If you have been disqualified or suspended from driving by a Court Order, you may be eligible to apply for an Extraordinary Driver’s Licence (“EDL”). The grant of an EDL is at the discretion of the Court and will be subject to strict conditions. Driving in breach of the conditions imposed on the EDL is an offence.
An application for an EDL is made to the Court that ordered your disqualification unless you are under the age of 18 years, in which case the application is made to the Children’s Court. A waiting period applies after the disqualification before you can lodge an application for an EDL.
You must be able to show to the Court that the EDL is required so that:
- You or a family member can access urgent medical treatment; or
- You can continue to earn your primary source of income, and failing to grant the EDL would cause an undue financial burden on you or your family;
- you or a member of your family can get to work as there is no other practical means of transport.
In considering your application, the Court will consider the degree of hardship you or your family will face without the ELD, the safety of the public, your character, how the disqualification arose, and your conduct since you were disqualified from driving.
The Court will attach appropriate conditions to the EDL if granted, including restrictions to drive within certain hours, for a particular purpose, or within a specific location.
