Special Hardship Order Application QLD
Special Hardship Order
Has your drivers licence been suspended but you need to keep driving for work or another important reason? You may be eligible to submit an application for a Special Hardship Order.
If successful, a Special Hardship Order will allow you to continue driving for your job or for any other extenuating circumstances. Before applying for a Special Hardship Order, it is a good idea to work with an experienced Lawyer to ensure your application is the strongest it can be.
What is a Special Hardship Order?
A Special Hardship Order is a court order that allows a driver with a suspended Queensland drivers licence to continue driving under restricted and specific conditions.
This is different to a restricted work licence, which you may be eligible to apply for if you’ve been convicted of a drink driving offence or drug driving offence.
What is the eligibility criteria for a Special Hardship Order?
To be eligible, you must have a QLD suspended provisional drivers licence or a suspended open drivers because you've either:
- Gained 2 or more demerit points while driving under a period of good driving behaviour for 1 year.
- Been charged with a high speed driving offence (more than 40km/h over the speed limit).
- You cannot apply for a Special Hardship Order if your learner licence (L plates) has been suspended.
Special Hardship Order Application Form
You can pick up an application form from either:
- The QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads Customer Service Centre.
- Any magistrates court registry in Queensland.
Supporting Evidence for your Hardship Order Application
Supporting evidence for your Hardship Order application could include things like:
- Affidavits
- Statutory Declarations
- Traffic History
- Criminal History
- And more
There are many different pieces of supporting evidence that can be provided to improve the strength of your application. The best supporting documents will differ from case to case which is why it's important to seek legal advice before starting your application.
Contact David Cole for advice by calling (07) 5630 4000 or click here to send us an online enquiry.
How to Apply for a Special Hardship Order in QLD
It is highly recommended that you speak to a legal professional such as a Lawyer (Solicitor or Barrister) before you start. Contact David Cole's office today by calling (07) 5630 4000 or click here to send us an online enquiry.
To apply for a Special Hardship Order you must:
- Complete a Special Hardship Order application, available from a Magistrates Court or transport and motoring customer service centre.
- Lodge the application and supporting evidence (eg. an affidavit from you, your employer or your doctor) and your ‘Notice of driver licence suspension’ with the Magistrates Court in the district where you live after your suspension has started.
- Once accepted and stamped by the court, give a copy of the application and affidavit to the Department of Transport and Main Roads at least 7 days before the court hearing date.
Your licence suspension will then be removed until the day before the court hearing.
Magistrates Court Fees
You’ll pay a fee when lodging your application with the Magistrates Court. For further information about the application fees, contact the specific court you are attending.
David can assist with your Application for a Special Hardship Order
David Cole can provide you with expert legal advice regarding your Special Hardship Order eligibility and assist you with completing your application.
David is a Gold Coast Barrister with many years of experience dealing with traffic legal matters including applications for Special Hardship Orders throughout Queensland.
For honest and practical advice regarding your Special Hardship Order, contact the law offices of David Cole by calling (07) 5630 4000 or click here to send us an online enquiry.
