For many Queensland drivers, being charged with drug driving can be a daunting and life-altering experience. The prospect of losing your licence can impact your employment and, in turn, your ability to support yourself and your family. However, there is hope. Work licences are available to eligible drivers, allowing them to maintain their employment despite a drug driving offence.

This blog post will guide you through the process of obtaining a work licence for drug driving in Queensland, highlighting the importance, eligibility criteria, application process, and more.

Understanding Work Licences for Drug Drivers

A work licence is a special type of restricted licence that allows individuals convicted of a drug or drink driving charge to drive for work-related purposes. For those charged with drug driving in Queensland, a work licence can be a lifeline, enabling them to continue working and supporting their families while serving their driving disqualification.

Drug driving offences in Queensland are taken seriously, and penalties can be severe. However, the courts recognise that many individuals rely on their ability to drive for their livelihood. A work licence provides a balance between penalising offenders and maintaining their employment opportunities.

Learn more:  We have the most comprehensive article on work licences in Queensland

Why is a work licence important for drug driving charges?

In Queensland we have mandatory periods of disqualification.  This means that if you plead guilty to drug driving then you are going to be disqualified for a period of time.  A work licence would be important to enable a person to keep driving, for work, during that disqualification.

Eligibility Criteria for a Work Licence

To be eligible for a work licence in Queensland, drivers charged with drug driving must meet specific criteria:

Criteria for Eligibility:

• You must hold a current Queensland open licence at the time of the offence.

• The drug driving offence must be your first such offence within the past five years.

• You cannot have had a licence suspended or cancelled (except in some limited circumstances like certain SPER suspensions that did not go to court) in the last 5 years.

• The drug driving offence must be Driving with a relevant drug in your system not driving under the influence of a drug

• You must not have been driving for work purposes at the time of the offence.

Conditions and Restrictions:

• If granted a work licence, you will be subject to strict conditions, including driving only during specific hours and for work-related purposes.

• The work licence will be valid for the duration of your disqualification period.

• You must comply with all other conditions imposed by the court, such as completing a log book or restricting who can be a passenger in the vehicle.

How to Apply for a Work Licence

The application process for a work licence in Queensland involves several steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

To apply for a work licence, you will need the following documents:

• A completed Form F2581 (Application for a Restricted Licence)

• A detailed affidavit outlining your personal circumstances, the need for a work licence, and the impact of losing your licence on your employment and family.

• An affidavit from your employer (if not self employed) confirming your employment, the necessity of driving for your job, and the hours you need to drive.

• Any supporting documents.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the Magistrates Court where your drug driving charge is being heard.  Different courts have different procedures on how long before the court date the material needs to be filed.  All the material also needs to the served on the police prosecutor.

Step 3: Attend the Court Hearing

You will need to attend a court hearing where a magistrate will consider your application. Be prepared to present your case and answer any questions the magistrate may have. It is highly recommended to seek legal representation to improve your chances of a successful outcome and reduce the disqualification period.

Step 4: Comply with Licence Conditions

If your application is approved, you will be issued a work licence with specific conditions. Ensure that you comply with these conditions to avoid further penalties or disqualification.

Benefits of Obtaining a Work Licence

Obtaining a work licence offers several benefits for drivers charged with drug driving:

Maintaining Employment

A work licence allows you to continue working and fulfilling your job responsibilities, which is crucial for financial stability and career progression.

Supporting Your Family

By maintaining your employment, you can continue to provide for your family, ensuring their well-being and security.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Knowing that you can still drive for work purposes can alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with losing your licence and the potential impact on your livelihood.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The process of applying for a work licence can be complex, and making mistakes can jeopardise your chances of a successful outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation

Ensure that all required documents are complete, accurate, and up-to-date. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation can result in your application being rejected.

Missing the Application Deadline

Different courts have different deadlines, you need to check the court registry to confirm that courts rules.

Failing to Seek Legal Advice

Navigating the legal process can be challenging, and seeking professional legal advice can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. An experienced traffic lawyer can help you prepare your application, represent you in court, and ensure that you comply with all legal requirements.

Tips for a Successful Application

To increase your chances of obtaining a work licence, consider the following tips:

Demonstrate Genuine Need

Clearly articulate the impact of losing your licence on your employment, family, and overall well-being. Provide specific examples and supporting documents to demonstrate your genuine need for a work licence.

Show Remorse and Commitment to Rehabilitation

Express remorse for your offence and commitment to rehabilitation. Attend drug education or rehabilitation programs and provide evidence of your participation.

Seek Professional Legal Assistance

Engage the services of a qualified traffic lawyer who specialises in work licence applications. Their expertise and experience can significantly improve your chances of success.

Real-Life Success Stories

John’s Story

“John”, a delivery driver from Brisbane, was charged with drug driving and faced the prospect of losing his licence. As the sole breadwinner for his family, John was desperate to maintain his employment. With the help of a traffic lawyer, John successfully applied for a work licence and continued to support his family without interruption.

Sarah’s Story

“Sarah”, a nurse from the Gold Coast, relied on her ability to drive to attend to her patients. After being charged with drug driving, Sarah feared losing her job and the impact it would have on her patients. With legal assistance, Sarah obtained a work licence and continued to provide essential care to her community.

Conclusion

Obtaining a work licence for drug driving in Queensland can be a lifeline for drivers facing the prospect of losing their licence. By understanding the eligibility criteria, following the application process, and seeking professional legal assistance, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome. If you or someone you know is facing drug driving charges and needs a work licence, contact our experienced team at Clarity Law for expert advice and assistance.

Our Team

Every one of our traffic lawyers is extremely experienced appearing in the courts every week representing people charged with drug driving.

Steven Brough – Founder and traffic lawyer (22+ years experience)

Russell Tannock – Traffic lawyer (8+ years experience)

Jack Marshall – Traffic lawyer (2+years experience)

Jacob Purden – Traffic lawyer (8+ years experience)

Belinda Smyth – Client Services Manager  (21+ years experience)

Between our lawyers we have appeared in court thousands of times representing clients with traffic offences from the Gold Coast to Bundaberg.

What do you charge?

We charge a flat upfront fee for our services, that means no hidden charges or unexpected bills.  The money goes into a trust account and cannot be taken by us until the matter is completed.

We are also upfront with our fees, if you look at other law firms few, if any, clearly list how much they are going to charge you.  Clarity Law on the other hand are happy to list our prices as we are sure that although we are not the cheapest our prices, given our experience, is very competitive

Click here to see what we charge or see below for our current prices for a first time drink driving offence.

Work Licence (includes price of guilty plea)              $2,200

Drug Driving  (if no work licence possible)                  $1,499

If I contacted you what would occur?

If you contact us, then Steven Brough the firm’s founder or our office manager Belinda Smyth will take the call or receive the email or contact form. They have over 45 years legal experience between them, we can provide immediate legal assistance and answer any questions you have. We will discuss your case, provide guidance and send a quote by email with additional relevant information about your charge, all at no cost.

If you want to engage us then it’s easy, there is a form you can complete online in less than 15 minutes.  If you don’t want to engage us or want to engage another firm that’s fine, you won’t be hassled and at worst you will just have more information about your charge. Once engaged one of our lawyers will go through your matter and contact you to discuss what the best way forward is to achieve the best results. Every one of our lawyers are very experienced with many hundreds of courts appearances for drug driving charges each.

Remember its critical you get advice before going to court, a drug driving charge no matter the reading will have an impact on you, your family and your employment or business.  

What courts do you appear in?

We appear in every court in Southeast Queensland from Southport to Hervey Bay.  Just some of the courts we appear in are representing drink drivers include;

Brisbane

Beenleigh            Brisbane              Cleveland           

Holland Park       Pine Rivers          Richlands            

Sandgate             Wynnum

Sunshine Coast

Caboolture         Caloundra           Gympie

Maroochydore    Nambour             Noosa

Gold Coast

Beaudesert        Coolangatta        Southport

Darling Downs

Gatton     Toowoomba     Ipswich

Kingaroy   Toogoolawah

Fraser Coast

Maryborough    Hervey Bay    Bundaberg

How do I get more information or engage you to act for me? 

If you want to engage us or just need further information or advice then you can either;

1. Use our contact form and we will contact you by email or phone at a time that suits you

2. Call us on 1300 952 255 seven days a week, 7am to 7pm

3. Click here to select a time for us to have a free 15 minute telephone conference with you

4. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

5. Send us a message on Facebook Messenger

6. Click the help button to the right and leave us a message

We are a no pressure law firm, we are happy to provide information to assist you, if you want to engage us then great, if not then you at least have more information about drug driving and work licences.

You won’t be chased or hounded to engage us.  Remember its critical you get advice before going to court, a drink driving charge no matter the reading will have an impact on you, your family and your employment or business.