Speak to an Expert Now 24/7

Queensland's #1 Traffic Lawyers

Free Case Review

Work Licences QLD

Work Licences From The Best In The Industry

Charged with a drink driving offence
in Queensland?

If you have, you may be able to apply for a work licence. To be granted by the courts, you will need to submit it at the same time as your hearing and before the magistrate has given you your fine and disqualification period. Once the courts have imposed a penalty for your drink or drug driving offence, it’s too late to then apply.

A work licence explained

What Is A Work Licence?

In Queensland, Australia, a work license, commonly known as a restricted license, provides individuals with the opportunity to continue driving for employment purposes despite having been convicted of certain traffic offenses, including drink driving. It is designed to strike a balance between road safety and the need for individuals to maintain their employment and livelihoods.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a work license in Queensland, strict criteria must be met. Firstly, the individual must hold a current Queensland driver’s license. They must have been driving a vehicle at the time of the offense and must not have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol other than that prescribed by a medical professional. Additionally, they must not have been driving under a suspended or disqualified license at the time of the offense.

Applying For A Work Licence

To apply for a work license, an individual must lodge an application at their local Magistrates Court within 21 days of their disqualification period commencing. They must provide evidence of their employment, such as an employer’s letter outlining the need for a driver’s license in their job role. They also need to demonstrate that the loss of their license would result in severe hardship, not only for themselves but also for their dependents.

"My team and I are committed to getting the best result for you."

- Shannon McLaughlin

Expert Traffic Lawyer and Queensland Law Society member

Conditions Of Having A Work Licence

If the application for a work license is successful, the individual will be granted a restricted license. This license comes with certain conditions and restrictions that must be strictly adhered to. These typically include limitations on when and where the individual can drive, the types of vehicles they can operate, and the requirement to have an alcohol interlock device fitted to their vehicle. Failure to comply with these conditions can result in severe penalties, including the cancellation of the work license and further disqualification from driving.

What Are Your Chances Of Receiving One?

Securing a work license in Queensland is not guaranteed, and the decision lies with the court based on the individual circumstances of each case. Seeking the advice and representation of experienced drink driving lawyers is crucial to navigate the complex legal process, increase the chances of obtaining a work license, and ensure compliance with all requirements.

Why You Should Apply

A work license in Queensland can provide individuals with an opportunity to maintain their employment, support their families, and contribute to the community. However, it is vital to approach the privilege of a work license with the utmost responsibility and dedication to safe driving practices. By strictly adhering to the conditions and restrictions of the license, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to road safety, minimize the risk of further offenses, and gradually regain their full driving privileges.

Shannon
McLaughlin

Director & Solicitor

There are serious consequences if you don’t have your matter dealt with appropriately. 

How much do you depend on the ability to drive? How is your life going to be affected if you can’t drive in order to meet your daily life and professional commitments? 

At Drink Driver Lawyer, we spend each day in court dealing with exactly what you are currently facing.

It’s equally important that you understand, that with Drink Driver Lawyer, you aren’t just another number. Our team take personal interest in each person, their individual circumstances and their case. Understanding your situation and individual needs, assists our team to achieve the best result for you.

We are locals, we are trusted, and we are on your side during what can be a stressful time.

Give yourself the best chance of staying on the road, contact your Drink Driver Lawyer team today – call 07 3999 8661. 

How to know if you can apply
for a work licence in QLD

Just because you have a job, that doesn’t automatically mean you are entitled to a work licence. You must first meet a set criteria:

  1. You must have held a valid class C drivers licence (open) when the offence occurred.
  2. You must not already have a work licence and committed a traffic offence.
  3. You must not have committed another drink or drug driving offence in the last 5-years.
  4. You must not have been suspended, disqualified, or had your licence cancelled in Queensland in the last 5-years.
  5. Your blood alcohol concentration must be below 0.15% and for drug driving offences, the charge must be for driving with the said drug in the system, not under the influence.
  6. You must have not been convicted of driving dangerously in Queensland in the last 5-years.
  1. You only hold a learner or provisional licence.
  2. You had a high range reading of more than .150.
  3. You had an alcohol reading of more than 0% while driving a truck or taxi.
  4. You held a provisional licence and were driving a prohibited vehicle (such as a high-performance car).
  5. You were caught driving under the influence of a drug.

Applying for a work or
restricted licence in QLD

You can get an application form from any Magistrates Court called an Application for an Order directing the issue of a Restricted Licence (s87) (Form F3181). If you don’t have your application in order when you appear in court, you can ask to have your case adjourned. You will be given a new date for your hearing. You must organise your application before your next court date including all affidavits, file it and give a copy to the police prosecutor. This needs to be submitted to the same court where your hearing is. On the day, the magistrate will review your application and decide whether you are to be granted a work licence or not. If you have everything organised for the first court date, you may not have to adjourn it to a later date although some courts won’t hear a drink driving charge on the first date and will adjourn it anyway.

Preparing the documentation on your own can be extremely difficult. Get in touch with us today for expert advice.

Click here for more information on receiving a special hardship order.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no difference between the three, they all mean the same thing. You may hear officials use the term ‘section 87 licence’ which is the formal term.

While the court and police prosecutor should have your application, you will need to bring along additional documents, such as:

  1. A copy of your application form
  2. An affidavit from yourself if you are self-employed that has been witnessed and signed or your employer’s affidavit.
  3. Character references

If you have been refused a work licence and you do not agree with the outcome, you may be able to appeal the decision. You must seek legal advice as soon as you can as strict time limits apply.

Click here for information on Probationary and Restricted Licences.

In Queensland, a work licence is a special type of temporary driver’s licence that is issued to those who have had their regular driver’s licence suspended. This type of licence allows people who have been disqualified from driving to continue their employment and fulfil other essential duties. A work licence can be applied for in special circumstances such as if you need your licence for work purposes only and don’t need it for recreational reasons or to get to and from school. To be eligible to apply for a work licence, drivers must have been charged with drink driving offences such as Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving with Excessive Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). Certain requirements must be met before an application can be approved, including meeting any court-imposed suspension periods, paying all fines, providing proof of identity and completing an alcohol assessment program. If these criteria are met then the applicant may be eligible to apply for a work licence.

To obtain a work licence following a drink driving offence (DUI) in Queensland, you must meet certain criteria and typically apply through the Magistrates Court in the relevant jurisdiction. You must have been convicted of an eligible offence, not be subject to any other court proceedings or disqualifications, and complete a period of disqualification set by the Court before applying for the work licence. Furthermore, you will need to provide evidence that your employment is essential to yourself or your family’s livelihood, as well as provide supporting documentation including an Interlock Exception Request Form obtained from Transport and Main Roads.

If you are caught driving outside of your permitted driving times, the consequence can be serious and may include punitive measures such as fines, license suspension, or even jail time. Depending on the severity of the offence, it can also result in points being added to your driving record which may then lead to additional surcharges or insurance rate increases. Furthermore, if you are found to have been drinking and driving in addition to violating your restricted licence times, more severe punishments could be enforced.

Nothing, they are the same thing and the terms are used interchangeably.

You will not be able to apply for a work licence if any of the following apply to you:

  • You held a learner or provisional licence at the time of the offence
  • You had a high-range BAC (blood alcohol concentration) or you were charged with driving under the influence of a drug
  • You were driving a taxi or commercial vehicle and exceeded a 0% BAC
  • You were operating a permitted vehicle at the time of the offence

A traffic lawyer can help you get a work licence after a DUI charge in Queensland by making sure the application is properly filled out and submitted to the court, as well as arguing your case before the magistrate to increase your chances of having it approved. They can also provide advice and representation on any potential penalties or restrictions that may be imposed upon the granting of a work licence, helping you to understand what is expected of you throughout the process so that you can remain compliant.

"Self" Representation

Worst Decision: Do It "Yourself"

Professional Representation

Best Decision: Call Us Now

Self representation can cost you more than money, it can cost you your licence and even your freedom

Don't Risk Representing Yourself - You Deserve The Best Possible Outcome

6 Easy and Simple Steps To

1. Case Assessement (no charge)

Contact us by phone or web chat.
We’ll provide you free advice on your matter and your options.

2. Meet With Us (no charge)

We meet with you either in person or by video-conferencing.
We’ll provide more in-depth guidance on your matter and give you a fixed quote for us to represent you in court.

3. Instruct Us

We will take more information on your personal circumstances and gain a greater understanding of the events leading up to you being charged. If you are happy with our quote, pay us a small deposit and establish a payment plan. We’ll get started on your matter and begin negotiations with Police.

4. Preparation

We thoroughly research and prepare your case, and provide you with a list of materials to provide us with. We’ll engage in discussions with the Prosecution to negotiate your matter wherever possible.

5. Representation

We attend all court dates either with or for you (if your appearance is not required). Once your matter is prepared and ready to be completed, we’ll attend court with you and make strong arguments to the court to get you the best result.

6. Case Finalised

We trust you are satisfied with the result.
We explain any aspects of the court outcome to you, and any next steps.

1. Case Assessement (no charge)

Contact us by phone or web chat.
We’ll provide you free advice on your matter and your options.

2. Meet With Us (no charge)

We meet with you either in person or by video-conferencing.
We’ll provide more in-depth guidance on your matter and give you a fixed quote for us to represent you in court.

3. Instruct Us

We will take more information on your personal circumstances and gain a greater understanding of the events leading up to you being charged. If you are happy with our quote, pay us a small deposit and establish a payment plan. We’ll get started on your matter and begin negotiations with Police.

4. Preparation

We thoroughly research and prepare your case, and provide you with a list of materials to provide us with. We’ll engage in discussions with the Prosecution to negotiate your matter wherever possible.

5. Representation

We attend all court dates either with or for you (if your appearance is not required). Once your matter is prepared and ready to be completed, we’ll attend court with you and make strong arguments to the court to get you the best result.

6. Case Finalised

We trust you are satisfied with the result.
We explain any aspects of the court outcome to you, and any next steps.

drink-driver-review-post-banner
drink-driver-review-post-mobile

Drink Driver Lawyer have had thousands of licences granted for our clients!

Fill in the details below to receive a FREE consultation and “no obligation” quote from our expert QLD Traffic Lawyer team today

We know the local Magistrates and Prosecutors and will work for you to achieve the best possible outcome

4 REASONS WHY WE ARE QUEENSLANDS FIRST CHOICE:

Free Advice

We proudly commence all work by giving you no obligation, free advice on your case. This means there is no risk and no pressure on you. You are able to explore you options and gain a greater understanding of your matter without an upfront cost.

No Judgment

Our team are friendly and compassionate, we understand mistakes happen to people from all walks of life.

Expertise

Many firms offer criminal representation, few specialise in criminal and traffic matters. We have been protecting our clients’ rights with a combined over 100 years of experience in the exact issues you are facing.

Fixed Fees

The certainty of a fixed fee. In most cases, you will know the costs of your matter so you can plan your finances. Call us for a quote today. We care about every one of our clients and we will support you through what can be the most stressful experience of your life.

Request Your Free Case Review:

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

REQUEST YOUR CONFIDENTIAL, FREE CASE REVIEW

Request Your Free Case Review:

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.