WORK LICENCE APPLICATIONS

A work licence (also called a restricted licence or section 87 licence) is a special order made by the Magistrates Court that allows a person convicted of certain drink driving or drug driving offences to keep driving for work purposes only during their disqualification period.

The purpose of a work licence is simple  - to protect your employment and livelihood if your job depends on driving. It does not restore full driving privileges. Instead, the court will impose strict conditions, which may include:

- Driving only for work‑related duties.

- Limits on the times, days, or routes you can drive.

- Restrictions on the type of vehicle you can use.

A work licence can be a lifeline if losing your licence would cost you your job or income. But it is not automatic - you must apply before your court date, meet strict eligibility criteria, and provide strong supporting evidence.

At Coral Coast Law in Cairns, we prepare and present your application to give you the best chance of success. Our focus is on protecting your licence, livelihood, and future, while guiding you through the process in plain English.

A Special Hardship Order (SHO) is a court order that allows certain drivers with a suspended licence to keep driving under strict, limited conditions. It is different from a work licence and only available in specific situations.

You may be eligible if your licence was suspended because you:

- Accumulated two or more demerit points while on a good driving behaviour period, or

- Committed a high‑speed offence (more than 40 km/h over the limit).

If granted, an SHO lets you drive for essential purposes only - usually for work, medical needs, or family responsibilities. The Magistrates Court will impose strict conditions, such as when, where, and what type of vehicle you can drive.

To succeed, you must prove that losing your licence would cause:

- Extreme hardship by depriving you of your ability to earn a living, or

- Severe and unusual hardship to you or your family.

Why Legal Advice Matters

A Special Hardship Order can be a lifeline if your licence has been suspended and you need to drive to keep your job or support your family. But the application process is complex, time‑sensitive, and requires strong evidence.

At Coral Coast Law in Cairns, we:

- Prepare your application and supporting affidavits.

- Represent you in court to give you the best chance of success.

- Provide clear, practical legal advice so you understand your obligations and protect your licence, livelihood, and future.

A work licence (restricted licence or section 87 licence) lets some drivers convicted of drink driving or drug driving offences keep driving for work during their disqualification. You must apply before your court date, and the Magistrates Court will only grant it if you meet strict criteria and can prove losing your licence would cause extreme hardship.

Who Can Apply

You may be eligible if:

- Charged with drink driving (BAC below 0.15%) or drug driving (relevant drug present, but not under the influence).

- Held a current Queensland open licence at the time.

- Were not driving for work purposes when charged.

- In the last 5 years, you have not:

- Been convicted of drink or drug driving, or   

- Had your licence disqualified, suspended, or cancelled (except SPER suspensions).

Who Cannot Apply

You are not eligible if:

- Your BAC was 0.15% or higher (high‑range drink driving).

- You were driving a commercial vehicle (taxi, Uber, bus, truck).

- You were driving for work purposes when charged.

- You hold a learner or provisional licence.

- You have prior drink/drug driving convictions or licence disqualifications in the last 5 years.

Why Legal Advice Matters

A work licence can be a lifeline, but eligibility is narrow and if refused, there is no right of appeal. Strong affidavits and preparation are critical.

At Coral Coast Law in Cairns, we:

- Assess your eligibility.

- Draft affidavits for you and your employer.

- Represent you in court to give you the best chance of keeping your job and driving legally.

A Special Hardship Order allows some drivers to keep driving under strict conditions after their licence is suspended. To qualify, you must meet strict legal requirements and apply within the required timeframe.

Who Can Apply

You may be eligible if:

- You hold a current Queensland provisional or open licence (learners are not eligible).

- Your licence was suspended because you:

- Accumulated two or more demerit points while on a good driving behaviour period, or

- Committed a high‑speed offence (more than 40 km/h over the limit).

- You can prove to the Magistrates Court that losing your licence would cause:

- Extreme hardship by depriving you of your ability to earn a living, or

- Severe and unusual hardship to you or your family.

Who Cannot Apply

You are not eligible if:

- You hold a learner licence.

- Your licence was suspended for reasons other than demerit points or high‑speed offences (e.g. unpaid fines, medical suspension).

- You have had your licence disqualified, suspended, or cancelled in the last 5 years (except SPER suspensions).

- You have been convicted of dangerous driving in the last 5 years.

- You have a drink or drug driving conviction within the last 5 years.

Why Legal Advice Matters

A Special Hardship Order can be a lifeline if your licence is suspended for demerit points or a high‑speed offence, allowing you to keep driving for work, medical needs, or family responsibilities. But the rules are strict, applications must be lodged quickly, and if refused there is no right of appeal - you only get one chance.

At Coral Coast Law in Cairns, we:

- Assess your eligibility before you apply.

- Draft persuasive affidavits that clearly explain your circumstances.

- Represent you in court to give you the strongest opportunity to continue driving legally under a Special Hardship Order.

Losing your licence threatens your job, income, and family stability. In Cairns, Queensland law offers pathways like a Work Licence or a Special Hardship Order, but they’re not automatic and the rules are strict.

Strict eligibility: Work licences apply to certain drink driving or drug driving offences (BAC under 0.15%). Special Hardship Orders apply only to demerit‑point suspensions or high‑speed offences. At Coral Coast Law in Cairns, we confirm your eligibility fast so you don’t waste time or money.

Affidavits and evidence: You’ll need sworn affidavits (often from your employer) that prove hardship and comply with Queensland court rules. Poorly prepared evidence is a common reason applications fail.

No right of appeal: If refused, you cannot appeal. You get one chance - strong legal advice is critical to maximise success.

Court representation: Applications are decided in the Magistrates Court. We present your case clearly, answer the Magistrate’s questions, and highlight the evidence that matters.

Applying for a Work Licence or Special Hardship Order isn’t just forms - it’s a legal process with strict compliance, potential penalties, and no second chances. At Coral Coast Law in Cairns, we provide plain‑English legal advice on drink driving (including BAC limits), prepare persuasive affidavits, and represent you in court so you can keep working and meet essential family responsibilities.

Losing your licence can put your job, income, and family stability at risk. At Coral Coast Law in Cairns, we know how important it is to stay on the road legally — and with work licences or Special Hardship Orders, you only get one chance to succeed.

1. Clear Eligibility Advice

- We review your situation and confirm whether you qualify for a work licence or Special Hardship Order.

- This saves you time, stress, and money by ensuring you only apply if you meet the strict legal requirements under Queensland law.

2. Drafting Persuasive Affidavits

- Applications require sworn affidavits from you (and often your employer).

- We draft these documents so they are clear, detailed, and persuasive, setting out your personal and work circumstances in line with Queensland court rules.

- Strong affidavits are often the difference between success and refusal.

3. Professional Court Representation

- Applications are decided in the Magistrates Court.

- We appear on your behalf, present your case persuasively, and respond to the Magistrate’s questions.

- Our goal is to give you the strongest opportunity to continue driving legally under an order.

4. End‑to‑End Support

- From the moment you receive a suspension notice or charge, we guide you step by step.

- We manage deadlines, paperwork, and court appearances so you can focus on your work and family.

Why Legal Advice Matters

A work licence or Special Hardship Order can be a lifeline - but the rules are strict, the process is technical, and if your application is refused, there is no right of appeal. That’s why professional legal advice is essential.

At Coral Coast Law in Cairns, we provide clear, practical legal advice and full support to help protect your ability to drive, safeguard your livelihood, and minimise the impact on your family.