For many young people, getting their driver’s licence is one of the most exciting events in their lives. It often signifies that they have reached a milestone in maturity and independence. For this reason, it can be devastating when your licence is suspended or disqualified. Fortunately, there are options for keeping your licence and driving privileges as long as you understand what those options are and how to apply for them.
What is a work licence in Queensland?
A Work Licences QLD is a type of licence that allows you to drive a vehicle under specific conditions. It is a form of punishment for driving offences, and it’s designed to allow you to keep your licence, but with restrictions. The purpose of offenders obtaining a work licence is solely to maintain employment.
Work licences can be issued by the court. They are sometimes referred to as restricted licences.
When can you apply for a work licence?
You can apply for a work driver’s licence when:
- You’ve been convicted of a traffic offence such as drink driving
- You need your licence as a part of your employment or to maintain employment
- You are a first-time offender that has been convicted of a low-range drink driving charge with no previous driving convictions in the last 5 years.
How do you get a restricted licence?
To be eligible for a restricted licence, you must:
- Be at least 16 years of age and have held your licence for at least 12 months. The period can be reduced to nine months if your current driver’s licence is suspended or disqualified.
- You will need to fill out a work licence application form prior to your court date and submit it to the Magistrate when you attend court.
What are the conditions of a work licence?
Restricted licences have conditions, which are different for each licence. For example, some conditions of your work licence may be:
- You can only drive during specified hours as a condition of your restricted licence.
- You must have a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when driving.
- You must not carry more than one passenger aged under 25 years if you hold a restricted Provisional licence. This also applies if you are supervising someone who has their P1 provisional licence and is learning to drive in your car with you as their supervisor/instructor.
I’ve already been to court and lost my licence, can I still apply for a work licence?
If you have already been to court and formally convicted of a driving offence and didn’t submit an application for a work licence, unfortunately, you will be ineligible. To be eligible, you need to ensure that you apply before court or ask for a deferral so you can get your paperwork in order. Otherwise, it may be too late and you’ll miss the opportunity to apply.
I’m a P plater, can I apply for a work licence?
You may be able to apply for a work licence if you have been charged with a low-range offence with no prior convictions in the last 5 years. However, additional penalties may be imposed on your licence, including:
- Permitted from driving between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am.
- Permitted from taking more than one passenger under the age of 21 at night.
What happens if I drive outside of the designated driving period
If the police catch you driving during the restricted time period, it can lead to:
- Your licence being automatically cancelled on the spot
- A fine of up to $2,500 (in addition to any other penalties)
- A longer disqualification period
How long can you have a restricted licence?
As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for a restricted licence if:
- You have not been disqualified from holding or getting a driver’s licence in Queensland or any other State or Territory.
- The period of disqualification has not expired yet.
Who would be ineligible to apply for a work licence?
Not everyone is eligible to apply for a work licence, here are some of the many reasons why one wouldn’t be granted a work licence:
- Those who have previously been committed of a drug or drink or dangerous driving charge in the last 5 years
- Those who were convicted of a high range drink driving charge
- People who have had their driver’s licence suspended or disqualified in the last 5 years
- Those driving a specialised licence at the time of the offence. For example, a truck or taxi
- Those not permitted to drive a certain type of vehicle at the time of the offence
It is important to learn about your options before seeking a work licence
It is important to learn about your options before seeking a work driver’s licence. You will have to understand the consequences of driving without a licence, and what you can do to get one if you do not already have one. It’s a good idea to seek legal advice at this point if you haven’t already. Your legal representative can guide you throughout the process and advise you on what steps you need to take to successfully obtain a work licence.
Do you need a work licence?
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the process of applying for a restricted driver’s licence in Queensland. It is important to understand what your options are before seeking out this type of licence as it can be difficult to get one if you don’t meet all the requirements. You only get one shot at it so you want to be sure you are putting your best foot forward. With proper legal representation, you can increase your chances of obtaining a work licence. While it is not the same as being able to drive when you want, it can make the biggest of differences when it comes to getting to and from work and retaining your job. For more information on work licences, get in touch with the expert team at Drink Driver Lawyer. We are the Gold Coast’s leading drink driver law specialists and we have helped thousands of people obtain a work licence and stay on the road. Contact us today!
DISCLAIMER: This is general information only and should not be used in place of adequate legal advice.
