Updated: 2 days ago
If you are convicted of certain drink or drug driving offences in Queensland, the court may disqualify you from driving. If losing your licence would affect your ability to earn a living, you may be able to apply for a restricted licence, commonly called a work licence.
A work licence is not automatic. You must meet eligibility rules, satisfy the court that you are a fit and proper person to drive under restrictions, and show that losing your licence would cause extreme hardship to you or your family by depriving you of your means of earning a living.
This guide explains the main requirements and application process. It is general information only; your eligibility depends on the charge, your licence and driving history, and the evidence you can provide.
In This Article:
What Is a Restricted Work Licence?
A restricted work licence lets an eligible person drive for specified circumstances directly connected with earning a livelihood during a disqualification period. It does not restore unrestricted driving rights.
The court order may limit:
the type or class of vehicle you can drive;
the work-related purpose of each trip; and
the days or hours you can drive.
You must follow every condition in the order. Driving outside those conditions may be an offence. The Queensland Government’s restricted licence information explains how it applies and the conditions.
Who May Be Eligible for a Work Licence?
Eligibility depends on the specific offence and your circumstances. For a drink driving offence, you will generally need to meet requirements including:
holding a current Queensland open licence for the vehicle at the time of the offence;
having a blood or breath alcohol concentration below 0.15;
not driving under a licence that required a zero alcohol reading, such as a learner, provisional or restricted licence;
not driving in an activity directly connected with your means of earning a living at the time of the offence; and
meeting the rules about previous convictions and licence suspensions.
For a drug driving charge, a work licence may be available for some offences involving a relevant drug being present in saliva or blood. It is generally not available for the more serious offence of driving, or being in charge of a vehicle, while under the influence of a drug.
Other requirements apply. For example, when you apply, you must hold a current Queensland provisional or open licence. The rules can also exclude people with certain drink- or drug-driving convictions, dangerous driving convictions, suspensions, or disqualifications in the previous five years. Some exceptions apply.
See Legal Aid Queensland’s work licence guidance for further detail.
Meeting the eligibility criteria only means you can apply. It does not guarantee the court will grant a licence.
What Must I Prove to the Court?
The court must be satisfied that:
You are a fit and proper person to drive under a restricted licence, considering the safety of other road users and the public; and
Losing your licence would cause extreme hardship to you or your family by depriving you of your means of earning a living.
You will need evidence that explains why driving is necessary for your work and what the consequences would be if you could not drive. Depending on your circumstances, this may include information about your job, work locations and hours, available transport options, income and family responsibilities.
When Do I Need to Apply?
The timing is critical. You must apply to the court at sentencing, after you are found guilty but before the court orders the licence disqualification. You cannot apply later to the Department of Transport and Main Roads for a work licence once the court has disqualified you.
Before entering a plea or attending court, make sure you understand whether you may be eligible and what evidence the court will need. The Queensland Government outlines the required application form and court process.
What Happens if the Court Grants a Work Licence?
The court sets the restrictions in its order. You may drive only for the specified work-related purposes and within any limits on vehicle type, route, days or hours. You must hold and comply with the licence and court order.
A work licence also requires you to drive with zero alcohol concentration. It does not automatically exempt you from Queensland’s Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program. If you must participate in the program, you may need an interlock fitted to a nominated vehicle to drive under a work licence.
Is a Work Licence the Same as a Special Hardship Order?
No. A restricted work licence is relevant to certain drink or drug driving convictions. A special hardship order may be available in some cases where a Queensland provisional or open licence is suspended for accumulating demerit points or committing a high-speed offence.
Eligibility rules and application processes vary.
What Should I Do if I Need to Drive for Work?
Check the charge and your driving history, note your court date, and gather evidence about your work and why you need to drive to earn a living. Do not drive while disqualified unless and until you have obtained a restricted licence and understand its conditions.
Because you must apply at a specific stage of the court process, consider seeking independent legal advice before deciding how to plead or proceed with sentencing.
Originally Published: 12 September 2022
Last Updated: 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This publication is not intended to be comprehensive, nor does it constitute legal advice. We are unable to ensure the information is current, and there is no guarantee in relation to accuracy. You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content of this publication. The views and/or opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and may not necessarily represent the views and/or opinions of RHC Solicitors.
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