. Contact Donnelly Law Group today to book your free consultation with one of our specialist traffic lawyers.
FAQs.
What offences allow me to apply for a work licence?
You can apply for a work licence if you have been charged with one of the following driving offences:
- Driving with a relevant drug present in your saliva or blood;
- Low-range or mid-range drink driving;
- Fail to provide a sample of breath at roadside.
There are strict requirements that must be met to successfully apply for a work licence (see below).
You cannot apply for a work licence if you have been charged with one of the following driving offences:
- Driving under the influence of drugs;
- High-range drink driving;
- Drink driving on a zero-alcohol licence;
- Repeat drink or drug driving offences;
- Dangerous driving.
However, you may be able to apply to the Magistrates Court for a Section 79E licence in some circumstances (e.g. high-range drink driving or dangerous driving). A Section 79E licence allows you to drive after your licence has been immediately suspended. However, this is a complicated process and there are strict criteria that must be met.
Contact Donnelly Law Group today to book your free consultation with one of our specialist traffic lawyers. We can assess your suitability for a work licence or Section 79E licence and help you apply.
What requirements must I meet to apply for a work licence?
To apply to the Magistrates Court for a work licence, you must also meet the following requirements at the time you were charged with a relevant driving offence:
- You held a current Queensland open driver’s licence for the vehicle you were driving;
- You weren’t driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (a more serious charge than driving with a relevant drug present in your saliva or blood);
- You weren’t driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 or more;
- You weren’t driving for your job;
- You weren’t already driving under a work licence;
- You weren’t driving a vehicle that required you to have nil alcohol in your breath or blood (e.g. a coach or heavy vehicle); and
- At the time of applying for a work licence, you hold a current Queensland open or provisional driver licence;
- In the last 5 years, you haven’t:
- Been convicted of drink or drug driving or a similar offence;
- Been convicted of dangerous driving in Queensland;
- Had a licence suspended or disqualified (further conditions apply).
Even if you meet all of the above eligibility requirements, you still must:
- Prove to the Magistrate that you are a “fit and proper person”;
- Prove to the Magistrate that without a work licence, you and your family will suffer extreme hardship because you will be deprived of your means of earning a living.
What restrictions are there on a work licence?
A work licence only permits you to drive for purposes directly related to your means of earning an income. There are strict conditions on work licences:
- You must only drive for reasons directly related to earning an income;
- Your alcohol and drug limit is zero (driving on a work licence with any alcohol or relevant drug in your system is an offence);
- You must participate in the interlock programme if you were convicted of a mid-range drink driving offence (BAC of 0.10-0.149%);
- You may be restricted to driving a certain class of vehicle;
- You may be restricted to driving a vehicle for certain purposes;
- You may be restricted to only driving on certain days or times;
- You may be required to keep a log book;
- You may be required to wear a work uniform;
- You may be restricted to having no passengers in the car;
- Any other conditions that the magistrate sees fit.
What offences allow me to apply for a special hardship order?
You can apply for a special hardship order licence if your licence has been suspended for one of the following reasons:
- Accumulating two or more demerit points while subject to a good driving behaviour bond; or
- Driving more than 40km/h over the speed limit.
What requirements must I meet to apply for a special hardship order?
To apply for a special hardship order licence, you must meet the following requirements:
- You have not made an application for a SHO in the last 5 years;
- Your licence has not been suspended, cancelled or disqualified in the last 5 years;
- You have not been convicted of dangerous driving in the last 5 years;
- You held a valid Queensland licence before the suspension took effect.
Even if you meet all of the above eligibility requirements, you still must prove to the Magistrate that:
- You are a “fit and proper person”; and
- Refusing you a SHO would deprive you of your ability to earn an income and cause extreme hardship to you and your family; or
- Refusing you a SHO would cause a severe and unusual hardship to you and your family for reasons other than earning an income.
You must file your application for a SHO in the Magistrates Court within 21 days after the suspension of your driver’s licence (you will be notified of the suspension by Queensland Transport).
Take the stress and confusion out of applying for a special hardship order. Contact Donnelly Law Group today to book your free consultation with one of our specialist traffic lawyers.
What restrictions are there on a special hardship order licence?
A special hardship order licence is a restricted licence that lets you drive for certain purposes related to earning an income or family hardships. There are strict conditions on SHO licences:
- You must only drive for the purposes set out by the Magistrates Court;
- You may be restricted to driving a certain class of vehicle;
- You may be restricted to only driving on certain days or times;
- You must carry a copy of the SHO whilst driving.
Failing to comply with your special hardship order will result in a fine and mandatory disqualification for a set period of time.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for a work licence or special hardship order?
Having assisted and witnessed thousands of restricted licence applications in Queensland, it is apparent that applicants achieve the best outcome when they are represented by a lawyer who specialises in traffic matters.
Our traffic lawyers understand how to satisfy the court that you meet the requirements for a work licence or special hardship order. We are experts at preparing your case and presenting your argument to the magistrate so that you attain the best possible result.
People who do not engage the help of a specialist traffic lawyer often fail to satisfy the court that they meet the requirements and do not receive a work licence or special hardship order as a consequence.
How will a traffic lawyer help me apply for a work licence or special hardship order?
Donnelly Law Group takes the stress and complication out of applying to the Magistrates Court for a work licence or special hardship order. Our expert traffic lawyers will:
- Prepare your application form;
- Prepare your affidavit;
- Prepare your employer’s affidavit;
- Attain your traffic history;
- Attain your criminal history;
- File your documents with the court and Queensland Transport;
- Deal with the police prosecutor;
- Represent you in all court appearances;
- Persuasively present your case to the magistrate for the best possible outcome.
Make your life (and your employer’s life) easier and get back on the road sooner. Contact Donnelly Law Group today to book your free consultation with one of our specialist traffic lawyers.
How much does Donnelly Law Group charge for restricted licence applications?
A lot of people believe that they cannot afford to hire an expert traffic lawyer. But at Donnelly Law Group, we ensure that our legal fees are affordable so that everyone can access high-quality legal representation in Queensland.
We will provide you with a fixed quote after your free initial consultation. A fixed fee ensures that you have total transparency over costs and won’t receive any surprising invoices.
Contact Donnelly Law Group today to book your free consultation and receive a fixed quote.
See our page on Legal Fees for more information on payment plans and options.
Can Donnelly Law Group help me if I live outside of Brisbane and the Gold Coast?
Donnelly Law Group regularly represents people living all over the Sunshine Coast and regional Queensland (including Toowoomba, Noosa, Maroochydore, Cairns, Townsville, Rainbow Beach, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and more.)
We can hold meetings with our regional clients over the phone, via video conference or in person. Our lawyers travel to courts all over Queensland to represent locals in criminal, traffic, drink driving and domestic violence matters and bail applications.
It can be difficult to find high-quality legal representation in regional Queensland. Do not hesitate to contact Donnelly Law Group for the best possible outcome in your matter.
