Applying for a restricted work license in QLD involves checking your eligibility and submitting the correct form to the magistrates. The application requires a swift submission, as it must be submitted after you have been found guilty but before you are disqualified from driving. Let us walk you through the application process and what you need to know about a restricted work license.
What is a restricted license?
A restricted license in QLD is provided to certain individuals who are convicted of a drunk or drug-driving offence. The restricted license, also known as a work license, allows you to continue driving after the fence without a lengthy ban and is a lifeline for many who need to continue driving for work or caring commitments.
Applying for a restricted work license in QLD
To apply for a restricted work license in Queensland, you must first check your eligibility before submitting your application to your Magistrate. To help you with the application process, we have broken down the steps you need to follow below:
Check you are eligible
First, you need to check that you are eligible to apply for the restricted work license. You need to demonstrate to the court that you:
- Are a fit and proper person to continue driving under a restricted license, with a regard for the safety of other road users and the public
- Need a driver's license to earn your living, and refusing to make an order for a restricted license would cause you or your family hardship
There are some cases where you aren't eligible for a restricted work license, and it is important that you are aware of these before completing your application. You will not be eligible if, when you committed the offence, you:
- Did not hold a valid open license
- Were driving a vehicle you are not authorised to drive under your license
- Were learning to drive the next higher class of license under the authority of your Queensland open license
- Blood or breath alcohol concentration was 0.15 or more when tested
- Were using the vehicle in an activity directly connected with your means of earning
- Were driving a truck, tractor, bus, specially constructed vehicle, articulated motor vehicle, road train, B-double, taxi, limousine, pilot, tow truck, escort vehicle, or a vehicle used by a driver trainer to give training
- A provisional or open license has been suspended or cancelled in the last five years
- Have been convicted of a drink or drug driving or dangerous driving in the last five years
Complete your application
Once you have determined if you are eligible, you will need to compare the Application for an Order directing the issue of a Restricted License (s87) (Form F3181). This needs to be completed before your court hearing. A lawyer can provide you with assistance for this, ensuring the form is completed correctly.
You can get a copy of the form by visiting a:
- Magistrates court
- Queensland government license issuing office
- Transport and motoring service centre
Submit your application
When your application is complete, you need to provide the application to the Magistrate. This needs to be done immediately after you have been found guilty, but before the Magistrates disqualify you from holding or obtaining a driver's license.
Conditions of a restricted license
When you are approved for a restricted work licence, there are some conditions that must be met. The conditions can vary depending on your circumstances, but usually, you will be limited to driving only when it is connected with earning a livelihood. The restrictions can include the following:
- Purpose
- Class of vehicle
- Times or time periods you can drive
When driving with a restricted licence, you must:
- Have a zero blood alcohol concentration
- Comply with conditions, including the vehicle class on the court order
- Carry your license and court order and promptly show it to a police officer when asked
Alongside this, you might also need to hold a probationary license for a further time before you can be eligible for an open license. When you have a restricted license, you can also not supervise a learner driver and must wait until you have an open license and have held that for a year.
Apply for your restricted work license today
Applying for a restricted work license requires you to act swiftly to ensure you have a chance of being accepted. A drink driver lawyer can help here, understanding the form and eligibility and ensuring you can get the license. To get more details on applying for a restricted work license in QLD, reach out to Drink Driver Lawyers, who can use their years of experience and expertise to get you the result you need.
