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Extraordinary Licences in WA
Updated on May 29, 2015 • 3 min read • 361 views • Copy Link
Extraordinary Licences in WA
An extraordinary licence is granted by the Court to allow you to continue driving under certain circumstances. However, eligibility depends on the type of driving offence you have been charged with and whether the disqualification was imposed by the Court.
How do I know if I am eligible?
You are not eligible to obtain an extraordinary licence if you are disqualified from driving because the police have issued you with a disqualification notice; you are have a demerit point suspension, or you are under a licence suspension because of a non-payment of a fine. To be eligible you must have been disqualified from driving by a Court.
How and when can I apply?
After you have been disqualified from driving by a Court you can make an application for the Court to grant you an extraordinary licence. This means that you will need to go back to Court to submit your reasons and circumstances as to why you should be allowed to drive. The waiting time before you can apply depends on your particular circumstances and traffic history. The minimum waiting period is 28 days. However, in some circumstances you may need to wait between 1 and 4 months before you can lodge the application.
How long does it take to get a hearing date?
When you submit your application to the Court you will then be issued with a hearing date which will take place in about 14 days time. The Court then sends a copy of your application to the Department of Transport who will also be present at your hearing.
What will I need to show to the Court to be successful?
You will need to show the Court that you cannot do your job without a licence; you will lose your job if you don’t have a licence, or, you need your licence for medical reasons. You also need to tell the Court about other factors that may be relevant such as your family situation or the hardship it will cause financially if you are unable to drive. You need to provide as much detail as you can so the Court can clearly see how important it is for you to be able to drive.
Can I start driving right away and whenever I like?
No. The Court will tell you when you can collect the Order and then you will need to take the Order to the Department of Transport for a licensed to be issued. The licence may also contain certain restrictions as to on which days and during which times during the day you are allowed to drive.
Laura Turner
Senior Associate
Laura Turner holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts as well as a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. She is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Queensland. Laura began her legal experience through volunteering with the Student Legal Service offering free advice to students, and through a clerkship in the conveyancing team of a law firm in Hobart. She also volunteered at a Prisoner Legal Service, assisting inmates to obtain parole. Laura has a strong focus on family law, criminal and traffic law, although looks to broaden her knowledge into migration and civil law.
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