If you find yourself disqualified from driving, obtaining an Extraordinary Driver’s Licence (EDL) can be a crucial step towards regaining your driving privileges at specific times, in certain places and for a particular reason.

Here’s what you need to know about eligibility and the application process:

1. Reason for Application: To obtain an EDL, you must provide a compelling reason that demonstrates:
   • The inability to drive would prevent you or a family member from accessing urgent medical treatment for a serious condition.
   • The loss of your driving privileges would severely impact your ability to earn a living, causing undue financial hardship to you or your family.
   • There are no other practical means of transportation for you or a family member to get to work.
2. Timing and Waiting Period: The ability to apply for an EDL is subject to specific waiting periods that vary depending on the reason for your disqualification and any additional traffic convictions.
   • If you are unsure  how to find this information, or how to calculate the waiting periods, our office can assist you with this.
3. Eligibility Criteria: You are not eligible to apply for an EDL if:
   • You are under a roadside disqualification notice issued by the police.
   • You have a Licence Suspension Order due to unpaid fines or infringements.
   • Your licence is disqualified because of excessive demerit points, including breaches under the Double or Nothing scheme.
   • Your licence is disqualified in another state.
4. Where and how to apply: You must make your application to the Court which last disqualified you from driving.
   • In most cases, this will be the Magistrates Court, but may also be the District or Supreme Courts.
   • Traffic Court does not sit in every court every day, and there may be additional delays in obtaining a court date, or bringing the matter to a hearing.
   • If the hearing is disputed, there may be further delays as the Court directs the parties to file additional evidence.
   • It is important to apply for an EDL as soon as you are able, if you need to obtain one, as there may be long delays of weeks or months until the matter is determined by a court.
5. Re-sitting the Driving Test: If your disqualification resulted in the cancellation of your licence, the court may require you to re-sit your driving test before you can be granted an EDL.
   • This can be beneficial because:
     • You can reapply for a licence before your disqualification period ends.
     • You avoid the usual wait associated with re-sitting the test.
     • Once the EDL period concludes, you can continue driving without interruption, having already completed your driving test.
   • It is important to bear in mind the type / class of licence you are seeking and be mindful that there may be additional conditions (L or P plate rules) which will impact on your ability to drive straight away, even if an EDL is granted.
6. Reapplication Process: If your EDL application is denied, you must wait six months before you can apply again, no matter the reason for refusal. For this reason, it is important to put forward your best and strongest application first time every time.

Understanding these key points can help streamline your application for an Extraordinary Driver’s Licence.

For personalised advice and further clarification of any queries, contact our office for an obligation free first discussion.