Work Licence Applications

Can I Apply for a Work Licence?

A restricted work licence is not available for every drink driving or drug driving charge. Whether you can apply will depend on the charge, your licence history, your traffic history, the type of licence you held, and whether you need to drive for work.

Work Licence
You can apply for a restricted work licence if you have been charged with drink or drug driving.

You cannot if your offence is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or failing to provide a specimen of breath (at a police station).

The work licence allows you to continue driving for work-related purposes during your disqualification period.

Applications for a Work Licence

There are a large number of conditions that you must satisfy before a Magistrate grants a work licence.

Our traffic lawyers prepare Affidavit material to place before the Court so that the Magistrate can see that the eligibility criteria are met. A Magistrate’s decision is final and cannot be appealed. So, your documents must be prepared by an experienced traffic lawyer.


Our traffic lawyers will review the eligibility criteria during your first discussion. We will then explain the court process and procedure before preparing all the necessary documentation.


In circumstances where a work licence is granted, it is normal for the disqualification period to be extended by the Magistrate to reflect the change in penalty. The work licence is issued subject to special conditions as deemed by the Magistrate. It is an offence to breach any of the conditions attached to the licence. If you do, not only do you lose your work licence, but you are also subject to further penalty and disqualification periods.

Applications for a Work Licence

Get Advice Before Your Court Date

Traffic charges can affect your licence, work and future driving position. Get advice before you enter a plea, miss an application deadline, or make decisions about your licence.

What To Do Before Court

Do not assume you are eligible for a work licence. The application depends on your charge, your traffic history, your licence status, your employment circumstances and the evidence you can place before the court.

A work licence application usually needs to be prepared before your matter is finalised. That may include affidavit material from you, information from your employer or business, and evidence explaining why you need to drive for work.

Before your court date, you should understand:

  • whether a work licence application is available;
  • what evidence needs to be prepared;
  • whether your employer needs to provide supporting material;
  • what driving conditions may be imposed;
  • what happens if the application is refused.

A refused application can leave you unable to drive for work during the disqualification period. Get advice before you enter a plea or allow your matter to be dealt with in court.