21/11/2025
Lost your licence? You may still be able to drive under certain circumstances.
In Queensland, there are two main options that may allow you to continue driving after a suspension or disqualification. These are a Special Hardship Order and a Restricted (Work) Licence.
Special Hardship Orders apply when your licence is suspended by Transport and Main Roads, usually for:
• Accumulating too many demerit points
• A high-speed offence that is 40 km/h or more over the limit
To qualify, you must show that losing your licence would cause extreme hardship, such as losing your job or being unable to meet essential family responsibilities.
Restricted (Work) Licences are different. These may be available to some people convicted of drink driving for a low-range reading, provided:
• You held an open licence at the time of the offence
• You were not driving for work purposes when charged
• You have not had any drink or drug driving convictions in the past five years
A Work Licence allows you to drive only for work-related purposes and under strict conditions set by the Court.
Understanding the difference between these two options is important, as eligibility depends on how and why your licence was lost.
At Hilton Hartley Lawyers, we assist clients with both Work Licence and Special Hardship Order applications to ensure they have the best possible chance of staying on the road legally.